[peterama]

I'm a 31 year old female and my primary care physician just referred me to a gastroenterologist. What can I expect to happen?:confused:

[2008chrissy]

It depends on what condition you have that required the referral. Gasteroenterologists deal with the disorders of the digestive system - inflammatory bowel disease, hiatal hernia, severe acid refulx for a barium swallow study, colitis, h. pylori & ulcers, etc.
Your doctor should have discussed your diagnosis with you at the time of the referral so you would know what to expect. If you let me know what he is referring you for, I will be able to get you more information on procedures / lab tests they will likely be performing. :)

[boredINmind]

I had to go for gastritis and ulcers. I had to go with another person, then they put me in a bed, gave me an IV and heart monitors, etc. Then they rolled me in the room, told me I would be getting sleepy, then I woke up and my mom had to drive me home. EVENTFUL, haha, I know! While I was asleep they ran a lighted scope down my throat into my stomach and small intestines. The only side effect was drowsiness and a slight sore throat.

It would be different though, if you were going in for another procedure, such as a colonoscopy, obviously different, haha!

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR EXAM, AND DON'T BE WORRIED, THEY DO THIS STUFF ALL DAY EVERYDAY!