| About My Disease or Disorder...
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What is my diagnosis?
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What caused my condition?
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Can my condition be treated?
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How will this condition affect my vision now and in the future?
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Should I watch for any particular symptoms and notify you if they occur?
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Should I make any lifestyle changes?
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About My Treatment...
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What is the treatment for my condition?
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When will the treatment start, and how long will it last?
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What are the benefits of this treatment, and how successful is it?
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What are the risks and side effects associated with this treatment?
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Are there foods, drugs, or activities I should avoid while I'm on this treatment?
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If my treatment includes taking a medication, what should I do if I miss a dose?
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Are other treatments available?
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About My Tests...
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What kinds of tests will I have?
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What do you expect to find out from these tests?
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When will I know the results?
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Do I have to do anything special to prepare for any of the tests?
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Do these tests have any side effects or risks?
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Will I need more tests later?
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Understanding your doctor's responses is essential to good communication. Here are a few more tips:
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If you don't understand your doctor's responses, ask questions until you do understand.
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Take notes, or get a friend or family member to take notes for you. Or, bring a tape-recorder to assist in your recollection of the discussion.
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Ask your doctor to write down his or her instructions to you.
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Ask your doctor for printed material about your condition.
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If you still have trouble understanding your doctor's answers, ask where you can go for more information.
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Other members of your health care team, such as nurses and pharmacists, can be good sources of information. Talk to them, too.
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