Talking to Your Healthcare Provider About Peptic Ulcer Disease

You have a unique medical history. Therefore, it is essential to talk with your doctor about your personal risk factors and/or experience with peptic ulcers. By talking openly and regularly with your doctor, you can take an active role in your care.

General Tips for Gathering Information

Here are some tips that will make it easier for you to talk to your doctor:

• Bring someone else with you. It helps to have another person hear what is said and ask questions you might not have thought to ask.
• Write out your questions ahead of time, so you don't forget them.
• Write down the answers you get, and ask for clarification, if necessary.
• Don't be afraid to ask where you can find more information about what you are discussing. You have a right to know.

Specific Questions to Ask Your Doctor

About Peptic Ulcers

• What might have caused my peptic ulcer?
• How might I have come into contact with H. pylori?
• Should we be taking any special precautions to prevent other family members from contracting H. pylori?

About Your Risk of Developing Peptic Ulcers

• Could my ulcer recur?
• How can I tell if my ulcer is recurring?
• What can I do to lower my risk of developing a peptic ulcer?
• What can I do to lower my risk of recurrence?
• I’m using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Is there anything I can do to decrease my risk of developing a peptic ulcer?

About Treatment Options

• Will I need an antibiotic?
• Should I take more than one antibiotic?
• What other medications will I need?
• Will I need any surgical procedures?

About Lifestyle Changes

• Should I stop smoking?
• What smoking cessation programs might be helpful?
• Should I stop drinking alcohol?

About Outlook

• What is the chance that I’ll develop a complication?
• What is the chance that my ulcer will recur?
• What is the chance that I could develop gastric cancer?