Talking to new GI doc....

I could really use some advice/opinions/suggestions on this one. I see a new GI doc on Tuesday. I have only seen one other GI doc, the one I have had for the past 2 months. I am wondering how to prepare for the appt. I have written down a list of everything I can think of about symptoms/tests/treatments/medical history, to give to the new doc.

My worries are that he won't take enough time to listen or understand what's really going on. And I do not know how to approach the subject of the past GI doc and his treatment of my problems. The GI currently treating me has seen me for an appointment 1 time, the very first visit. He didn't read any of my chart, asked limited questions, then gave me some prescriptions and ordered endoscopy, colonoscopy, and ultrasounds of abdomen and pelvis. Was then dx with gastritis and IBS. After the tests, he said, keep taking the meds and see me in 3 months. He didn't even know if the current meds worked, or anything!!!! He simply doesn't care. I have been in contact with his nurse multiple times about med adjustments, etc, and it has become apparent that the doc and nurse do not communicate with each other. The doc also does not chart any med changes he makes. It's a mess. The meds aren't working and I am miserable.

My case is rather complicated. I havea mild case of Spina Bifida, which has caused extensive damage to my bladder and bowels. However, I never sought treatment for the bowel stuff til 6 months ago due to embarrassment and shame. I have chronic constipation and severe bowel incontinence. Was told by the woman at the biofeedback center that she couldn't help me because "my colon is basically not functioning." I am taking multiple meds, including miralax, linzess, dulcolax, and a PPI. I seem to go thru a cycle of going 1-2 weeks with no bm, then the nurse sends me for x-rays to rule out obstruction, tells me to drink bowel prep stuff (for colonoscopies). That causes diarrhea which lasts anywhere from 24-48+ hours. Then we start all over again. Obviously, they are not solving any problems, they are merely preventing a severe crisis from happening. Have had about 5 or so x-ray sessions in the past few months, all of which show buildup of stool on left side of colon, yet colonoscopy comes back normal.

So, when I see the new GI next Tuesday, what do I say about the previous doc's treatment? I have heard that docs don't like patients who badmouth their previous docs, but I have absolutely nothing good to say about that guy. The current GI read NOTHING about my medical hx, and when he did the colonoscopy, he saw the stoma on my abdomen (where I catheterize thru), and called it an ulcer. He actually had his surgical team call me to schedule surgery to "repair" it!!! What a joke!!!

Sorry this has gotten so long.....I just really NEED this appt with the new doc to go well. I really need help and I want my life back. I am so anxious about this appt. Any advice or anything about what to say/what not to say to this new doc would be wonderful!!!


Please, Please, Please help.

Thanks for your time,

Sunny

When you go in to see the doctor: If he asks you to tell him what you're there for / what the problem seems to be, say, "I've written it all down here." And pass him the lists. Let him READ all the information before having to describe your situation verbally. This way you force him to consider your lists in entirety.

Once he's read the lists OR when he asks you for it, give him a folder containing copies of all your medical test results - X-rays, lab reports, etc. Have these results in order of significance so that when he flicks through the first few, he is seeing results that he will understand to be clinically significant.

Don't bring up your previous doctor if you can help it. But if he asks you why you're changing doctors, have something ready to say. Maybe someone else can help you with what to say, because I'm not quite sure.

You're welcome. I really hope your appointment goes well.

I'm trying to think of creative ways to work in your "quality of life" issues into the lists. I don't exactly know how it affects your life, so I'm going to give you an example using my own health-quality of life issues.
Symptoms:
•Disrupted sleep > fatigue and confused thinking > affects ability to do everyday tasks
•Chronic pain > limits involvement in everyday activities
•Constipation > feeling of fullness > don't enough food
•Indigestion > hard to absorb nutrients > fatigue and weakness
•Allergies > can't go to many places that I want to go to

Medical history:
•Diagnosed with Celiac via blood test and endoscopy (17/03/2014) > gluten-free diet > difficulty with nutritionally balancing meals

Thanks for your support. I will definitely let you know how the appointment goes!!