Preparing for an appointment

If your bleeding is not severe, you might start by seeing your primary care provider. Or you might be referred immediately to a specialist in gastrointestinal disorders (gastroenterologist).

Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment.

What you can do

When you make the appointment, ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as fasting before a specific test. Make a list of:

• Your symptoms, including any that seem unrelated to the reason for your appointment and when they began
• All medications, vitamins or other supplements you take, including doses
• History of digestive disease you've been diagnosed with, such as GERD, peptic ulcers or IBD
• Questions to ask your doctor

Take a family member or friend along, if possible, to help you remember the information you're given.

For gastrointestinal bleeding, basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• I'm not seeing blood, so why do you suspect a GI bleed?
• What's likely causing my symptoms?
• Other than the most likely cause, what are other possible causes for my symptoms?
• What tests do I need?
• Is my condition likely temporary or chronic?
• What's the best course of action?
• What are the alternatives to the primary approach you're suggesting?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage them while my bleeding is treated?
• Are there restrictions I need to follow?
• Should I see a specialist?
• Are there brochures or other printed material I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask other questions.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you questions, such as:

• 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?
• Do you take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication, either over-the –counter or prescribed, or do you take aspirin?
• Do you drink alcohol?