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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffStart by seeing your family doctor or a general practitioner if you have signs or symptoms that worry you. If your doctor suspects you may have solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, you may be referred to a doctor who specializes in the digestive system (gastroenterologist).
Because appointments can be brief, it's a good idea to be prepared for your appointment. Here's some information to help you get ready for your appointment, and what to expect from your doctor.
What you can do
- Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. At the time you make the appointment, be sure to ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to the reason for which you scheduled the appointment.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes.
- Make a list of all medications, vitamins or supplements that you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Questions to ask your doctor
For solitary rectal ulcer syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is likely causing my rectal ulcer signs and symptoms?
- What are other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What kinds of tests do I need?
- Is my condition likely temporary or long lasting?
- Do I need treatment?
- What are my treatment options?
- I have these other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
- Do I need to follow any dietary or activity restrictions?
- Is there a generic alternative to the medicine you're prescribing me?
- Are there any brochures or other printed material that I can take with me? What websites do you recommend?
- Will I need follow-up visits? If so, how often?
What to expect from your doctor
Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions. Being ready to answer them may reserve time to go over any points you want to spend more time on.
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- Have you recently had trouble with constipation?
- Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
- What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?
- Kim DJ, et al. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed March 2, 2012.
- Edden Y, et al. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome and stercoral ulcers. Gastroenterology Clinics of North America. 2009;38:541.
- Bulut T, et al. Solitary rectal ulcer syndrome: Exploring possible management options. International Surgery. 2011;96:45.
- Constipation. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse. http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/constipation/index.aspx. Accessed March 12, 2012.
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