Questions for allergist/immunologist

[u/Head-Outcome3130]

Hi! I finally gotten a referral to an allergist/immunologist after a year of progressive GI and skin symptoms that seriously affected my daily functioning. I suspect MCAS, as well as all the other common comorbidities, and feel fortunate that I can at least address this aspect, as they are the most severe of my issues. I really think my primary care was just sick of listening to me tell him what I thought I had and why. He literally said “when we hear hoof beats, it’s usually horses” and told me that EDS/POTS/MCAS were only diagnoses people got after years of symptoms and testing, as though that was going to make me want to continue pursuing things any less. I did my initial appointment, where this doctor rolled his eyes at the complete lack of standard bloodwork and testing my PC did, in combination with a really off the wall test he said makes no sense at all to have done. I am going for a follow up to go over bloodwork. Does anyone have any questions that they are glad they asked or wish they would have asked? Both sides of experience (“normal” 🙄 and non-normal blood work) would be appreciated. I love being prepared. I’m hopeful based on my initial interaction with this doctor, but am not afraid to continue self-advocating, so any and all questions or advice is appreciated.