At Your Appointment

Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation Appointment Guide

Ask the right questions at your next doctor’s appointment. Answer two questions below to personalize your appointment guide.

• Have you been diagnosed with eosinophilic esophagitis?

  1. Yes, diagnosed
  2. No, undiagnosed
• Will this appointment be an in-office visit or an online/telehealth appointment?

  1. In-office visit
  2. Online/telehealth appointment
Submit

Top Questions Your Doctor May Ask You About Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) If you’re having a telehealth appointment, it's helpful to keep these things in mind. Test your computer or smartphone to make sure you can log in without difficulties. Since the doctor can’t examine you in person, be very specific about your symptoms. Print this appointment guide or write down your questions so you remember what to ask, and consider having someone sit with you to listen in. Have your medicines with you so you can show the doctor the labels and doses, and if you are interested in a specific treatment, be sure to ask about it.

• Please describe the symptoms and issues you’re having that led you to schedule this online appointment. Start at the beginning of this current episode and tell me how and when things have changed and progressed.
• How often have you had constipation in the last month? How long did it last?
• Have you had any episodes of watery or loose stool?
• Rate how your symptoms are affecting your quality of life, relationships, and ability to function. Not at all, somewhat, or significantly?
• Have you identified any specific foods that seem to trigger constipation?
• How much soluble fiber have you added or what other changes to your diet have you made? Do you see a difference with these changes?
• How much exercise and physical activity do you get during a typical week?
• Do you have abdominal pain or discomfort, bloating, or gas with the constipation?
• Do you mainly have constipation? Are your stools hard or lumpy at least a quarter of the time?
• How often do you have normal or loose and watery stool?
• Does your pain or other symptoms improve with a bowel movement?
• How long have you had problems with constipation and pain?
• Do you have a family history of bowel diseases or colon cancer?
• Have you ever been tested for food allergies or intolerances? What were the results?

Top Questions To Ask Your Doctor About Irritable Bowel Syndrome with Constipation (IBS-C) Many people forget to ask important questions at their doctor's appointments. You may want to print or write these questions down before your appointment so you remember to get the answers you need.

• What treatment do you recommend for IBS-C? What are the side effects?
• What changes do I need to make to my diet?
• Should I take a fiber supplement?
• What other lifestyle changes or therapies could help my chronic constipation?
• How soon can I expect to see improvements in my symptoms?
• What is the plan if my constipation and pain continue?
• Do my symptoms means I have IBS-C?
• Could my symptoms be caused by another medical condition?
• What are the criteria for diagnosing IBS-C?
• How is chronic constipation different than regular constipation?
• What treatments are available for chronic constipation?
• How do diet and other lifestyle factors affect IBS-C?

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