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[Njw-1]

Hi guys I’ve just been referred to a dietitian I don’t know what to really expect when I have my appointment like should I take my food diary with me stuff like that if anyone has more information please let me know I don’t want to go Unprepared.

[b1b1b1]

You can take your food diary with you, but otherwise you don't need to prepare. It is likely that she will put you on the FODMAP diet. This diet can be very helpful. In my experience dieticians give very detailed instructions, and all you have to do is write them down and try to follow them and then check back with her at set times.

[Rossan]

Hi Njw,

I'd recommend having a up-to-date summary to offer whenever you see a medic - even though you're seeing a dietician not a gastro, it's useful context for them.

1) Predominant symptoms: stool type (google Bristol stool chart), type of pain, frequency of symptoms. Include any non-gut symptoms like fatigue or brain fog.

2) Triggers: any known triggers - food, stress, alcohol etc.

3) Prior testing: if you know if you've already been tested for coeliac for example

4) Previous/Current treatment: any medications you're on, do you use Imodium/other over the counter things for flare-ups etc.

I'd take the food diary but know that it might be too much information for them to look at straight away, again see what you can summarise. Can you highlight a couple of days before a flare-up? Or if your symptoms are pretty constant, just a regular week would give them an idea of what your typical diet consists of.

You might find the first appointment is mainly them understanding your case. Perhaps have a simple goal for yourself - think if there are specific questions you'd like answered.

Good luck!