Appoint with my PCP!

[humbird753]

I had an annual physical yesterday with my PCP. I wasn't expecting anything from her. I gave her copies of the recent blood test results I got when I saw my naturopathic doctor in April and told her I wanted her to put them in my file, and asked her to also add that I was gluten intolerant, and possibly more.

It was a big surprise when our conversation lasted about 1-1/2 hours, and she discussed with me how important a diet change was for me. She added that in addition to those foods I have already eliminated from my diet (gluten/dairy/soy), I may find there are more foods I have become intolerant to. She also stressed the importance of simplifying the variety of foods I eat, and to maybe add something new in about every 3 to 4 weeks.

The conversation we had was truly "God" sent! I know she understands. These are the things our GI doctors are supposed to be saying to us.

She was glad to hear that I have made a connection with the extreme stress that was going on at the time my MC was triggered, and that the food intolerances were triggered at that time as well.

Although I have been trying to be GF/DF/SF since early December, I have not had a visit from "Norman" yet. It has been very frustrating, and at times I have thought of giving up and going back to eating like I used to. BUT today I am remembering the improvements I have experienced since I have made changes in my diet. Since I am still not getting any visits from "Norman" my next step is to review and make additional changes. Once "Norman" is here I can then begin to slowly add other foods back into my diet.

So... I am starting my program again.

[Zizzle]

Wow, another enlightened doc! Good to hear!!! I've been at this for 2 years and have only enjoyed sporadic visits from Norman. I don't measure my progress only on whether I have normans or not. There are times I truly feel well, even though there is mush in the toilet once a day. And I certainly have my life back (except for this week's gluten-induced flare!). There will always be bumps in the road, unfortunately.

[MBombardier]

What a great report!! And good for you, going back on your program. I agree with Zizzle--I don't really measure my progress by what's in the toilet unless it changes for the worse, either in the frequency, or towards WD or C. What I measure my progress by, mainly, is how I feel. And most of the time, I feel quite well.

I hope you start to feel quite well, too, very soon!!

[Deanna in CO]

I found my PCP was significantly better at listening and accepting what I found than my GI. I have mostly gone through her in asking for lab work and procedures rather than hassle with the GI. I think sometimes the practical nature of primary care leads our PCP's to more helpful conclusions.

I was surprised, though, when I went for the endoscopy, to find my GI really wanted to know what Dr. Lewey (the Food Doc) had to say. He actually seemed willing to learn. Trouble is, I don't want him learning by experimenting on me!

Anyway, I'm glad your visit with your PCP went so well.. :-)

Deanna

[tex]

Paula,

That's terrific that your PCP is on your side. That makes dealing with this disease so much easier. Good for her.

So... I am starting my program again.

As the saying goes, "Today is the first day of the rest of your life". I hope today brings good things for you.

Tex

[Joefnh]

Paula that's great news, have you listed her name in the 'good doctors' post?

I think you need to clone her!

[Gloria]

Nice to read about an understanding doc. Do you think you'll start seeing her only, and not your naturopathic doctor?

Gloria

[Gabes-Apg]

Paula
awesome news that you have a great PCP, who 'gets it' and is giving you the quality time - a rare rare thing indeed



although 'Norman' is considered a milestone or an achievement, as you mentioned

BUT today I am remembering the improvements I have experienced since I have made changes in my diet.

please focus on those improvements, it takes time for the inflammation to go and healing to occur, if other symptoms are abating then the efforts to date have definately been worth it!

[humbird753]

Thank you all for your comments. It was encouraging (and very surprising) to actually be able to discuss this with a medical doctor.

Gloria - I still intend on seeing both my ND and PCP. I don't see either one very often. I only see my PCP once a year for an annual physical. I see my ND once or twice a year. I mostly communicate with my ND via emails and telephone calls. I only go up to see her when I want or she wants me to have blood tests done. The best education on this health issue is from this forum.

IMO I don't believe there is anything my PCP, ND or any GI can do for me (unless I begin to experience other symptoms). It is up to me to find out what foods I am intolerant to, and then follow that type of diet to hopefully reach remission.

Zizzle - I am sorry to hear you are having difficulties this week. I too have found going out to eat causes me more physical stress. When I do go out to eat "I hope" I am having a meal that is okay, but I am always in doubt about that.

I'm not sure if it was interpreted correctly - I have never gone off of the GF/DF/SF diet to my knowledge. I have been on that diet for about 6 months, and I still go about 5 times a day - WD, shredded foods, etc. So, I think it may be time for me to check on Enterolab.

I know I've asked this question before, but I forgot. Can anyone suggest what tests to start with?

Thank you.

Paula

[tex]

Panel A is a good choice, but if you want to see which genes you have, Panel B includes the gene test.

Tex

[Lesley]

Paula, great to hear about your progress. And to read how people get their lives back. I don't get that feeling very often, and am very happy when I do.
You are on the path, and you will get there.

P.S. Can you clone your PCP? Or at least have her give a class to mine?

[MaggieRedwings]

Great News Paula!

So nice to hear that there are still doctors that listen. Do not get discouraged by Mr. Norman being absent. He is someone who visits me rarely and I have been at this for years but have learned to cope with whatever winds up in the loo!

Love, Maggie

[humbird753]

Maggie,

Thank you for your comment about not worrying if I don't see Norman.

I think I have been gauging my improvements on what I see in the stool (which isn't good), rather than the less fatigue, increased stamina, and the less frequent visits to the bathroom that I've been experiencing.

I'll just remain patient, and do what I can.

Thanks again - it means a lot.

Paula

[Leah]

Hi Paula. Seems like you are on the right track :) I too don't always have normans, but I only go once a day and feel pretty good. To me, that's progress!.... At least i can go about and live my life ( except for eating out)..

As for Enterolab tests, pamel A tests for the big four, but if you are curious about the other grains and meats, you might want to do panel C.

Keep us posted.
Leah