Preparing for an appointment

You'll likely first see your family doctor or a general practitioner. You then might be referred to a doctor who specializes in the liver (hepatologist).

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet for blood tests.

Make a list of:

• Your symptoms and when they began
• Key personal information, including major stresses, other medical conditions you have and any family history of Wilson's disease
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For Wilson's disease, questions to ask your doctor include:

• What tests do I need?
• What treatment do you recommend?
• What are the side effects of the recommended treatment?
• Are there other treatment options?
• I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Should my family be tested for Wilson's disease?
• Are there brochures or other printed material that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you several questions, such as:

• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?