Talking to Your Doctor About Gallstones
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You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with gallstones . By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.
General Tips for Gathering Information
Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:
- Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and think of questions to ask.
- Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
- Write down the answers you get, and make sure you understand what you are hearing. Ask for clarification, if necessary.
- Don't be afraid to ask your questions or ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.
Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor
About Cholelithiasis
- What is my best treatment option?
- What other options are there?
- What are the risks and benefits associated with each treatment option?
- What, if anything, will I need to change in my lifestyle?
- Do I need to change my diet? Should I limit fatty foods?
- Should I lose weight? How should I go about losing weight?
- Should I exercise? What type of exercise is best? How much should I be exercising? How do I get started?
- Should I take oral contraceptives? Or should I consider other birth control options besides oral contraceptives?
- Should I avoid postmenopausal hormone replacement therapy?
References:
Beers MH, Berkow R. The Merck Manual. 18th ed. West Point, PA: Merck and Co; 2006.
Gallstones. DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.dynamicmedical.com/dynamed.nsf?opendatabase. Accessed December 19, 2005.
Gallstones. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/gallstones/DS00165. Accessed January 3, 2006.
Gallstones. Medline Plus Medical Encyclopedia website. Available at:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/000273.htm. Accessed January 3, 2006.
Gallstones. National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse (NDDIC) website. Available at: http://digestive.niddk.nih.gov/ddiseases/pubs/gallstones/. Accessed January 3, 2006.
Last reviewed June 2009 by Rosalyn Carson-DeWitt, MD
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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