GEARING UP FOR THE GASTROENTEROLOGIST VISIT
GEARING UP FOR THE GASTROENTEROLOGIST VISIT
First time seeing a GI doctor causing butterflies in your stomach??
Don’t fret, we don’t bite! However, there are things to keep in mind while preparing for your office visit that will make it go just a bit smoother!
- Make sure you have a complete and correct up-to-date list of current prescription medications, including any vitamins or supplements you take. We especially care about anti-inflammatories (aspirin, advil, motrin, aleve, etc.), as they can cause a variety of gastrointestinal symptoms. Be sure to have the correct name and dosage!
- Hopefully you’ve been keeping track of your own GI symptoms as well! It is important for us to know when these symptoms started and possible triggers. This information can help us pinpoint specific areas to work on and a starting point for your care plan, keeping your visit on track and to the point.
- Be sure to have a current list of all surgeries, procedures with dates, and any other significant health history. It is also important to have applicable family history as well! So, make sure to ask your parents, grandparents, and siblings about their pertinent health history such a colon cancer, colon polyps, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, celiac disease, or other gastrointestinal disorders.
- Did you have any GI procedures done at another facility? Blood work? Imaging studies? These results are very important to us and it would be most helpful to have a copy of these records brought to your office visit. We can scan them into your chart when you arrive. If you can’t physically get a copy, you can fill out a “release of information” form at the facility you had the testing done and they can fax us the records. We do have access to Northwestern and North Shore electronic medical record systems, so don’t sweat tracking those down!
- Most importantly…TRY TO RELAX! We know this is easier said than done. Coming and talking to strangers about your GI issues is not easy or comfortable. Most patients tend to feel embarrassed, which is completely normal, but remember, the more detail you can give, the better! Here at Comprehensive Gastrointestinal Health, we want to help you and want to make your office visit as much of a positive, comfortable and welcoming experience as possible!
We look forward to seeing you soon! Please call 224.407.4400 or visit compgihealth.com to learn more about the services we offer.