Getting an accurate diagnosis for a chronic illness can take two to three years, according to clinical psychologist, Dr. Elvira Aletta. Aletta. Dr. Aletta, who herself went through a yearlong quest to get her own diagnosis, changing doctors three times, advises fellow patients, “Trust yourself. You are not crazy. Physicians have referred many people to me before they had a diagnoses, even doctors who don’t know what else to do for their patients. All of them eventually received a medical diagnosis. That’s right. All of them.”

For sufferers of diseases like chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS) or fibromyalgia syndrome (FMS), an accurate diagnosis can’t come quickly enough to aid them in getting the treatments they need to improve their quality of life. And with the ever-changing landscape of insurance companies battling with doctors over what tests and procedures are covered vs. experimental and a system that appears to reward “cookbook medicine,” it’s up to patients to take the reins on their medical care and serve as their own advocates, especially when dealing with chronic illnesses with unusual or difficult to pin down symptoms.

According to Dr. Leana Wen and Dr. Joshua Kosowsky, taking control of one’s diagnosis involves taking a partnership approach with your doctor using “The Eight Pillars To Better Diagnosis” Below are there reccomendations:

1.    Tell the whole story.

Studies have shown that more than 80 percent of medical diagnoses can be made based on reviewing a complete patient medical history alone. While many times, doctors take the approach of asking you about your chief medical complaint or answering a series of yes/no questions in a survey, you will help yourself (and your doctor) if you come prepared with your complete medical history printed out, rehearsed, and ready to share in a clear, fact-based, succinct way.