What should I ask my gastroenterologist

[Holeymoley1]

I have my second appointment with my gastroenterologist on Wednesday. At my first appointment he wasn’t overly communicative. He referred me for a fibroscan and then said come back to see him. So he will have my blood test results, ultrasound results and now fibroscan results. I assume I’m going to get a diagnosis at this visit. But given that he’s probably not going to volunteer any information if I don’t ask I’d really like some advice on what I should ask him.

[nash2 Partner]

Well Holey

Fundamentally you want to know the condition of your liver and to understand what the test results mean in terms of what the damage has been. A lot depends on what your status overall is and beyond a diagnosis you need to understand what that means in terms of steps you can take and what to expect. You need a care plan for the future and not just a diagnosis. Everyone has a somewhat different path so there isn't a specific laundry list of questions but you want to what is happening and how you can best manage it.

Wayne

[Holeymoley1 in reply to nash2]

Thanks for the advice Wayne. I've made my notes now to take in with me. Its all a bit daunting. I'm trying not to stress but as Wednesday draws closer I'm getting more and more nervous.

[nash2 Partner in reply to Holeymoley1]

Only the unaware won't have some anxiety the trick is to use that to prime your mind to accept it as a teachable moment rather something to avoid. Knowledge is power so rather than being afraid to find out make it an opportunity to Learn

Wayne

[Holeymoley1 in reply to nash2]

Totally agree. I can't believe how much I've learned about the liver. I don't think I even knew where it was before all this let alone what its function is and how important it is.

[Serenity1948 in reply to Holeymoley1]

I agree...I never realized how much the Liver does & what happens when it is not working 100%. I was diagnosed with NASH, STAGE 4 & of course, panicked. That was a year & a half ago. I no longer panicky. I finally realized there is no cure, as yet. Just learning what to do to maintain. I study everything about the Liver & finally got it. If it's not veggies, fruits on the approval list, chicken or fish, get what exercise you can do, and get rest. Listen to your body. I have been too exhausted in the past, however because of finally sticking to the program I am really feeling much better. I ordered the book SKINNY LIVER by Kirkpatrick & Hanouneh. I an now going to get the Liver Rescue Book. I do want to say that, at the moment since I started eating right, drinking celery juice, etc. I have more positive than negative days. I try to concentrate on the positive ! Best to you in learning to live with this disease.