So, you've just been diagnosed with a chronic disease -

[NightWatcher]

1. Oh goodness yes. I've been diagnosed for only 2 months

but I fear that I know more about my conditions than do either my rheumy or my PCP. I research online, talk with others who have similar situations, and compile what all my Dr.s say. I take what the Nephrologist says and then ask the Liver Doc about what the rheumy says......and then think out what's best for me. For example, my rheumy wants to put me on a chemo drug, Azathioprine, to wipe out my immune system and hopefully knock out two of my conditions. One of the side effects of it however is liver damage. So I asked my liver guy if I should do it and he said he'd monitor me extra close for liver problems, but he wouldnt have checked me out had I not said something in the first place.

Another thing I might add to your post. GET AND KEEP YOUR COMPLETE MEDICAL RECORDS. I get a printout every time I go and I add it to the huge binder that has everything about everything, including from my time in the hospital. I keep a running log of my lab results and Dr.'s notes. I reread everything to make sure that someone isnt missing something else.

Like you said, You are your own best advocate. You are your own Doctor from now on. Your life and treatment are in your own hands.

Take care of yourself

Me: SLE, Lupus Nephritis, Dermatomyositis, Raynaud's....