I had a positive appointment today.

[katespade]

For anyone who is interested in my health update: I went to see a new GI specialist today.

She came into the room, sat down, and said, "What brought you here today?" I was not expecting such an open ended question, and my answer ended up being something like, "Oh... uhm... shoot. Well... it's a long story... see... uhm... I'm not sure... where to start..." Then I got my head together and started in on my, "It all started 13 years ago," story.

When I got to the end of my story she sat back, looked at her notes, and said, "Wow." LOL. I told her that I've had a frustrating amount of doctors try to tell me that there is nothing wrong and it's all in my head, and she agreed that the timeline of events doesn't add up to that being true. She also said that my timeline and symptoms do not really fit with something like IBS. She's leaning toward thinking I may have Crohn's or another IBD, which is a really scary possibility to me. It's not one I've ever really considered with any seriousness.

She has all sorts of tests and labs she wants me to do, including a colonoscopy. I have had an upper endoscopy done twice (which she also wants to repeat), but I haven't had a colonoscopy done. I gave her more details about my anxiety and my concern that I would not be able to mentally/emotionally handle the prep for a colonoscopy, and we put together a plan to hopefully get me through the prep because it is so important to do at this point. This plan includes a new type of prep, anti-nausea meds, and anti-anxiety meds.

I have told every doctor who has recommended a colonoscopy about my anxiety, and she is the first one who has actually listened, offered support, and offered options to try instead of just telling me that I'm just going to have to get over it and do it the same way everyone else does. I'm not looking forward to more testing, especially since it means taking more time off work, but I felt good about today's appointment.

I wasn't able to schedule my tests today, but I'll be scheduling them in the next week or so for sometime in the beginning of November.

[wanderingenough]

I'm glad you found a doc who seems to really be listening to your concerns. Proactive and generally interested in what will work for you as an individual is a great starting point!

[katespade]

wanderingenough - Now I just have to convince myself to follow through with the testing! O.O

[travelbug]

That is so great to hear! Your new doc sounds really awesome and understanding. I'm glad you found her and she is willing to work with you and not just tell you what you have to do!

[katespade]

travelbug - I'm in the middle of a month of appointment after appointment after appointment. I feel so bad every time I come back from an appointment with a new time off request for my boss. Last week was my GYN (which was a follow up from a 9/10 appt), today was my new GI, next week is my new PCP, and the week after is my new endo.

When I scheduled all of these appointments back in June, this seemed like a good idea. Haha.

[travelbug]

That is a lot of appointments for sure, that's nice that they are already set up. Why did you/do you have to change to a whole new set of doctors (if you don't mind me asking)

I hope your boss is nice about everything so you don't have to deal with a mean one on top of all the appointments

[katespade]

travelbug - My previous GYN, PCP, and endo have all left the area in the last nine months or so. I didn't have a problem finding a new GYN who would see me quickly, so I've been seeing her for seven or eight months now, but getting in to see a new PCP and a new endo took months.

My last GI lied to me regarding a set of scans she had me do that she knew she wouldn't be able to read. I couldn't trust her after that, so I finally worked up the nerve to find a new one.

[katespade]

travelbug - Oh! And my boss is awesome! She's very supportive of my time off requests because I've been pretty open with her about my health issues. I just feel guilty because I'm still pretty new and I don't like asking for so much time off. I have the PTO to cover it, but I still feel bad for asking.

[awick14]

katespade- I liked your post because it's a positive update, not because you may have some (scary) IBD or anything.

I am so glad that she seems to take you seriously and hopefully this gets things rolling for you!

[bk1]

I am so happy that you found someone so much better!!

My DH went to a GI specialist at the beginning of the year. He went through a upper endoscopy and colonoscopy. The doctor came back to talk to me as the nurse brought DH back to let the drugs wear off. DH was completely out of it and doesn't remember. The doctor told me that DH was "overreacting" and there was nothing wrong with him. I was LIVID!! UGH, RAGE from remembering that. I can't believe how awful some doctors can be.

So, DH is still having the same problems. He was so angry after working with that doctor that we haven't tried to find someone better.

[spankswife]

I am so glad you found a doctor who actually listened to you, and wants to help you. FX for a good followup!

[tacocat]

This is great that you've found a doctor that's really willing to listen and work with you! I hope y'all are able to figure things out with all the tests.

[katespade]

bk1 - That's what happened after my first endoscopy! I was 20 at the time and all they found was generalized inflammation, so the GI wrote a note to my PCP telling her that I was young and thin so I must just be trying to hide an eating disorder. WHAT?

[MrsMB]

So glad you have someone listening to you and HELPING you! Keep us updated!

[travelbug]

katespade I'm so glad your boss is super great with everything! Even though it's a pain finding all new doctors it sounds like it's for the better to find ones who will listen and help! I'm glad the one you just saw was wonderful and helping you figure all this out! Keep us posted and FX for more good things to come

[Deleted]

I am so glad to hear you found a doctor that listens to you.

[bk1]

Oct 2, 2014 8:48:13 GMT -5 katespade said:

bk1 - That's what happened after my first endoscopy! I was 20 at the time and all they found was generalized inflammation, so the GI wrote a note to my PCP telling her that I was young and thin so I must just be trying to hide an eating disorder. WHAT?

Ugh!! I totally understand how infuriating that is. I don't understand how a doctor can be so insensitive. DH was told in the end that he has IBS. I don't know if that is all there is to it.

[HoneySpider]

I'm glad you had a positive appointment! Keep us updated.

[estrellita]

Glad to hear your appointment went well! I hope you are able to get some answers!

[katiek]

I'm so glad she listened to you! This sounds like a good update I hope the testing can give you more answers!

[Deleted]

So glad to hear it!!!