Before going to the doctor, think about what you need to ask him or her. Here are a few commonly asked questions, which you could ask your doctor to elaborate upon:
General questions:
- What tests will determine the health of my liver?
- What do my test results mean?
- What lifestyle changes will help keep my liver healthy?
- Can liver damage be reversed?
- What are the symptoms of liver disease?
- What causes hepatitis?
- How does drinking daily affect my liver?
- What other toxic substances damage the liver?
Questions on diagnosis, treatment:
- What is my diagnosis?
- At what stage is my liver disease? What does this mean?
- What are my treatment options?
- What treatment plan do you recommend? Why?
- What is the goal of each treatment?
- What are the chances for success with the planned treatment?
- Do I need treatment right away?
- What are the possible side effects of the treatment, both in the short term and the long term?
- How long will I receive treatment, how often, and where?
- How will it be given?
- How will I know if the treatment is working?
- How likely is it that the disease will recur after treatment?
- How will the treatment affect my daily life? Will I be able to work, exercise, and perform my usual activities?
- Could the treatment affect my sex life? If so, how and for how long?
- Could the treatment affect my ability to become pregnant or have children? If so, should I talk with a fertility specialist before treatment begins?
- Can you refer me to another patient who has received this treatment?
- What follow-up tests do I need, and how often do I need them?
- What support services are available to me? To my family?
- Whom should I call for questions or problems?
- Who will be part of my health care team, and what does each member do?
- Who will be coordinating my overall treatment and follow-up care?
- Are there any clinical trials that are right for me? If so, how do I find out more about them?
- What resources or websites do you recommend for more information?
