Information for the public

Questions to ask about gallstones

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)

  • Can you tell me more about the tests/investigations you've offered me?

  • What do these tests involve?

  • Where will these be carried out? Will I need to have them in hospital?

  • How long will I have to wait until I have these tests?

  • How long will it take to get the results of these tests?

About your condition

  • Can you tell me more about gallstones?

  • Why have I got gallstones?

  • Are there any support organisations in my local area?

  • Can you provide any information for my family/carers?

  • Would it help my condition if I made some changes to my diet?

  • Are there particular kinds of food and drink that normally cause symptoms in people with gallstones?

Treatments

  • Can you tell me why you have decided to offer me this particular type of treatment?

  • What are the pros and cons of this treatment?

  • What will it involve?

  • How will it help me? What effect will it have on my symptoms and everyday life? What sort of improvements might I expect?

  • Are there any risks associated with this treatment?

  • When should I start to feel better and what should I do if I don't start to feel better by then?

  • What are my options for taking treatments other than the one you have offered me?

  • What will happen if I choose not to have the treatment you have offered?

  • Is there some other information (like a leaflet, DVD or a website I can go to) about the treatment that I can have?

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