Questions for the Doctor?

I am newly diagnosed with GERD although I had no typical symptoms. Have an appointment with my Doc next week and I am compiling a list of questions to ask.  I have several (hundred:D) in mind but need your input.  Those of you with experience would know of things I have probably not even thought of yet.  Any input is appreciated. 

Hi Bluesky, If you let us know what kinds of things you are concerned with, I'd be happy to help with some questions. I did make a few suggestions to ask in your other post.

Dear christine, I was having severe pains in my stomach for six weeks. First an ultrasound ruled out liver, pancreas, and gallbladder. Then they suspected ulcer so the endoscope and biopsies showed distal esophagus with inflammation and elongated vascular papillae suggestive of GERD. I never had heartburn or regurgitation or typical symptoms. I appreciate your input and God bless.

Hi Bluesky,  Warrior...yes, you are!  I think you are very wise to seek to understand and impliment those things that would be helpful and not just "succumb" to a pill and a "whatever will be..." kind of an attitude.  That puts you in a good place to gain and expand knowledge. 

Joy mentioned asking about possibe tests.  I suggest you read up on various tests so you can ask questions about them (if your doc plans on further testing).  Ask open questions...ones that give opportunity to gain information, insight, understanding (not necessarily agreement).  Understanding is NOT commensurate with agreement, but it is crucial to effective decision making.  So questions beginning with Who, What, When, Where, How...and in this setting...Why? 

I would probably explore questions like these with my doc:

What is the basis from what was learned in the scope/biopsy for the diagnosis of GERD?

What specific symptoms do you identify that lead to a dx of GERD?

How have you come to the conclusion that pain in my stomach is esophageal rather than gastric?

Why do I experience the pain in my stomach as muscular rather than ??? (nausea, sharp/stabbing or whatever)

What does  "elongated vascular papillae " mean to you relative to GERD?

What else might this mean?

Where, specifically, is the focal point of dysfunction/disease,etc.?

How do you plan to treat?

What alternative choices have I? (meds, diet, etc.)

When might I expect relief?

Who will be performing the test?

What side effects do I need to watch for?

Additionally, I would explore the consequences (pro/con) for medications, if they are prescribed. 

You should see the questions I have for my Friday appointment with my surgeons as I approach #4 esophageal surgery.  I write them down and often say, "hang on a second and let me see if I have covered everything..."

My last appointment we talked about risks, complications, etc for over an hour.  Our discussion was very informative and helpful. 

When do you see your doc?  I hope you gain insight and understanding...that lead to your good health!!

Blessings and Comfort

 

Hi Bluesky Warrior Princess, I'm sure your wonderful eating habits are very helpful. Maybe while I am recovering from my upcoming surgery, I'll do some research. I think it is a viable option worth looking into. Yes, you are right, our brains do learn various reinforcement schedules and other S-->R (stimulus/response) configurations. I was impressed with your awareness of the automatic response programed in your brain over the fried chicken commercial! The question (which with my past professional background in behavioral processes of learning...especially pain related) I have is does eating fried chicken cause you pain? Sometimes we project through our beliefs, when they are unfounded? I don't know what is the truth for you, but find the reaction fascinating...and with possible answers or at least directions with which to look further.

I am intrigued by this awareness (commercial) because I thought you had said in a different thread that you were unaware of what caused your pain and that the doc had said you had GERD. Something, obviously, is causing your pain so is it eating fried foods? for sure? or do you believe that eating fried things is not good for you (true belief) but may or may not cause you pain. LOL (this is honestly intended to be a bit of a musing...at least sent in that spirit). Any problems with wheat? I had a friend who expressed symptoms similiar to yours and was dx with GERD, which she didn't have. She ended up getting the accurate dx of Celiac. When she changed her diet to comply with this, she ended up feeling just great!

When I'm needing to improve nutrition and at times am unable to get sufficient protein, I have found a lot of help with high quality 0-2 carb and high protein, powders to make into shakes. I resorted to these because I am diabetic and am quite carb intolerant but need the protein. They work really well for me and might provide you with some added nutrients and calories, maybe as a "snack".

You mentioned my "insurance saga"...my upcoming surgery will be my first one on Medicare...I can hardly imagine what I might wake up to HAHAHA

Have a wonderful evening