doctor retiring

Hello! I am new to this forum, this is my first post. I am 46 years old, diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at 17 after years of pain and bloody stools. I had a total colectomy w ileostomy at 20 years of age. After that, I had approximately 10 good years, got pregnant after 7 years of trying with extensive fertility "help". I was fortunate to have one healthy boy at 29. I am very thankful for the 10 good years but since then, much stress also since then, I have had two resections, a complete hysterectomy, multiple hospitalizations, abdominal abcesses, and still having the worse pain I've had with CD the last few months. I had a ileoscope a few days ago, no CD seen in 30 cm but after 10 cm, my gastroenterologist heard a pop sound and then the scope was able to advance with much ease compared to the first 10 cm. I haven't been able to eat fiber for months because of partial obstructions. My pain is around the navel area and at times I am in the fetal position. I have to have pain meds to control the pain, which is something I have tried to avoid up until now. Anyway, my gastroenterologist is retiring in about a year I just found out. He is the one that diagnosed me 29 years ago and I thank God everyday for such a wonderful, compassionate, knowledgeable doctor that I have had the pleasure of knowing. I am so dreading having a different doctor after all these years, especially when my CD is being such a "pain in the *&%" right now. I am scheduled to have a CTE this week to see what is going on in the small intestine after those 30 cm. Currently on Cimzia injections, hydrocodone as needed, zoloft, xanax as needed. Now you know my story....just needing to talk with people that understand. Thank you for reading this long post! lol

Sounds similar to me. I had been seeing the same GI for 23 years, since I was a teenager, and he is retiring in March. I already found a new GI who I am very happy with so far (though it's only been two visits). I asked my old GI for recommendations, and one good thing is that he's retiring so he has nothing to lose, thus he is being very honest about other doctors and hospitals - who is good, who is not. Usually it's so rare for one doctor to criticize another and give patients honest info about such things.

But I understand, it's very nerve-wracking to have to start over with a new doctor after so long, especially one in whose hands you are literally putting your life. I had been very stressed about it, but am feeling better now that I am getting comfortable with the new doctor. Plus, the new doc is affiliated with a much better hospital!