You are seeing a doctor about your chronic heartburn. To get the most our of your appointment, it will help to prepare ahead of time.
Do your own research
Learn as much as you can about heartburn before your doctor's visit. This can be done by either searching for information on the Internet, or by going to your local library and reading books on this topic. By doing this, you will better understand the diagnosis your doctor gives you. You will also be able to ask good questions. Your doctor give you his or her professional opinion, and the correct diagnosis, and you'll be prepared by already knowing something about the condition.
Write down your questions
Before your visit, write down any questions you can think of. This will help you remember what you need to ask, but it will also enable you to ask your questions at the beginning of your visit. While doctor are willing to answer questions toward the end of a visit, there may be adequate time to discuss all your concerns or answer all your questions if you wait until the end of the appointment to mention them.
Know when your heartburn occurs
It will help your doctor in making a diagnosis if you can supply information on when your heartburn occurs, and show what are possible triggers. One way to do this is to keep a heartburn record. For approximately one week before your doctor's visit, write down when your heartburn occurs, what the symptoms were, the possible triggers, and what gave you relief. You can write this information down in any form you wish, or you can use this sample heartburn record as a guide.
Bring a notebook
Take a notebook with you to your doctor's visit, and write down what your doctor says. You can then read what you’ve written aloud so your doctor can clarify his or her instructions to you.
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Additional Resources:
When to Call the Doctor
At Your Doctor's Visit
