As important as preparing before your doctor's appointment, you will need to know what you should discuss with your doctor. Below are a few tips.
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Tell your doctor about the following:
How often your heartburn occurs
To help you know how often your heartburn occurs, try keeping a heartburn record. For approximately one week before your doctor's visit, write down when your heartburn occurs. This will help your doctor see how often your heartburn occurs. You can write this information down in any form you wish, or you can use this sample heartburn record as a guide.
When your heartburn occurs
Tell your doctor when your heartburn occurs. Does your heartburn occur:
- during day
- while sleeping
- after exercise
- after meals
- when bending over
Your doctor will want to know how your heartburn affects your daily life. Some people worry about it, and are affected by it, throughout the day, while other people aren't affected at all. Your doctor will want to know:
- I am always worried about it
- I have trouble sleeping at night
- I can't concentrate at work
- I can't enjoy socializing with my friends
- I'm not affected at all
Let your doctor know what prescribe medications or over-the-counter remedies you take for your heartburn.
Any other meds taking in addition to heartburn meds
It is very important that you notify your doctor of what other medications you take, and what conditions they are prescribed for. You doctor will need this information to avoid any conflict between medications.
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Additional Resources:
When to Call the Doctor
Preparing for Your Doctor's Visit
