Lower GI Referral, Please help

[joanna123456]

Hi,

ive just collected the paperwork for my first gastroenterology referral. I tried to book appointment but got the message that there was nothing available for me.

I have two questions:

1. What exactly 'Lower GI-Medical Gastroenterology stands for?

2. How do the referrals work? Will I get a kind of general appointment first or is it possible to get the colonoscopy or whatever they intend to do on the first go?

Thank you in advance. Any help would be highly appreciated.

[jimh111]

Think you have posted on the wrong forum, this is for thyroid conditions.

Lower GI refers to the lower part of the gastrointestinal tract, basically the colon. You will almost certainly get a general appointment first so they can assess you, it would be inappropriate to schedule e.g. a colonoscopy, if it might not be required. A gastroenterologist doesn't really know what investigations to undertake without having listened to your symptoms and perhaps carry out some basic examinations.

[joanna123456 in reply to jimh111]

oh, no, youre right. i thought it would go to crohns forum if i click post through that page.

thanks for your reply. i hoped they may go through all the tests and records held by my gp to speed it up. i can hardly imagine how i manage to wait months.