HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

First gastro appointment tomorrow

Support Forums
>
Irritable Bowel Syndrome
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/7/2008 12:16 AM (GMT 0)
I was just wondering what I can expect when I go? Should I have my sympotoms written out or will they go through a bunch of stuff? Should I expect blood to be taken? I going to find out if I'm suffering from IBS and GERD. I'm kinda nervous and embarassed to go and sit there and talk about my BM's rolleyes
Posted 10/7/2008 12:34 AM (GMT 0)
Write all your symptoms out. Don't be nervous, they are used to dealing with this part of or anatomy. Have all your medication and dosage available and if possible take someone with you. I know it can be embarrassing but you are going to forget much of what is said. They may send you for blood work but usually don't for this. They may order other tests though. Don't expect miracles and GERD and IBS are treated differently. No doubt you will be give an anti acid pill like Nexium or told to take and over the counter like Pepcid. Get a followup appt. and if you don't understand anything ask for a better explanation. It is confusing and at this point with a first appointment it will be a lot of guess work. Try to stay focused and not wander off when you are explaining things. I do that frequently and we get off track. It will be fine. They won't do any invasive testing.
Posted 10/7/2008 1:25 PM (GMT 0)
DEFINITELY don't feel embarrassed talking about their BMs. GIs spend their whole lives "talking poo." From the beginnings of medical school, when we sit in the lab up to our elbows in rank intestines, to the years and years subsequently of discussions 'round the hospital cafeteria table about the consistency of patients' feces...well, you get the idea. Poo is simply the life they chose!

The GI will just ask you lots of questions and let you talk. The tests he/she will order will come later. Write things down, don't wait until the end of the appointment to bring up anything embarrassing because that usually ends up being the most important and docs get exasperated when that stuff is left to the last minute. Above all, remember that you are the patient seeking care and deserve good care, so ask any questions that you need clarification on. Good luck!

P.S. It's unlikely you will walk out of there with a diagnosis - you won't get that until some tests have been run!
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply