First GI specialist appointments! Kinda nervous honestly

[allysmith9]

Hello again!

I made a post a couple of days ago discussing my anxiety, and I'm honestly kind of relieved to say that the GI specialists finally gave me a call and I have an appointment set up for next Wednesday. I'm going to hopefully push for a Colonoscopy to cross off multiple possible causes.

Any advice on what I should bring with me to ask my dr? Any advice would be great, I'm an anxiety ridden fresh 21 year old who just wants to be able to live life normally.

[Nicole_GCCA Partner]

Hello allysmith9 ,

Thanks for posting and I'm so glad that you have an appointment in just TWO days!

I'm a big believer in taking notes to the doctor because like most people, once I get in to see the doctor I forget about half of what I wanted to ask them.

Your notes will be helpful in your doctor understanding what is going on with you.

Make sure you provide a list of all medications that you are taking, including over-the-counter medications and supplements.

If you follow any special kind of diet or overindulge in any particular type of food or drink (including alcoholic beverages), it is important to be honest with your doctor.

I would also say that your list should include any specific symptoms and if you can connect them to anything that you ate or did.

Any relevant family history would be important to let your doctor know as well, both your own history with any medical issues as well as any close family member's. In your previous post, you mention your mom has GI issues as well, definitely mention that, also the possibility of endometriosis.

I'm proud of you for seeing a specialist, I know you were frightened to do so, but this is going to give you an opportunity to hopefully find out what has caused these symptoms and best-case scenario, find out how to reduce the symptoms and live a more comfortable life!

Please keep us posted on how it goes. We're here for you!

~Nicole @ GCCA