What wuestions should I ask the hospital specialist? I'm getting a referral finally 😊

[Rocky robin7]

Hi All,

So my doctor is going to refer me to speak to a specialist about my situation. (Probably take about a month lol) So, which tests and questions do you all feel are vital for investigation of the disease?

 

[ronroush7]

Probably a colonoscopy and maybe an enterography.

 

[Clash]

Have you had a fecal calprotectin stool test? It's non invasive and it's results determine if there is inflammation present in your bowels. So much more specific than inflammatory blood markers like CRP that detect inflammation anywhere in the body. Your regulnar doc could go ahead and order that since it takes a week or two to come back.

I'm not sure of all your symptoms but they may want to rule out c-diff or other infections. Scopes and imaging like an MRE are always a good start in determining if something is going on.

Maybe keep symptom journal so you'll have all recorded and on hand to present to the GI. Make sure to include bm habits.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Thank you so much that's all helpful. I'm waiting for fecal calprotection results now. I've had blood tests for inflammatory markers. They where very high. I think my doctor mentioned having either an endoscopy or colonoscopy. I don't like the sound of either!

 

[Clash]

Both would be the most helpful. The endoscopy can see all the way down into the beginning of the small bowel and the colonoscopy all the way up into the end of the small bowel. Since CD can be anywhere from mouth to anus then having both allows for a view of a large portion of the GI tract. Unfortunately, the scopes leave a large part of the small bowel unseen so sometimes imaging such as an MRE can be an enlightening tool for that area as well as a pill cam.

 

[2010mustang]

I agree with both endoscope and colonoscopy. The prep is the hardest part. I did not feel either during or after. Also ask him which he perfers as a treatment. Top down or bottom up. Ask him which meds he perfers and why. Take a family member or friend and something to write on. Ask for coppys of all test or paper work eaxh visit so you can track it.

 

[Rocky robin7]

Thank you so much for the advice guys. I've got a nice list ready for when I go!!

 

[ronroush7]

You are welcome.