if visiting the gastroenterologist

[emmie]

is it wise to eat anything in the morning, especially if you don't know
whether it's a chat or examination. I have an appointment tomorrow morning and don't know. I am erring on the side of caution and perhaps won't have anything but i'm really not sure.

[DrFilth]

have you checked your paperwork, if they don't want you to eat anything they usually tell you

[emmie]

only the letter from months back, and the appointment is too early to ring them.

[Philtaz]

If you're unsure if you're going to be examined/scoped you're correct in erring on the side of caution so fasting after midnight tonight is probably best.

[Eve]

I've only ever not if specifically told not to for specific scan appointments with preparation such as barium meal, camera scopes, pillcam etc...

Could you be having treatment for anything? I was waiting in A&E with a badly infected abscess and ended up being sent up to emergency surgery and it turning out the biscuits my friend brought along to munch on were maybe not wise. Thank goodness for locals!

[emmie]

Not sure, but have had a persistent gastro/intestinal problem over years. Have had an endsoscopy before and i had to be sedated as i couldn't cope otherwise. I think will eat light meal perhaps around 7 then nothing after just in case.

[Philtaz]

If possible I'd phone them first thing in the morning prior to attending to try and establish exactly what you're having done, because if you are not being scoped you could have breakfast.

No point straving yourself unnecessarily.

Hope it goes ok.

[emmie]

Phil thanks, it's 9am so not sure i would get through. But i might have a look to see if there is a weekend number. I meant to do it friday and completely forgot.

[Philtaz]

I doubt you'll get a reply on a Sunday em10.

9 a.m. isn't too bad though (in terms of the possibility that you have fasted unnecessarily!)

Best of luck.

[Eve]

If as early as 9am and you're not sure and can't check I'd maybe hold off then use it as a nice excuse to treat myself to a cooked breakfast after (I never have one at home so it's a treat out).

[emmie]

Thanks for the help, might just have a coffee very early and see how it goes. As usual it's taken quite a while to get the appointment, so don't want to mess things up.

[Sqad]

You are going for a consultation, not a prearranged procedure.....eat normally.

[emmie]

sqad, thanks, but i was caught out like that before, where they asked me if i had eaten anything, said yes and of course consultant said come back for another appointment. I had eaten because no one said i shouldn't.

[Sqad]

em10

OK....I would never have seen a patient without warning them about not eating.............confusing......still would eat normally though ;-)

[anneasquith]

imo. id fast em, just in case . good luck

[emmie]

Sqad an update, you were right, no need to fast, however no answer as such as i will have to wait 4 months till the next appointment, not quite what i was expecting.

[Sqad]

em...thanks for the feedback.