Loose stools, abdominal pain, and joint pain

[calmygal]

Hi i am just curious if you could tell me about your experience with your first dr's appointment. I have my first dr's appointment tomorrow and i am a little nervous as to what might happen and what they might do or say. I have not been diagnosed with anything yet but i have been given meds for ibs but they just make it worse so i don't take them. My aunt has crohn's though. I am 28 btw and i have had loose stools or diarrhea for many years and horrible stomach pains for a while now, and my legs seem to bother me and i have had migraines for many years and i am on topamax for that. I had congestive heart failure a little over 2 years ago. So i guess my big question again is what to expect for my first dr's appointment tomorrow and what was all of your experiences, did anyone ever go to their first dr's appointment and get sent right to the hospital? Just give me a few heads up thanks so much for your time!!

 

[calmygal]

i have other symptoms lol it just seems like my post was getting a little lengthy...

 

[Astra]

Hiya

not sure? do you mean with a GP? or a gastroentorologist? If it's a GP, he'll make a referral to gastro.
I believe your first appt with a gastro will be history, (your symptoms) he'll probably feel your tummy, maybe take some full blood counts, and make arrangements for invasive tests like a colonoscopy, endoscopy, sigmoidoscopy, or MRI scan.
These won't happen on first appts, cos you need to take a prep, a drink that shows up in X-rays.
Try not to worry, and let us know how you get on, good luck!
xxxx

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

In addition to what Joan said, I'd like to add that you should write down whatever questions you have. I always get nervous when I'm face-to-face with the doctor, and it really helps to have thought out and written down my questions prior to my appointment. Also, my GI always likes to know what meds & supplements I've been taking, even over-the-counter stuff like Tylenol or supplements like multi-vitamins or fish oil. So make sure to write a list of everything you take to show your doctor. It might also help if you can bring someone with you - I usually bring my husband to my appointments, as he has seen firsthand how ill I am and he sometimes has questions of his own that I haven't thought of.

Good luck, let us know how it goes! And welcome to the forum!

 

[calmygal]

it is my regular doctor but she specializes in internal medicine and only works with adults so i think she would order all the test cause i don't think there are too many GI docs near by maybe like an hour away from me. Thanks for your comments!

 

[calmygal]

how long after you first dr's appointment did you do your colonoscopy?? Or the other tests??

 

[DustyKat]

Hi calmgal and :welcome:

Sorry to hear you have been going through a rough time but you have found a great place for support and info. Would you like to post in the Your Story forum so you can be properly welcomed and more people may see your questions.

Welcome aboard!

All the best,
Dusty

 

[crazycanuck]

hey there and welcome! I am saying all this about my first GI appt not the first time I visited a clinic for the symptoms, took me nearly 2 or 3 months to get to the GI because we exhausted the parasite, flu, virus....options first. So my first doctor's appointment was a fairly lengthy interview. we went over all previous conditions or meds I'd been on and through my lifestyle and those sorts of things which if its your doc I guess you'll get to bypass a lot of. Near the end of the appt the doc told me I'd be going for a colonoscopy as soon as possible and I got a call the next day saying a cancellation had been made and I was lucky enough to be in a week and a bit later. However that was all because I met all of the "traditional" symptoms at the time so it was an easy desicion and I know I was lucky. Also I was only 16 at the time so I didn't go in prepared in the least but I remember my mom bringing in a book of questions as others have suggested here which is a huge help because I know I had questions and forgot all of them because when your told they think you have Crohn's (or whatever they tell you) your never fully prepared and a lot of it just goes out the window. In any event I actually realised just now at this point you probably won't be getting this before you go so good luck haha! let us know how it went.

 

[calmygal]

I did get it before i am going thank you very much i am leaving in about an hour! What were your classic symptoms??

 

[crazycanuck]

Weight loss, blood on stool, diarrhea, abdominal pain and frequent and urgent bathroom use. Gl today though i really hope it all goes well and you get the answers to your questions.