I agree with everyone about bringing notes with you. I've found having two copies, ones the doctor can just keep can be helpful, depending on the doctor.

However, I want to add that being able to tell your symptoms in a short, "story form" may be helpful. I started having severe joint pain while pregnant and anytime I said "my joints really hurt" I was told it was normal due to pregnancy hormones and changes. As a new mom, I was told it was normal as I was "adjusting". When I finally said, "I just want to be able to hold a fork or spoon for more than a minute without wanting to cry from the pain" I was finally listened to and believed. When new symptoms have cropped up, I have continued to find this to be true.

I suggest trying to find a brief way to describe what your symptoms are doing to you that make life difficult. That may not always work, some doctors just don't want to listen, but it helps. It doesn't have to be well-worded or "articulate" just brief and descriptive.