Questions to ask about gallstones
These questions may help you discuss your condition or the treatments you have been offered with your healthcare team.
Finding out what's wrong (diagnosis)
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Can you tell me more about the tests/investigations you've offered me?
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What do these tests involve?
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Where will these be carried out? Will I need to have them in hospital?
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How long will I have to wait until I have these tests?
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How long will it take to get the results of these tests?
About your condition
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Can you tell me more about gallstones?
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Why have I got gallstones?
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Are there any support organisations in my local area?
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Can you provide any information for my family/carers?
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Would it help my condition if I made some changes to my diet?
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Are there particular kinds of food and drink that normally cause symptoms in people with gallstones?
Treatments
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Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this particular type of treatment?
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What are the pros and cons of this treatment?
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What will it involve?
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How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?
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Are there any risks associated with this treatment?
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When should I start to feel better and what should I do if I don't start to feel better by then?
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What are my options for taking treatments other than the one you have offered me?
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What will happen if I choose not to have the treatment you have offered?
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Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?