Has switching doctors helped anyone? (vent included LOL)

I am frustrated.  I have decided to give Humira a fair chance and I will.  But I am disappointed with my GI and am wondering if I should look for someone else.  But, I don't know what else anyone could do for me.  The only thing I can think of that may make a difference is that my GI rushes through colonoscopies like it's some sort of race and he may be missing something?  I can't understand why I am SO SICK with only rectal problems and why nothing works.  Is it that I am just one of the untreatable?  During my last doctor's appointment, my GI totally went against a few things he told me during my previous visit.  I SWEAR, swear swear that he said as a last resort, a surgeon could dialate my rectum and cut away the rectal ulcer and see what happens.  Well on my last visit, I said I would like to give that a try and he told me he had never said such a thing, that it would be considered malpractice to do that surgery on a person with UC.  Then he said well he is not certain I don't have Crohn's but he swore to me that he had never recommended that surgery to me!  I know he did and I told him that!  He said I was wrong!  Then when I asked him what tests I could take for Crohn's, and he said well when was your last upper GI SBFT, I said uh, NEVER!  And he said surely you have had it!  And looked though my chart desperately trying to find some proof!  Hmph!  He didn't find them, because I never had them!  I am starting to wonder if he has me confused with another patient, or he is crazy, or what!!?  I wish I lived in a bigger city, cause I would look for someone else.  Sorry for the long vent.  So, have any of you seen better improvements with a new GI?  What did they do differently?  Should I quit this GI?

In my 17 yrs with IBD, I have gone through 4 GI's and it was worth it to get to the one I have now, especially since he's a lead researcher for crohns and colitis in Canada, he's totally on board with natural supplements and probiotics of course as in my opinion, any good GI knows the need for probiotics and he doesn't have his head in the sand when it comes to an IBDer also being able to suffer with IBS as well...too many times I'll read posts that their docs are totally against any of the above and the way I see it, it's my health not theirs and if they're not on board with current info and have an open mind then they're simply not worth the time or money.

:)

It doesn't seem like he really wants to play on your team.

If your insurance would cover a 2nd opinion, I'd go check it out. If you don't like doc #2, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

He is pretty much your employee. If you don't like him, and if you can fire him, do it! It seems like most of us have flare issues when we are stressed. This is a stress you just don't need.

I'm so sorry that you are getting the runaround with this doc. I agree by all means that if you are not happy with your current GI then it's time to find another. I know you're in a small town but if you have to travel to get to a good GI then I say it's worth it. To me, it sounds if this doc has too many patients. I've been with my GI for 11 years now and I wouldn't trade him for anything. He can get a little busy but he always tells me that if I should have any problems, don't hesitate to contact him. He even remembers the personal details like the family, my hobbies etc.

My last GI was SO awesome! I was super bummed to leave him when we moved. My first visit with him was an eye opener. I described my symptoms then - watery D, several times a day, etc. and he said "you shouldn't be happy with this".

Your raport with your GI should be good. A second opinion is never a failure.

You're right to rant!

Switching GIs helps sososososososo much! I am on my third and he is amazing, and actually listens to me, and asks me what I want after telling me my options instead of just telling me what im going to do. I could go on and on about how much he rules and how horrible the other two were but basically feeling as though you are in good hands and trusting your GI is amazingly important, and i think absolutely key in feeling better!

I've had nothing but bad luck when it's come to Gastro's as well. The first Dr that diagnosed me with UC was more interested in what I shot on my golf game the day I realized I was sick. In fact when he did a sigmodoscopy, my first scope of any kind he did no prep and no sedation. That was one of the worst experiences of my life. During the whole procedure he was singing and dancing. (he had brought a radio into the room with him) and he was so proud of himself that he completed the procedure within a single song. Later I found out that he had medical conditions of his own and was forced to retire. I was his last patient.

I've had several other gastro since then and with the exception of 1 none of them have really sat down and talked to me about my condition, options, or Meds. Most everything I've learn has been on this site.

I guess what I am saying is, keep looking princess, you'll find someone who cares about your ***.

sorry couldn't resist that one.

And, Princesscolon, I FORGOT to tell you that I had to change gastros in the middle of a UC crisis in 1993. It felt like a ball was bouncing back & forth in my colon, I was losing weight because it made me too uncomfortable to eat, etc., etc., plus I had gotten a staph infection while on Cortenemas. I was getting weaker by the day! Luckily, a CCFA-listed gastro I had gone to for a 2nd opinion 3 yrs before that welcomed me back, and gave me the care that my condition required. My colon was just centimeters shy of blockage on the left side! This Angel of Mercy then wrote a letter to my 1st gastro stating the seriousness of my condition & what med it required, not because I intended to go back there, but to let that doctor know that a peer agreed with my complaints! So, yes, it can be colon-saving to change gastros ... / Old Hat