Doctor Visit Preparation

Make the most of your medical appointments with structured preparation and smart advocacy

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Doctor visits can feel overwhelming when you're dealing with an ostomy, especially when you're young and still figuring everything out. The appointments are often short, the medical jargon is confusing, and you leave wondering if you asked the right questions.

I used to walk out of appointments kicking myself for forgetting to mention something important or not understanding what the doctor explained. Being prepared makes such a difference in getting the care you need and feeling confident about your health.

You're Your Best Advocate

Remember: you're the expert on your own body and experience. Doctors have the medical knowledge, but you have the day-to-day insight into how everything feels and functions. Your partnership with your healthcare team is key to getting the best care.

Pre-Visit Preparation

Get organized before any medical appointment to maximize your time

The Week Before

  • Write down all symptoms, concerns, or changes you've noticed
  • List all medications and supplies you're currently using
  • Gather insurance cards and referral paperwork
  • Prepare your questions in order of importance
  • Check if any lab work or tests need to be done beforehand
  • Arrange time off work and transportation

Day of the Appointment

  • Bring a notebook or use your phone to take notes
  • Arrive early to handle any paperwork
  • Bring a support person if it helps you feel more confident
  • Wear comfortable, accessible clothing for any examinations
  • Pack extra ostomy supplies just in case
  • Bring snacks and water for potentially long waits

Documentation Tips

  • Keep a health journal between appointments to track patterns
  • Take photos of any skin issues or unusual output (if relevant)
  • Save product packaging or names of supplies that work well or cause problems
  • Record when symptoms occur and what might trigger them
  • Note how treatments or changes affect your daily life

Surgeon Follow-up Visits

Key questions and topics for appointments with your surgical team

Essential Questions to Ask

  • How is my healing progressing compared to what you'd expect?
    This helps you understand if you're on track and what to expect going forward.
  • Are there any activities or movements I should still be avoiding?
    Important for returning to work, exercise, and normal activities safely.
  • What symptoms should prompt me to call you immediately?
    Know the difference between normal concerns and emergency situations.
  • How often should I be seen for follow-up, and what will you be monitoring?
    Understand your ongoing care plan and what to expect long-term.
  • Is this ostomy permanent, or are there future surgical options?
    Important for life planning, especially for young adults thinking about their future.

Topics to Discuss

High Priority

  • Any pain or unusual symptoms
  • Healing concerns or complications
  • Medication side effects
  • Emergency contact procedures

Medium Priority

  • Return to work/school timeline
  • Exercise and activity restrictions
  • Travel considerations
  • Long-term outlook

Lower Priority

  • Cosmetic concerns
  • Lifestyle adjustments
  • Future procedure possibilities
  • Alternative treatment options

Ostomy Nurse Consultations

Making the most of your time with ostomy nursing specialists

Essential Questions for Ostomy Nurses

  • What products would work best for my lifestyle and activity level?
    Be specific about your job, hobbies, and daily activities so they can make targeted recommendations.
  • How can I troubleshoot common problems like leaks or skin irritation?
    Get step-by-step problem-solving strategies you can use at home.
  • What's the most cost-effective way to manage my supply orders?
    They often know about assistance programs and insurance optimization strategies.
  • Can you show me alternative techniques for application or removal?
    There might be easier or more effective methods you haven't learned yet.
  • What should I do if I'm travelling or in an emergency situation?
    Get specific guidance for scenarios you might encounter away from home.

Bring Samples and Examples

  • Current products you're using (bring packaging/names)
  • Products that haven't worked well for you
  • Photos of any skin issues or fit problems
  • List of activities you want to participate in
  • Questions about specific situations you've encountered

Maximizing Ostomy Nurse Visits

  • Don't be embarrassed - they've seen and heard everything
  • Ask for samples of products they recommend
  • Request written instructions for new techniques
  • Get their contact information for future questions
  • Ask about local support groups or resources

Self-Advocacy Strategies

Speak up when something isn't working: If a treatment, product recommendation, or approach isn't working for your lifestyle, say so. Healthcare providers want to help, but they need honest feedback about what's actually happening in your daily life.

Ask for clarification: Don't nod and smile if you don't understand something. Ask them to explain it differently or write it down. Your understanding is crucial for good care.

Bring an advocate: Sometimes having a friend or family member with you can help you remember information and ask questions you might forget.

Trust your instincts: If something feels wrong or concerning, speak up. You know your body better than anyone.

Learning to Speak Up: My Experience

For the first year after my surgery, I was the "good patient" who smiled and agreed with everything. My ostomy nurse recommended products that kept giving me rashes, but I didn't want to seem difficult by complaining.

Finally, I brought photos of my irritated skin to an appointment and explained that the recommended adhesive wasn't working for my active lifestyle. She immediately switched me to different products and gave me samples of alternatives.

Turns out, she thought I was doing great because I never mentioned any problems! Now I'm upfront about what's working and what isn't. My care got so much better when I started being honest about my actual experience.

Printable Resources

Take these with you to your next appointment

Pre-Visit Checklist Questions for Surgeon Ostomy Nurse Discussion Guide

Download and print these guides to help structure your appointments

Share Your Experience

Have tips for making doctor visits more productive? Questions that have been particularly helpful? Join our community to share insights and learn from others.

Join Community More Resources

This guide is based on community experience and general preparation strategies. Always follow your healthcare team's specific instructions and don't hesitate to contact them with urgent concerns between appointments.