Take a pen and paper journal when you go to the doctor's office

This morning, at 9:10 am, I had an appointment with a liver specialist. I was supposed to get there at 8:40 am, so that I could get the paperwork completed (I already did part of the paperwork at home, but there is always more paperwork the first time you go to a new doctor). Anyway, I arrive at 8:30 am and the receptionist took me to her desk so that I could sign papers and she could put stuff in her computer.

After the receptionist and I finished, I went into the waiting room for my appointment. I took out my pen and paper journal to make an entry because I figured it would be a while. However, the doctor's nurse got me right into the examination room (after weighing me), where she took my blood pressure. The doctor was running late (which, from my experience, is a normal occurrence in all doctor's offices). While I waited for the doctor, I finished the entry I started in the waiting room and then read the handout about liver function (quite an educational and fascinating piece of information).

I discussed my liver function with the doctor and found out its functioning at about 50% of normal. I found out that there isn't anything that can be done to restore the lost function, but that, with exercise and the proper diet, I can take some action to assist its function. I have to go back to his office in February for a blood test and then a followup in March. I also have to have an ultrasound (which I'm looking forward to receiving since it's a new experience).

I always carry a pen and paper journal with me to a doctor's appointment because it helps pass the time, especially since when none of the magazines in the offices interest me. I prefer to read things that have nothing to do with sports, entertainment, or anything else that's normally in doctor's waiting rooms. I also carry a book to read in case I can't think of anything to write in my journal.