What does a GI doctor do on the first visit — part 1
What are the “keywords” to ask for a GI doctor visits
Hey there! As a GI physician assistant, Hey! I totally get it — it’s not always easy to talk about digestive issues. Let’s face it; sometimes, the exam room can get pretty stinky. We’re here to help you get through it.
Discussing your bathroom habits and symptoms might be the wrong time. But let me tell you; it’s so important to speak up and get help when you’re having digestive problems. Ignoring those tummy troubles can lead to some serious consequences down the road.
So, what can you expect when you visit a GI doctor? Well, first of all, we’ve heard it all before — nothing is too gross or embarrassing for us to handle. We’re here to help you feel comfortable and resolve your issues (pun intended).
We’ll ask you all sorts of questions about your symptoms and medical history — and don’t worry; we won’t judge you for not knowing the correct medical terms. We’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan to focus on your digestive issues and get you feeling better. So, if you’re experiencing digestive problems but feel embarrassed or overwhelmed to talk about it, remember — you’re not alone. We’re here to help and promise to make the process as painless (hopefully as funny) as possible. Let’s get that gut back on track!
Magic words
Hey there, a lot of us sufferers of digestive issues! I have some magical words for you to use when talking to your healthcare providers. Trust me; these words will ensure you don’t get brushed off and will get our attention faster than you can say “belch.”
First up, abnormal weight loss. We all dream of magically shedding those extra pounds, but if you lose weight without even trying, it’s time to speak up. We want to make sure to notice all red flags here, folks.
Next, talk about everyone’s favorite topics: rectal bleeding and pain. Okay, maybe not your favorites, but these are significant symptoms that we need to address. So, don’t be shy, spill the beans, and let us know if you’re experiencing any discomfort down there.
We are moving on to the classic duo of diarrhea and constipation. Be bold and speak up about these issues. We need to know how many times a week you’re making a mad dash to the toilet or if you’re experiencing more blockages than a game of Tetris (candy crush for the young generation).
And if you’re letting out more gas than a hot air balloon, we want to help you get those bowel movements back on track. Trust me, your significant other will thank us later.
Abdominal pain is another biggie. It could mean a million different things are going on in your gut, so make sure to mention it if you’re feeling any discomfort. Don’t be shy; we’ve heard it all before.
Lastly, let’s talk about everyone’s “favorite” part of the digestive system: nausea and vomiting. How many times a day are you hugging the porcelain throne? And does it have anything to do with that tuna sandwich you had for lunch? Don’t suffer in silence; let us know what’s happening so we can help you feel better ASAP.
NOT to say
Here’s some advice on what to avoid saying when talking to your healthcare provider. First, avoid using vague terms like “belly discomfort” or “mild discomfort.” We need specific information to really understand what’s going on inside our gut. So, don’t hold back and tell us everything, even if it’s embarrassing. We’re here to help you feel better, after all. And please, don’t ask for specific tests just because your friend had them. We must assess your situation and determine the best course of action based on your unique symptoms and medical history. Lastly, and most importantly, please don’t say, “I don’t know why I’m here.” or “Did my doctor fax my records to you”?
If you’re not sure how to describe your symptoms, don’t worry — we have a script of questions that we’ll go through to help get to the bottom of things. Just remember, the more specific you can be, the better. And always feel free to ask questions or speak up if something’s not making sense. So there you have it — the magic words to catch our attention regarding your digestive health. Let’s work together to keep that gut feeling great!
Be prepared
I have a tip when describing your tummy troubles to your healthcare provider. It all starts with the belly button!
Yep, you heard me right — the belly button is the landmark we use to determine where your pain originates. When we ask if you have pain above or below and right or left of the belly button, we’re trying to figure out if it’s in the right upper quadrant, left upper quadrant, right lower quadrant, or left lower quadrant. See, we’ve got this down to a science!
But wait, there’s more. We need more info to help narrow things down even further. If you’re experiencing pain above the belly button, do you have any associated symptoms like nausea, vomiting, bloating, burning pain, or acid reflux/food regurgitation? And if you’re dealing with acid reflux, how many pillows do you need to sleep on to get some relief? We’ve all been there, trust me.
Now, suppose you’re feeling pain below the belly button. In that case, we want to know about things like diarrhea, mucus in your stool, bloody stool, constipation, and any odorous flatus you might be experiencing. And let’s not forget about urgency, incontinence, and rectal pain — these are all significant symptoms that can help us pinpoint what’s happening. And hey, did your pain go away after a bowel movement? That’s important to know, too!
I make a guide to help you communicate with your healthcare provider about where it hurts and other symptoms you might be experiencing.
Thank you for reading my article. Hopefully, you will gain some insight into GI questions from my writing. And don’t worry; I will cover diet, family history, personal history, and treatment plans in my following paper. Stay tuned!
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