How do I prepare for a gastroenterology appointment?

It can help to keep a short note of your bowel symptoms for a week or two before you go: how often, what it is like, and anything else you have noticed, such as pain, tiredness or changes in weight. These can feel awkward to talk about, and having them written down means you can hand the note over if that is easier. Bring a list of everything you take, and two or three questions. Before you leave, it is worth asking what happens next and who to contact.

Worth noting down

  • How often you open your bowels, and whether that has changed.
  • What it is like. The Bristol Stool Chart can help you describe it.
  • Any blood or mucus, and when you noticed it.
  • Pain or cramping: where it is, and when it happens.
  • Changes in appetite or weight.
  • Anything that seems to make it better or worse.

Questions you could ask

  • What tests do I need, and how do I prepare for them?
  • When and how will I hear the results?
  • What should I do if things get worse before I am seen again?
  • Who can I contact with a question?

What to bring

  • Your symptom notes.
  • A list of everything you take, including supplements.
  • Any recent test results or letters.
  • Someone to come with you, if that would help.

If things change quickly

  • If you feel very unwell, or notice a lot of blood, you do not need to wait for your appointment. Contact your GP or NHS 111 the same day, or call 999 in an emergency.

My gastroenterology appointment

  • How often, and what it is like
  • Any blood or mucus, and when
  • Pain: where and when
  • Changes in appetite or weight
  • Everything I take, including supplements
  • Up to three questions
  • What happens next, written down before I leave
Make my one-page summary

The summary takes a couple of minutes, needs no account, and nothing is saved.

About the condition itself

Written by Mark Dunbavan, founder of Noori. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.

Noori keeps a record of your symptoms between appointments, so this summary can fill itself in, and can introduce you to a UK-registered nutritionist who works with people with digestive symptoms. About NooriSee who is taking clients