What to expect at Cleveland Clinic?

Myrne, I'm not sure of the reason for your 2nd opinion, and would be interested to know the details, but here's my experience at the CC. Background: I made an appt. up there originally due to jpouch problems that my local dr. could not handle (it was absolutely time to move on from his care). While waiting for the appt., a fistula appeared, so that took precedence over the other problems.

I took all my records, which the GI skimmed through while I was in the office with him, he asked questions, took a quick look-see "down there", and that was it. I was able to get squeezed in for a scope the next day, and he also ran lots of blood work. He talked to me quickly after the scope, put me on some meds (which did help). Since then, he experimented (my words) unsuccessfully with the fistula, so he sent me to a CR surgeon up there to deal with the fistula. I feel like I'm finally with the right doctor and on the right track, but it took over a year and about 6 trips up there to get there.

Here's my advice on how to cut to the chase and make the most of your first appointment: I would recommend that you call and/or email the doctor's nurse/scheduler, ask them what to expect, and ask whether any additional tests that are necessary can be scheduled while you are there (are you travelling?), prior to the office appointment/discussion. I wish I had known to do this, as I think it would have vastly improved the outcome of my first visit.

They expect you to take copies of your medical records with you, and discs containing your scans, MRIs, etc. Take a small recorder, ask whether s/he minds if you record your appointment. It's just too difficult to listen/take notes, and you might get a dr. with a strong accent that's not easy to follow. Have your list of questions written down. Ask your local GI for any additional questions to ask and write those down.

I tend to get a little overwhelmed when talking with doctors, so my first experience with them shouldn't really influence you as to whether you should go up there or not. At this point, I'm very relieved to be under their care and feel confident with CR surgeon I'm seeing there.

I'm very interested to hear how it works out for you - any other questions, let me know!

My trip to Cleveland is about a 6 hour round trip. We stayed overnight the first visit there, and that was the last time we needed to stay overnight. I had an EUA up there a couple weeks ago, and even that was a day trip.

If I had a GI here in town that I trusted, as you do yours, I would keep him, for sure. I think it's important to have a local doctor to help with acute matters, or just for quick look-sees, routine visits, meds., etc. Unfortunately, the doctor whose care I had been under (for my jpouch) reached his limit with me. Currently, I do not have a local GI or surgeon to help me out. I tried to find a GI, but got turned down (yes, it's true!) because of my jpouch and my fistulas - too complicated for those poor, over-educated doctors, ha ha.

I'm so glad to hear that your fistula healed - what a coup! Please repost when you get back, and let me know how it went, who you saw, what you thought, whether there's a treatment change, etc. By the way, the GI I saw at CC was Bo Shen.

Good luck!

I was with the CC, but when my insurance changed, I went to University Hospitals. When it comes to GI doctors I found UH was better.

where are University Hospitals? I assume that is what UH stands for

chelleh said...
The Cleveland Clinic saved my life. I have an amazing gastroenterologist Dr. Bo Shen. He corresponds with me through email within 24 hours if i have questions, the staff is very nice, and they treat you like you are important. I would recommend going there, and my doctor.

I saw Bo Shen as well. I asked him a few questions via email after my visit, and never heard from him again. Everyone raves about how great he is, but he didn't treat me very well at all. I also got a $4,200 bill in the mail after giving them my insurance card when I was there. After calling the billing office, apparently they didn't run it through. I wish I knew why my experience with him was so different than yours.

I was originally supposed to see Dr. Bret Lashner, but he ended up having hospital duty during the week I was scheduled. So the nurse called and said she could get me in with Bo Shen, who is the best doctor that they have, and is so great with patients because he is always in touch via email. All of that was a load of BS in my opinion. He left town while I was there and had another GI do my scopes. It was a waste of thousands of dollars in my opinion. I wish I would have waited to see Dr. Lashner.

I went to Cleveland Clinic in April of last year to see a colorectal surgeon, not a GI doctor. I have a complication that no one in my area - Philly had experience with.  Prior to CC I went to U of Penn, Temple U Hospital and top colorectal surgeon in NYC at now closed St.Vincent's Hospital.

I found the whole experience at CC wonderful, great hotel on the premises, shuttle service to and from the hospital buildings, and talk about high tech, new and spotless- I was very impressed.

All the staff, nurses and the surgeon I had an appointment with were very pleasant and attentive.

I had with me ALL of my documents from the last 2 years – scopes, x-ray, MRI, doc notes, list of medicines, etc. Prior to seeing the doctor – that I made an appointment 4 months ahead, I spent about 1 hr filling out a questioner on I Pad like device, then doctor spent 1 1/2 hr with me going over my symptoms and records, (needless to say she liked that I had my records) then about 30 min examining me. After that I spent 30 min with nurse practitioner who explained and showed me what should have been explained over a year before. I can honestly say that even those 30 minutes with nurse practitioner was worth paying to fly to CC and paying for hotel, meals, etc. My insurance paid most of the medical part – I was left with about $300; that bill, hotel and flight expense I used as an itemized deduction. Unfortunately, there is no “fix” for me, it can never be “the way it was before surgery” at least right now, but my quality of life has been greatly improved because of what I learned at CC.

Surgeon’s name is Tracy Hull.

Professor of Surgery
Director, Pelvic Floor Unit
Department of Colon and Rectal Surgery
Cleveland Clinic

I'm glad the visit to CC went well for you. You haven't mentioned which doctor(s) you saw there. Inquiring minds would like to know.

Thank you!!!