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New adult GI appointment...a little nervous..what should I expect?

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Crohn's Disease
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Posted 7/29/2011 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Ok so next week I am going for my first appointment with a new GI doctor. Not only is this my first appointment with a new GI, but it is also my first appointment with an adult GI(I've always gone to pediatric docs, but I'm almost 18 so we decided to switch over since my pedi doc has decided not to listen anymore). I have to admit...I'm a little nervous. My medical history can be quite overwhelming, since it's SO extensive, and I've also gone through many horrible misdiagnosis's (for example, some docs who didnt realize the whole picture have "diagnosed" me with an eating disorder because of the weight loss, and even though it's completely wrong, that shows up on my medical record) which sometimes causes doctors to not be able to look past that. I know I'm going to have more limited time with an adult doctor than a pedi doctor and I'm not quite sure how to manage my time with them during the appointment. I'm going to type out a list of all my symptoms and medical history and give that to them so that nothing is missed...is there anything else I should prepare myself with? How do some of you prepare yourself for a new doctor appointment and what are your appointments with an adult GI normally like? Thanks for any help you can offer! :)
Posted 7/30/2011 12:39 AM (GMT 0)
Hi!
For the new GI just bring (like you mentioned) your medical history, what medicines you're on right now, the dose of, and what they're for (if you have anything besides crohn's). And know your height and weight. Then also you should come prepared to say why you're there (even if it's just to establish an adult GI) and any questions you have for the adult GI. Don't be afraid to ask any stupid questions either. You're paying to see them so use all the time you can for your advantage. The doctors are always happy to help you (in my experience). They take the time to fully understand their patients so they can give them the best care possible. If they don't, find another new one lol. You could explain the whole eating disorder thing with him/her and why you say the other doctors were completely wrong and get the adult GI's opinion on it. My normal adult GI appt. is almost exactly like my ped's GI appt. was except that I now see the actual doctor instead of just the PA. Before, the only time I saw the ped GI was when they were doing testing on me in the hospital. I too just switched this year to an adult GI. Don't be nervous though, you'll be just fine!
Posted 7/30/2011 1:04 PM (GMT 0)
A nice test of the responsiveness of a new doctor is whether (s)he has bothered to read your typewritten list when (s)he comes in to see you. The worst one I had came into the room and kept asking me the same questions that I'd responded to on my list. After the fifth time I told him, "You'll find all the details in the history I brought you," he finally said, "Well . . . I guess I should go out, read the history, and come back in." The best one I had came into the room and asked me, "Are you in the medical profession?" When I said no and asked why he was asking, he said, "That medical history you provided was really excellent."

Make sure to include all current medications on the list, along with dosages and frequency. And you may want to include, at the very top of the list, the concerns that bring you to the office today.

Don't be intimidated by your 'adult' GI. It sounds like you have the intelligence, organizational skills, and experience to handle anybody! Good luck.
Posted 7/30/2011 2:29 PM (GMT 0)
You need to remember this doctor is working for you. I think if you do some of the suggestions above all will go well.

For whatever reason you don't feel comfortable with this doc, as you are leaving, ask the nurses and receptionists about a GI they might recommend. Tell them what you are looking for etc. I did that when I was looking for a new family doc and GI, and I now have two really good doctors. Good luck and hugs!
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