Top 10 Questions to Ask Your Gastrointestinal Doctor
When you come to see us at Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C., we want to get to the bottom of what’s going on, and we will do everything we can to make you feel comfortable and get all the answers you need. Don’t forget to ask all these questions to make sure you have a firm understanding of how to best take charge of your gastrointestinal health!
1.What tests do I need?
To properly diagnose your symptoms and get you on the path to feeling better, we’ll probably need to run tests. Depending on your symptoms, medical history, and concerns, we’ll discuss which tests are appropriate. From endoscopies to imaging, we’ll tailor the approach to your unique situation.
2.What lifestyle changes should I make?
Your gut health is intricately tied to your lifestyle (and things like ultra-processed foods affect your gut). We’ll talk about dietary tweaks, exercise routines, stress management, and even sleep patterns that can have a positive impact on your gastrointestinal well-being.
3.What do my symptoms mean?
That gurgling, bloating, or discomfort you’ve been feeling isn’t fun, and means that something is making your gut unhappy. We will figure it out together, and then we can explain what those symptoms could signify and how we can address them head-on.
4.What is my exact diagnosis?
Clear communication is key, so we will break down your diagnosis in simple terms so have a thorough knowledge of what your exact condition means and completely understand what’s going on – like the difference between IBS and colon cancer.
5.What is the cause of my diagnosis?
Understanding the “why” is just as crucial as knowing the “what.” We’ll delve into the underlying causes of your diagnosis, whether it’s an infection, inflammation, or something else, so that you know how to best alleviate the cause if possible – and how to prevent it from happening again if it’s acute.
6.What other symptoms should I look out for?
Sometimes you’ll have additional symptoms, and you’ll need to be aware of anything new going on that may mean you have something else going on, or potentially if things are progressing.
7.What should I expect with my diagnosis?
It’s important to know what’s ahead, so you can know how to take care of yourself property – and when to come back in for further testing or treatments. Knowledge is power, so make sure you know what’s ahead.
8.What are my best treatment options?
Depending on your diagnosis, there may be varying treatment options we can come up with to make you feel better and have your digestive tract running more smoothly. Know all your options.
9.What are the risks, benefits, and side effects associated with each treatment option?
Because you may have several options for treatment for your gastrointestinal distress, it’s important to discuss the benefits and potential drawbacks to each of them, that way you can work with us to make the best decision for you and your health.
10.When should I schedule my colonoscopy?
If you’re in the gastrointestinal office and haven’t had a colonoscopy yet, your answer may be now. Even if you’re younger than 45, it may be time to get a scope in your gastrointestinal tract to fully see what’s going on, and do our best to prevent colon cancer.
Schedule your appointment now
If your abdomen is in any sort of distress, schedule your office visit now with Gastrointestinal Specialists, P.C. in Troy, Mich., so we can take care of things before they potentially get worse.