Finding the right Dr.

[ashleyleon1992]

Hi everyone,

I'm new to this forum and hope to find help and understanding in this community.

In 2016, I had a colonoscopy to find out what was wrong with my stomach. After years of suffering, I decided to get it checked. They told me I had microscopic colitis and put me on an extensive regimen to which I became overwhelmed and stopped after the first few weeks. I then ended up suffering the same symptoms as usual (bloating, fatigue, diarrhea, hemorrhoid flares, cramps, gas) and just lived with it.

I moved to San Antonio and in 2018, went to the GI doctor (2 years after getting a colonoscopy) and she said she wanted me to get another one. That was the only option she gave me on how to go about treatment. I felt frustrated because she said I had to do another colonoscopy even though I already had one two years prior. I didn't go back.

Last week, I purchased Wayne's book on microscopic colitis and upon reading just the first few chapters, I thought it would be a good time to try taking control of my stomach again. So today, I decided to go back to the same doctor I went to back in 2018(bad idea, I know) and was hoping she would tell me something different. She lacked bedside manner and came off as rude when she told me again that she can't use the results from my 2016 colonoscopy, that I need to get another one. When I asked her about maybe trying an elimination diet, she said no without giving it a second thought. I wanted some other option rather than having to be pushed to spend $1,600 (out of pocket, no insurance) on another colonoscopy.

So long story short, I have a couple of questions for you all:
1. have you experienced going to a GI doctor who is pushing you to have a procedure done?
2. I want to change doctors, do any of you live in San Antonio, TX, and know a good doctor that could help me?
3. have any of you just relied on trying a new diet (fodmap, gluten-free, elimination) to see if your symptoms subside or have you always gone to a doctor to tell you what they recommend?


Appreciate all the advice you guys can give me! Thanks so much!

Best,
Ashley

[tex]

Hi Ashley,

Welcome to the group. I'll attempt to answer your questions.

1. have you experienced going to a GI doctor who is pushing you to have a procedure done?

It's routine for GI docs to insist on a new colonoscopy when taking on a new patient. That procedure is a prominent part of their income stream. Another reason why they keep insisting on additional colonoscopies is because they can't believe that their standard treatment plan doesn't work, so they keep looking for some other additional problem. But of course they never find that other problem. They sometimes make a lot of money looking for one, though.

2. I want to change doctors, do any of you live in San Antonio, TX, and know a good doctor that could help me?

I'm afraid I'm not aware of any suitable gastroenterologists in the San Antonio area. I live only about 125 miles from there, but doctors who understand MC are scarce as hen's teeth in most areas.

3. have any of you just relied on trying a new diet (fodmap, gluten-free, elimination) to see if your symptoms subside or have you always gone to a doctor to tell you what they recommend?

All of us go that route. Most of us use a doctor's services to get tests, diagnoses, and prescriptions (if we need them), but we treat our MC, ourselves. Many of us tried the medical route initially, and discovered that it either didn't help, or only brought temporary relief. MC is for life, so we have to have a treatment plan that will work for the rest of our lives. So we each develop our own customized diet plan so that we can get our lives back.

Again, welcome to the group, and please feel free to ask anything.

Tex

[JFR]

Since most doctors do not know now to treat MC there is no reason to consult them unless you need a prescription or a test ordered. I did this all on my own, no doctor involved. I followed the dietary advice I got on this forum. As long as I stick with the diet I don't have any problems, all symptoms gone. I am scrupulous about only eating the foods I know are safe and avoiding all those that I know aren't.

Jean

[CathyMe.]

I too had a GI with a terrible bedside manner....she told me just to "try gluten for the heck of it". She also told me if I stopped the medications that she had prescribed and just tried diet changes, she would see me back in her office within 2 months (it has been 2 years in remission now). Change your diet. I would recommend spending the $ on having testing done at Enterolab to see what your triggers are.
Good luck to you. This forum is a wonderful support!

[ashleyleon1992]

Hello all,

Apologies for my late reply. Thank you all for the information and advice. It is truly appreciated!