Preparing for an appointment

Start by seeing your primary care doctor if you have signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor suspects you may have autoimmune pancreatitis, you may be referred to a gastroenterologist or a pancreatologist.

What you can do

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. When you make your appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
• Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
• Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
• Make a list of all medications and any vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
• Consider taking along a family member or friend. Sometimes it can be difficult to remember all the information provided during an appointment. Someone who accompanies you may remember something that you missed or forgot.
• Write down questions to ask your doctor.

Your time with the doctor is limited. You may feel less rushed if you make a list of questions you want to ask at your appointment. Here are some possible questions about autoimmune pancreatitis:

• Can you explain my test results to me?
• How can you be sure that I do not have pancreatic cancer?
• Will I need more tests?
• How far has my disease progressed?
• Will it come back after initial treatment?
• Do I need lifelong treatment to prevent relapse?
• How should I be followed for relapse?
• How severe is the damage to my pancreas?
• What treatments can relieve my signs and symptoms?
• What are the potential side effects of each treatment?
• What signs and symptoms signal that my condition is worsening and I need to make another appointment?
• What signs and symptoms of complications should I watch for?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them together?
• Are there any restrictions that I need to follow?
• Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?

In addition to the questions that you've prepared to ask your doctor, don't hesitate to ask questions that come up during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may allow more time later to cover points you want to address. Your doctor may ask:

• When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
• Do you have abdominal pain, dark urine, pale stools, itching or weight loss?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• What, if anything, seems to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
• Have you had these symptoms before?
• Have you ever been diagnosed with pancreatitis?
• Did you start any new medications before your symptoms began?