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Write down your own family medical history.
- Ask your family about any health problems. This can help in your doctor's assesment.
Keep a Symptoms Diary.
- Write down all your symptoms, when they happened and take it to the doctors with you. HIghlight the ones that concerns you the most.
Ask others for referrals to good doctors.
- Talk to family and friends about who they trust.
Inquire about the doctors experiences with Behcet's.
- This may be hard, but find out how much experience they have had with Behcet's and/or other autoimmune diseases.
Ask questions about your exam and tests.
- What is this test for and will it be painful?
Get a second or third opinion if necessary.
- If you feel the doctor does not believe you, does not take your symptoms seriously, dismisses them as stress related, or refers you to a psychologist, find another doctor. You know that your not feeling well, so don't be intimidated.
Work with your doctor to manage your disease.
- Once you've settled on your doctors, work with them. Don't be afraid to ask questions.
Learn to deal early on with the life long condition of Behcet's.
- Once you have your diagnosis, accept that you will have to change your life style based on the activity of your disease.
Educate and Communicate.
- Many people are using the internet to educate themselves on their disease. This is the strongest way in helping yourself get some control over your illness. Also, communicate with others who have Behcet's. Realizing that you are not alone will help you gain new strength over this disease.