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Posted 8/14/2012 5:13 PM (GMT 0)
Hope you can help me.  I need to know what kind of General Doctor would be the best to use since I have this colostomy.  My current DR just doesn't have the knowledge I need.  She doesn't even want to look at my stoma and I need some help in finding a new doctor.  I am in Hudson, Ohio near the Akron, Kent, Stow area.

Thanks again

Irene

 

Posted 8/14/2012 6:35 PM (GMT 0)
The only doctor who really looks at my stoma is my colorectal surgeon (or the stoma nurse). I rely on her, my stoma nurse, and my gi for issues related to my intestines. My primary doctor handles routine things and refers me to specialists for non routine things.

I think my experience is more the norm, although not positive. Not sure it's reasonable to want a primary doc who knows about stomas. Although you should be able to talk about things w/her and definitely get referrals to the people who can help. If you don't like her, maybe it is time for a new one.

Sorry can't help you w/that part of the country.
Posted 8/14/2012 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Irene!! And welcome!

I had a colectomy, ileostomy, and hysterectomy in March of 2011. I also had the diagnosis of ovarian cancer. I was overwhelmed and found a new local GP. (general practitioner) I went to him and told him ALL my things going on, and wanted him to be "in charge" of keeping everything straight. I have found the surgeon, the gynecological oncologist, the chemo dr., etc all focus on just their speciality. I am certainly glad they do, but I needed someone overall to know and care. I found him, and it's wonderful. I do live in a small community, so I am just not a number to him. It has been wonderful to have him, and his sweet staff! Perhaps you need to shop around and dind the one hou can feel the most comfortable with...thats what I did. This really doesn't answer your question, but I just wanted you to know I care!

Mollie
Posted 8/15/2012 12:17 AM (GMT 0)
I agree with Blueglass, my PCP doesn't have much knowledge about my stoma and ileo. If I have a problem, I see my surgeon or my stoma nurse. My PCP is a wonderful, amazing woman with much knowledge in other areas and I rely on her to help with my overall health.

However, if you are not comfortable with your current PCP, then look for another but don't be surprised if that Dr doesn't have much experience with colostomy patients.
Posted 8/15/2012 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm, do you really like one of your specialists? Maybe the next time you have an appointment, you can ask them for primary care physician recommendations? But I do think that knowing about stomas/etc. is probably outside of the GP realm.
Posted 8/15/2012 2:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the replys.  My surgeron is actually at the James Cancer Center in Columbus Ohio which is about a 2 1/2 hour drive.  I did not know about using a nurse and I will call Akron General and see if they have an ostomy nurse.  This was all so soon and now I find out I will be having a second surgery which will make a stoma for urine instead of me just having one stoma that urine and stool pass through it looks as if they will make 2 stomas at the end of September .

I guess I didn't realize how not every doctor knows about stomas and just tired of muplity doctors and trying my best to know what is normal and what is not because it is all unnormal for me at this time

Irene

 

Posted 8/15/2012 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
Its my experience that GPs or family doctors are scared as heck to deal with really sick people. And of course, they don't have the skills. I  have had a very difficult time the last 10 years (last 4 of which have been filled with surgeries) getting someone to manage everything for me. I know it sucks, but you really have to try to take charge of it yourself. It seems that no matter what these docs rarely speak to each other and then when adverse things happen, they just try to throw the ball back and forth into each others court with no one helping you or solving your problem.

So I would suggest you try to find a good Gastroentinologist doctor in your area. GIs are generally more capable and spend more time dealing with post-surgical issues than colorectal surgeons. However, if you are having particular issues with your stoma, you  might want to deal with an ostomy nurse from your colorectal surgeons office.

also Irene - you are not very far from the Cleveland Clinic. Their GIs and colorectal surgeons are some of the best in the nation.

good luck.

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