<p>We shouldn’t scare you. Have that first appt tomorrow and see what you learn. Be clear and concise about the priorities you want him/her to tackle. We don’t know the nature of your hand or intestinal issues. The doc may have some simple first steps to try for the latter, before referring you on. That’s fair. If he suggests a medication, ask when to follow up with him- and do. Then, if the simple stuff doesn’t resolve it, he will send you for further tests- or to a specialist. Depending on what the hand problem is, he may refer you sooner, since it’s an old problem.</p>
<p>Sure, some internists have more expertise in one area or another. Just keep that appt. Nothing can be done without the first step. You’re a bit new to all this, so go get your feet wet, so to speak. What’s important is that he listen to you, try to reasonably answer questions and use his best medical knowledge to try to resolve it. He doesn’t have to be the sweetest or most patient- you’re going for medical attention. Yes, a “blockage” can be reviewed first by an internist, PCP, family doc, etc. (Of course, an emergency should be handled at an emergency room.)</p>
<p>Not all docs are the right fit for each of us. But, right now, your priority to get started with some medical attention. Your appt may run 15-30 minutes, maybe longer if he does a physical (or that may be set for a later appt.) So, try to focus on the problems you bring him and the focused answers- eg, how long this has bothered you, anything that makes it better or worse, any related symptoms. Good luck.</p>
<p>ps. your hand may need scans, x-rays, etc, to “see” what’s going on. But, intestinal issues can often be narrowed down by the doctor’s listening to gut sounds, touch, anayzing the symptoms, etc. Medicine is pretty amazing. Not a perfect science, but pretty amazing.</p>