4 Questions to ask your Gastroenterologist

The food that we consume is converted into energy required by the body to function efficiently. Various organs found inside the body play a role in digesting the food and these form the ‘digestive system’. The ‘digestive canal’ or ‘gastrointestinal (GI) tract’ can be divided into 2 parts: upper GI tract made up of mouth, oesophagus, stomach, and the initial part of the small intestine called the duodenum. The lower GI tract is made up of the small intestine, large intestine or colon, rectum, and anus.

The organs of the digestive system are vulnerable to various ailments and these are treated by doctors called gastrointestinal specialists or gastroenterologists. Whenever you are scheduled to meet a gastroenterologist because of a suspected ailment, it’s good to be prepared and ask relevant questions to the specialist. While there will be unique questions depending on the condition concerned, here is a generic and useful list.

Ailment or condition-related

1. What is the possible cause of my current condition?
2. How will the condition look like over the next few days? Are there any other symptoms that I should watch out for?
3. Are there any dos and don’ts that I should follow now? Are there any diet restrictions?
4. What are the chances of the ailment recurring after some time?

Family-related

1. Is the condition contagious? Is there a risk of my family members developing this condition too?
2. If yes, what are the precautions they must take?
3. Is the condition hereditary? Are my children at risk?
4. Should I ask my parents or close family members if they had this condition?

Diagnosis-related

1. What are the tests that will be conducted to diagnose the condition? Will these tests be done one after the other or in parallel?
2. How should I prepare myself for these tests?
3. When will the results come? Do I meet you again with the test results?
4. Are there any risks from these tests itself? Will these tests be repeated after the treatment is over?

Treatment (Medication) related

1. What is the course of treatment and how long will it last?
2. Do these medicines have any side-effects? What are the restrictions while taking these medicines?
3. Will these medicines interfere with medication that I am taking for other ailments?
4. Should I tell you of any allergies I have?

Treatment (Surgery) related

1. Is it a minimally invasive or incisional surgery?
2. What is the cost of the procedure?
3. Will general or local anaesthesia be given?
4. How do I prepare for the surgery? Any restrictions before the procedure?

Recovery and rehabilitation related

1. What is the recovery period?
2. What precautions should I take during recovery period?
3. How soon can I get back to a normal life?
4. Are there any activities that are restricted for me henceforth?

Lifestyle and prevention related

1. Did any lifestyle aspects contribute to this condition?
2. What changes should I make to my lifestyle now?
3. Will these changes prevent the condition from recurring?
4. If I don’t make these changes, what are the risks to my health?

 

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