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Preparing for your appointment
By Mayo Clinic staffAlthough your symptoms may prompt you to visit your primary care physician, he or she will likely refer you to a gastroenterologist to diagnose this rare disorder, or for treatment. You may also be referred to an oncologist, a doctor who specializes in treating cancer.
Because appointments can be brief, and because there's often a lot of ground to cover, it's a good idea to be well 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, let your doctor's staff know if you take any medications. Certain acid-reducing drugs, such as proton pump inhibitors, can alter the results of some tests used to diagnose Zollinger-Ellison syndrome. However, don't stop taking these medications without consulting your physician.
- Write down any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated.
- Write down key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes. Also, be sure to write down what you know about your family's medical history.
- Bring a list of all medications, as well as any vitamins or supplements, that you're taking.
- Write down questions to ask your doctor.
Preparing a list of questions ahead of time will help you make the most of the limited time you have with your doctor. For Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:
- What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
- Other than Zollinger-Ellison syndrome, are there any other possible causes for my symptoms?
- What tests do I need to confirm the diagnosis? How should I prepare for those tests?
- What is the standard treatment for Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
- Are there any other options?
- What course of action do you recommend?
- Are there any dietary restrictions I need to follow?
- Do I need to see a specialist? Will my insurance cover seeing a specialist?
- Is there a generic alternative for the medication you're prescribing for me?
- Are there any Web sites that you recommend I visit to learn more about Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
- Are any other medical problems more likely to occur because I have Zollinger-Ellison syndrome?
- How often do I need to come back for follow-up appointments?
In addition to the questions that you've prepared, don't hesitate to ask additional questions during your appointment or ask your doctor to clarify something that you don't understand.
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. Your doctor may ask:
- When did you first begin experiencing symptoms?
- Have your symptoms been continuous, or do they come and go?
- How severe are your symptoms?
- What, if anything, improves your symptoms?
- What, if anything, worsens your symptoms?
- Have you ever been told you have a stomach ulcer? How was it diagnosed?
- Have you or anyone in your family ever been diagnosed with multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 1?
- Have you or anyone in your family been diagnosed with parathyroid, thyroid or pituitary problems?
- Have you ever been told you have high blood calcium?
