Questions about outpatient appointments

[Anxious855]

I am a little confused as to why I have received two appointments next month. One is to see a nurse and the next week is to see a consultant. I have already been diagnosed with pancolitis and had a colonoscopy. My questions are:
1. Why do I have two appointments and how do they differ?
2. How long do they last?
3. What happens in them?

Thanks in advance. I am concerned as to why they feel the need to offer two appointments.

 

[Scipio]

Hard to say. Medical practice is not the same everywhere. So someone else's interaction with medical professionals may not be relevant to what happens at your clinic. For example, I almost never have an appointment with only a nurse. Except for being attended only by a nurse when I received my initial infusion of Stelara, I've always been directly seen by the gastroenterologist.

Maybe the nurse is going to direct you on matters of diet, how to take medicine properly, and other details of IBD care. Who knows? If you really need to know in advance, call the clinic and ask them what is the purpose of each appointment.

 

[Anxious855]

I hope it is as simple as that. I am panicking that they will do a painful and embarrassing rectal exam as that's the only area which is causing me pain now.
Do you have any idea how long the appointments last going by your own experiences?

 

[Tuff]

My gastroenterologist books his patients 15 minutes apart, but you can stay longer if you have more things to discuss. This is why in the afternoons he is often running late, so I request morning appointments.

 

[cmack]

I hope it is as simple as that. I am panicking that they will do a painful and embarrassing rectal exam as that's the only area which is causing me pain now.
Do you have any idea how long the appointments last going by your own experiences?

The rectal exam is not that bad at all. You just relax and do what the doctor says. I have had many of those exams and it is usually a little bit uncomfortable, yet fairly painless. I wish you the best.

 

[cmack]

Sorry, it probably takes 15 minutes.

 

[Anxious855]

15 minutes is that all? That's a good thing.
I am most scared about the rectal exam and the possible change of medication but I know there is no point worrying until it happens

 

[Tuff]

I have nurses in my family. Nurses and doctors have seen it all, and are totally blase about stuff like rectal exams. My rectum finally healed after I got on Methotrexate, and my skin tags/hemorrhoids disappeared as well. Hopefully you will get on a med that will finish the job.

 

[Anxious855]

I don't have skin tags or hemorohoids but I definitely have swelling and inflammation in that area. I am hoping something as simple as asacol suppostories will help.
Thanks for your reassurance. I am more scared of the pain element and them shoving their fingers up me!

 

[cmack]

They will be gentle, I'm very sure of it. You could always ask about lidocaine jelly, it numbs the area. My surgeons allowed me to use it before they examined me and it really helped. Be sure to ask the doctor first though.

 

[Anxious855]

I don't know for sure they will do an exam. I just know that if I go in and say I have rectal issues they will want to look. Sorry to sound gross but I think I will be on my period that day too so how will that work?

 

[cmack]

They have seen way worse things than a tampon or pad. Believe me, it will be okay. Doctors aren't worried about your period, they see everything and I mean everything! I have to show a guy doctor my rear end. We are both professional about it. No big deal and we have mutual respect. I hope everything goes well for you too.