When you’re getting ready for an eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE) appointment, it helps to be prepared. Gathering information you may need and thinking of questions to ask before your appointment will help make the most of your time with your doctor.
Write Down Your Symptoms
Your doctor will want to know what symptoms you have, how long you’ve had them, and if they’ve gotten better or worse.
EoE symptoms include:
- Abdominal pain
- Chest pain
- Food that gets stuck in your throat
- Heartburn
- Trouble swallowing
For children, EoE symptoms also include poor weight gain and stunted growth.
Mention any symptoms you’ve had recently, even if they seem to be unrelated to the condition. EoE is often connected to other conditions, like allergies and acid reflux, so your symptoms may vary.
Jot down specifics about each of your symptoms. For example, when did you first notice them? How often do you have them? Does anything help or make them worse? Have you ever tried a different diet? If so, did it change your symptoms?
Swallowing is an important part of EoE. Think about your swallowing and write down anything you think will help your doctor understand what’s going on. For example, is it hard to swallow? When you try to swallow, does food get stuck? Do you ever feel food going up the back of your throat?
Gather Your Test Results
Bring all of your test results with you, especially if you’re seeing a new doctor or specialist.If one doctor gave you an endoscopy, another doctor will want to know when you had it and what the results were.
Make sure you include your doctors’ names and contact info.
Make a List of Your Medications
Your doctor will ask you about any medications you’re taking.
Make a list that includes every medication you take, the dosage, and how often you take it.
Include all of your medications, whether they’re related to EoE or something else. Don’t forget to include any vitamins and supplements you take.
Jot Down Important Personal Information
Gather personal information that may help your doctor understand your situation better and how it may affect your EoE.
Your doctor may ask about your family’s medical history because it may be tied to EoE. Find out if any of your family members had EoE, allergies, or other conditions that may be related to EoE.
Think about major life events you’ve had recently. Big changes may cause stress, which may affect how you feel. If you’ve had major stress or life changes, jot them down so you can share them with your doctor.
Make a List of Questions
Sometimes when you’re in a doctor’s office, it’s hard to remember what you want to ask. You may feel rushed or distracted. It helps to have a list of questions written down that you can take with you to your appointment.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Why do I have these symptoms?
- What tests do I need?
- Is this a permanent condition or will it go away?
- What treatments do I need?
- Do I have different treatment options?
- How will we decide what’s best?
- Will you prescribe medication?
- Is there a generic option for the medication?
- Is this related to other conditions I have?
- How do I manage both conditions at the same time?
- Do I need to change my diet?
- Are there other restrictions you recommend?
- Should I see a specialist?
- Do you have written brochures or other resources to help me understand EoE better?
- Are there certain websites you recommend?
- When will my next appointment be?
- What’ll my next appointment involve?
During your office visit, you may think of other questions. Be sure to ask those, too.
Bring Someone With You
Ask a family member or trusted friend to go to your appointment with you. Doctor’s appointments are often brief and you may feel rushed. It may be hard to absorb everything your doctor says. Having someone you trust with you may help.
During the appointment, your friend or family member may think of questions you don’t. They may remind you to talk about something you forgot. They can take notes for you while you talk to the doctor. After your appointment, your friend or family member may remember something you forgot or didn’t hear during the appointment.
You can also call your doctor’s office before your appointment and ask if they want you to bring anything else. They may ask for certain information. They may also give you more specific steps to take before your visit.
Show Sources
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SOURCES:
American Academy of Allergy Asthma & Immunology: “Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”
Hopkins Medicine: “Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”
Mayo Clinic: “Eosinophilic Esophagitis.”
