Really nervous about Gastro dr visit

[KiaraGirl95]

So I'm really nervous because I have to go to see a gastroenterology. I am 18 and I keep getting pain below my belly button and then I have to urgently go to the bathroom. Then when I go, it's always a weird color. This has been going on for months now. I'm really nervous because I don't know what the appointment will be like. Will they just talk to me or will they examine me? How do they examine you? Will they look at my butt? I need to know details from start to finish!

[pntman25]

I would think the physician will examine you by listening to your abdomen with a stethoscope and possible feel around on your abdomen in several areas and yes there might be a rectal exam.  More than anything the physician will want to know when this started, how long it has been going on , if anything makes the condition better or worse.  What you have been eating and if you have been out of the country in the last year and what medications you  are taking.  good luck!

[poji]

I had my first visit to a gastroenterologist about a year ago.  I was living in europe at the time so it might be different for you if you live in the U.S. or depending on how the doctor runs his/her office.
My first visit did not involve any kind of examination.  Just a discussion of tests that would follow.  For me this meant a colonoscopy, but this happened at a later date.  I can't imagine that they would do anything invasive on the first visit as most tests require you to prepare in some way.  They certainly won't do anything to you without explaining it first.

[hazal123]

Hi.. I am an 18 year old as well and I can relate to you in that you are nervous to go to doctor. I have just recently got an MRI of my brain and i was freaking out too. I have another appointment tomorrow and im worried but try to calm down and think positive. thats what everyone says to me! you might just have a n inffection it might be something simple soo no worries feel better friend