At a glance
Seeing a colorectal specialist can feel daunting, especially if it is your first time. Preparing well helps you get the most from the appointment, reduces anxiety, and ensures you leave with the information you need. This guide covers the practical steps.
Before the appointment
Gather your information
Having your medical details organised saves time and ensures nothing is missed:
- A list of your symptoms — when they started, how they have changed, what makes them better or worse
- Your bowel habit — frequency, stool consistency, any recent changes
- Previous treatments — what you have tried and whether it helped
- Current medications — all of them, not just those related to the current concern
- Family history — particularly any colorectal conditions or bowel cancer in your family
- Previous medical history — any relevant conditions, surgeries, or allergies
Prepare your questions
Write down everything you want to ask. Common questions include:
- What do you think is causing my symptoms?
- What are the treatment options?
- What are the risks and benefits of each option?
- How long will treatment take to work?
- When should I come back if things are not improving?
- Is there anything I should be doing in the meantime?
Practical preparation
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing — easy to partially undress for examination
- Eat and drink normally unless you have been told otherwise
- Arrive early — paperwork and registration may be needed
- Bring a pen and paper or use your phone to take notes during the appointment
What to expect
The conversation
The specialist will ask about your symptoms in detail. They may ask questions that feel personal — about bowel movements, pain, bleeding, discharge, and intimacy. This is routine clinical questioning, and the specialist asks these questions many times a day.
Be as specific as you can. “I have sharp pain during bowel movements that lasts about an hour afterwards” is more useful than “I have pain.”
The examination
If a physical examination is needed:
- You will be asked to lie on your left side on the examination couch
- A curtain or screen provides privacy
- You will be offered a chaperone
- The specialist will visually inspect the perianal area
- They may perform a digital rectal examination — a gloved, lubricated finger briefly inserted. This takes seconds.
- They may use a proctoscope or anoscope — a small, lubricated tube to look inside the lower rectum. This is brief and usually tolerable.
- They will explain what they are doing throughout
- You can ask to stop at any point
The discussion afterwards
The specialist will share their findings and discuss options. This is your opportunity to ask questions. If you do not understand something, ask for clarification. If the appointment feels rushed, request a follow-up call or appointment.
After the appointment
- Review your notes while the information is fresh
- Follow up on any investigations or prescriptions discussed
- Book any follow-up appointments before leaving if possible
- Contact the clinic if you think of questions you forgot to ask — most clinics accept phone or email queries
- Start any recommended self-care — diet changes, sitz baths, stool softeners — as soon as possible
If the appointment does not go well
Sometimes people leave feeling unheard, rushed, or uncertain. If this happens:
- You can request a second opinion — this is your right
- You can ask your GP for a referral to a different specialist
- You can write to the clinic with the questions that were not answered
- You can bring an advocate to your next appointment — someone who can help ensure your concerns are addressed