If you are like me, and by me of course I mean someone with the dubious pleasure of a body on the fritz, you may get to the point where you need to see a Dietitian. Now contrary to popular belief, a Dietitian and a Nutritionist are not the same thing. They are very similar but the former has far more regulation and protection under law. 

Well, that’s nice and all, but what is a Dietitian? 

They are a sort of doctor for your food habits. Especially when it comes to diet as it relates to disease and keeping you healthy during the course of that disease. A Dietitian is someone who meets with a person to help lay out a plan and give advice on how you can get the nutrition that you need to meet your specific needs. For example, I met with my Dietitian for the first time when I was diagnosed with gastroparesis, or partial stomach paralysis. She gave me advice on how I could get the nutrients and hydration that I needed at the time even though my body couldn’t tolerate solid food very well. 

Sounds pretty good, right? 

A Dietitian can be extremely beneficial for people with a whole host of medical conditions and needs. If you feel like one could benefit you, then here are the first two steps to getting on the books with one of your very own!

First step: Meet with your Primary Care Doctor, Gastroenterologist, or Allergist (did I miss any?) to determine whether a meeting with a Dietitian could be a good addition to your treatment plan. If so, then they will give you a referral.

Second step: Once you have a referral, talk to the Dietitian’s office/hospital/etc and make sure that they accept your insurance. Trust me. I’ve had this be an issue with other doctors before so it’s always better to be sure before your appointment than to get all the way there and end up having to pay out of pocket without notice. 

Once your referral is sent through, the Dietitian’s office should call to set up your appointment! So you’re on their books! Now what?

What do you need to do or have to prepare for your appointment?

Okay! This is, again, something I can speak on from experience and wax poetic about the time-saving efficiency and helpfulness of. The most helpful resource you can have to take to your appointment is a medical portfolio. This is something that I am planning on doing a post on very soon but, in the meantime, one of my all-time favorite Youtubers, the late Jaquie Beckwith at her channel ChronicallyJaquie, did a video on how to get answers when chronically ill. In her video, she highlights how to put together your own medical portfolio as well as some other really wonderful advice! Her video can be found here! 

Having my medical portfolio on hand during doctors visits, especially new doctors, has saved valuable time over and over again. Even when it comes to being able to have a list of my medications on hand or the contact information for other specialists. It is worth its weight in Starbucks gift cards when it comes to those who may be looking at filing for disability or applying for a mobility aid, etc. 

As well as your medical records that would be in your portfolio, take a list of current medications and the obligatory insurance card/photo ID combo that any typical trip to a new doctor requires. 

The next thing to keep in mind for your appointment is something that we all struggle with. It’s one of the difficult parts of being a chronic illness warrior.

Be open and be honest. In fact, be frank. I think we tend to try our best not to be an inconvenience or to seem like we’re inflating our conditions when, in truth, the smallest thing could be the piece of information that they need to help you to the fullest! Don’t assume that anything is irrelevant. 

The last thing you are going to need for your upcoming appointment is going to be a pen and paper! That’s right, my dears, you’re going to need to take notes like you’re back in high school Trig, okay? It will help you! There’s so much swirling around your brain all at once during appointments like those and being able to write down advice or directions you’re told and even questions you want to ask ahead of time can be so incredibly helpful. 

With that note, I’m going to leave you here with a final piece of advice: If you feel like your well-being is doing poorer because of how your medical conditions affect your ability to get the nutrition or hydration that you need, make that appointment! It could make a world of difference in your quality and quantity of life. 

With Peace and Passion.

Ta! ❤