I finally got up the nerve to ask my GI over the phone if she would order the tests from Enterolab. She
knows I took gluten out of my diet and I said I was still having issues about every other day and wanted
to see if we could identify other food triggers. Her response was no she wouldn't order the tests because "it's more complicated than that", "It will take 2-3 months" and she didn't want to give me lab results to "hang my hat on". I didn't question these responses as I should have because she seemed to
be in a hurry but the end result was that I feel like I've been hung out to dry. I am so depressed at this
point. Thank goodness for all of you here who understand because you've heard it all before.
My GI let me down
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
My GI let me down
Be kinder than necessary for everyone is fighting some kind of battle.
Hi Brownie,
I'm sorry that your GI doc appears to fall into the "jerk" category.
First off, so what if it is more complicated than that? Knowledge is power, not a handicap, (well, maybe it's a handicap in her case, but knowledge is not a handicap for most people). In general, the more information we have, the better off we are, and the more likely we are to be able to resolve out problems. Shame on her.
Secondly, it takes 3 weeks, not 3 months. Shame on her.
And thirdly, if she doesn't want to allow you to have access to lab results that you can "hang your hat on", apparently she wants to keep you in the dark about your health, which is certainly not in your best interest. It sounds as though she may have a deity complex. Shame on her.
She's probably insecure, and afraid that you may know more about the disease than she does, and so she's trying to prevent you from learning more. Shame on her.
If it's any consolation, you can be sure that you're not the first member here who has had a similar experience with their gastroenterologist. Many of them just don't get it. Shame on them.
Tex
I'm sorry that your GI doc appears to fall into the "jerk" category.
First off, so what if it is more complicated than that? Knowledge is power, not a handicap, (well, maybe it's a handicap in her case, but knowledge is not a handicap for most people). In general, the more information we have, the better off we are, and the more likely we are to be able to resolve out problems. Shame on her.
Secondly, it takes 3 weeks, not 3 months. Shame on her.
And thirdly, if she doesn't want to allow you to have access to lab results that you can "hang your hat on", apparently she wants to keep you in the dark about your health, which is certainly not in your best interest. It sounds as though she may have a deity complex. Shame on her.
She's probably insecure, and afraid that you may know more about the disease than she does, and so she's trying to prevent you from learning more. Shame on her.
If it's any consolation, you can be sure that you're not the first member here who has had a similar experience with their gastroenterologist. Many of them just don't get it. Shame on them.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
-
draperygoddess
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Posts: 558
- Joined: Mon Aug 29, 2011 6:49 am
- Location: Tennessee
Brownie,
I'm so sorry you had this experience--but I can't say I'm surprised.
As you've probably learned by now from reading posts on the forum, most GI's are very unhelpful when it comes to determining a dietary connection to your symptoms. What should be a no-brainer--what you eat is directly related to your digestive health--does not compute. And when you suggest that there might be an answer beyond what your doctor has told you, he or she is likely to get defensive.
The good thing about Enterolab is that you don't have to have a doctor's permission to get tested. I know it's expensive, and I had to save my pennies to have it done, but I'm so glad I did. That said, you can do an elimination diet now, and hopefully figure out some things that will make you feel better, while you're waiting to do the testing.
I hope this latest development won't discourage you, but instead will galvanize you to take charge of your own health, no matter what your GI says, and steer you toward getting better! It would be nice to have her support, but you don't need her to get well.
I'm so sorry you had this experience--but I can't say I'm surprised.
As you've probably learned by now from reading posts on the forum, most GI's are very unhelpful when it comes to determining a dietary connection to your symptoms. What should be a no-brainer--what you eat is directly related to your digestive health--does not compute. And when you suggest that there might be an answer beyond what your doctor has told you, he or she is likely to get defensive.
The good thing about Enterolab is that you don't have to have a doctor's permission to get tested. I know it's expensive, and I had to save my pennies to have it done, but I'm so glad I did. That said, you can do an elimination diet now, and hopefully figure out some things that will make you feel better, while you're waiting to do the testing.
I hope this latest development won't discourage you, but instead will galvanize you to take charge of your own health, no matter what your GI says, and steer you toward getting better! It would be nice to have her support, but you don't need her to get well.
Cynthia
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!" -Bob the Builder
Thanks Tex and Cynthia,
I was pretty bummed because I thought more of this Dr than all the others before. Oh well and you are both right about taking charge of
our own health. This is going to be a healthier year than the last one for sure.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Brownie
I was pretty bummed because I thought more of this Dr than all the others before. Oh well and you are both right about taking charge of
our own health. This is going to be a healthier year than the last one for sure.
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL.
Brownie
Be kinder than necessary for everyone is fighting some kind of battle.
Brownie,
My GI told me that these labs are "dubious to say the least,, with no science behind them". He did not encourage me as far as the diet goes, because he doesn't think diet affects MC.
I have dumped that guy, and went to someone else. But this one doesn't answer my emails *sigh*.
I learned quickly that doctors are not exactly respected around here, and for good reason!
Brownie, I have not achieved anything near remission yet. I still don't know what sets me off, especially when it comes to C. Don't be depressed. Just know there are a lot of people here who will help and support you.
My GI told me that these labs are "dubious to say the least,, with no science behind them". He did not encourage me as far as the diet goes, because he doesn't think diet affects MC.
I have dumped that guy, and went to someone else. But this one doesn't answer my emails *sigh*.
I learned quickly that doctors are not exactly respected around here, and for good reason!
Brownie, I have not achieved anything near remission yet. I still don't know what sets me off, especially when it comes to C. Don't be depressed. Just know there are a lot of people here who will help and support you.
Lesley,
You are so right. There are alot of folks here who are understanding and supportive especially to us newbies.
I was hoping to get that lab test to see if I have additional food triggers and I can still do that but out of my own
pocket if a dr doesn't order it.
Not sure which is worse D or C. Both just miserable. Come on "norman".
Brownie
You are so right. There are alot of folks here who are understanding and supportive especially to us newbies.
I was hoping to get that lab test to see if I have additional food triggers and I can still do that but out of my own
pocket if a dr doesn't order it.
Not sure which is worse D or C. Both just miserable. Come on "norman".
Brownie
Be kinder than necessary for everyone is fighting some kind of battle.
I truly sympathize AND empathize.Not sure which is worse D or C. Both just miserable.
I paid out of pocket because of his unwillingness to help me. And I will pay for MRT when people here think it's time to do it. I have been desperate enough, but was told that it's better to wait until I have healed some before I do it, so that the test will be as accurate as possible.
Hang in there. I know just how you feel.