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Good GIs at Mayo Clinic (MN)?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/20/2008 11:12 PM (GMT 0)
P.S. to previous message: I meant to say that while fasting for blood tests, one can/should still drink water. Another demerit for Mayo staff if they didn't clarify that point to you when you made the appointment! / Old Hat
Posted 3/21/2008 12:44 AM (GMT 0)
I made a visit to Mayo over 10 years ago for arthritic problems. It's NEVER a quick visit. It's always a long thing. Shame on them for not letting you know.

My Gma-in-law has been there quite a lot in the last few years. Bladder cancer survivor. The first trip was super stressful as they were trying to figure out where, when, what, etc.

It's really too bad that you had such a MISERABLE experience at the hospital of hospitals. I hope whatever path you choose from here for your docs that it is smoother than the one you've travelled!
Posted 3/21/2008 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
Hi. They told me I could have small sips of water if absolutely needed, so I did have a few, but I usually drink a ton of water so I was still pretty thirsty. Yeah, I could see if anyone here or on the Crohn's board has suggestions. The GI I was seeing before the Mayo one was actually a recommendation from someone who used to post here, and while that GI is nice, he doesn't seem to know his stuff (as you probably remember from some of my previous posts). I don't know. I am just really sick of UC and of doctors. I probably sound really picky, but really I just want someone who is up-to-date on the meds and UC in general and who has at least okay bedside manner. I'm pretty far away from family right now and really don't get to see them much, but that is a good suggestion. I might be moving soon anyway if I find a new job, so I may have to start the GI search all over again if/when I move. Thanks for listening to me rant and for all your help. When you go to your appointments do you have to talk to the intern/fellow more or do you get a significant amount of time with the GI?
Posted 3/21/2008 1:06 AM (GMT 0)
You should have a doc you are comfortable with. One you believe is compentent to treat you. One that is treating you with the best that can be.

Teaching hospitals do have the "extras" tagging along. I usually don't mind talking with them. However, you should still see the doc to have your questions answered.

This doc's "bedside" manner doesn't really impress me...

Why can't this DD be easier!?!?!
Posted 3/21/2008 1:16 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, dakotagirl. I know...I really wish there were more clear-cut answers regarding UC and our meds, treatment plans, etc. It seems like many GIs treat their patients differently, say different things. It confuses me.

The trip wasn't super horrific or anything, just more long and annoying and not what I was expecting, kind of disappointing, I guess. I am sure it is a great clinic for many illnesses/diseases and many people, and I would still consider going back. Maybe it would be better the second time since I would know what I was getting myself into.
Posted 3/21/2008 1:29 AM (GMT 0)
The trip I made to Mayo was one of the most depressing experiences in my life. It was a dark, cold winter. (really it was! sounds like some novel, right?!?!) The facilities around the clinic were not what they are now. We stayed in this AWFUL boarding house. I started crying as soon as we walked into the room. I was a junior in high school and wasn't supposed to be broken and need fixing!!! THEN, my dad ended up with a migraine... The next morning the rat races began. Labs, this waiting room, that waiting room. AHHHH!!! Stressful just remembering...

Now that I'm an adult and am not so terrified of all things medical, it would be an easier trip. Knowing makes all of the difference.

There is no reason to make a decision right now - take your time, see how you feel about it later. See what results come of the trip. Maybe start sending your other GI copies of the research you read?!?! Get him up to date - hahaha ;-)

If this disease weren't so confusing, everyone would have it! Oh gosh, I hope not - but it sounded good...

I think I should get ready for bed...
Posted 3/21/2008 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
"Extras tagging along"-- ha! They can be such nuisances, and are indeed a major drawback to pursuing treatment at medical school-affiliated clinics/hospitals. It's especially annoying if a patient has to pay up front because the doctor doesn't accept insurance; one is shelling out a lot of $$$ when the institution should be giving a discounted fee for patient's participation in training these postdoc fellows et al. (My take on it!) There's a big difference between private practice offices & training places, from what I've experienced. With a tag-along the patient is forced into a three-way interaction & may not feel free to speak up or ask the doctor many questions because his/her attention is split. Picture this rather silly scene I found myself in at one appointment last year: the gastro was standing to my right & shook my right hand-- when the "extra", standing to my left, actually reached across my waist trying to grab my right hand at the same time! I stopped the nonsense by reaching with my free left hand to nab the "extra's" & give it one very quick shake /release-- hoping to be rid of this intruder forever! Again, I'm sorry you had this bad experience at Mayo, Sara; these situations are all too common in our lives-- the multiple copy forms to fill out, etc. Hope you'll have a chance to rest up over the holiday weekend & enjoy some pleasant distractions. / Old Hat
Posted 3/21/2008 1:15 PM (GMT 0)
I had to meet seperately with the fellow. The doctor wasn't in the room at the time. So, it was like 2 seperate meetings and really annoying because I had to repeat everything twice and I had to wait so long to see both of them. I wouldn't have cared much if they were both in the room at the same time. I've done that before at other clinics a few times, like with my family doc. and when I was in the hospital for my tonsils.
Posted 3/21/2008 1:17 PM (GMT 0)
BTW, LOL at your handshake story!
Posted 3/22/2008 1:38 AM (GMT 0)
Yep, I wanted to morph into an octopus to deal with that "extra"! Dakota Girl has really thought up a good name for those med students/postdoc fellows, don't you think? Has a nice irony to it. / Old Hat
Posted 3/22/2008 3:21 AM (GMT 0)
I realize it is a bit of a hassle but when going to a teaching hospital one should expect having to repeat oneself to fellows or residents and then the doctor. I go to University of Chicago and I always meet with a resident or fellow first. So my appointment does take a bit longer than when I went to my doctor out in the burbs but I feel it is worth it because my doctors on are the cutting edge in regards medical treatment. Yes my doctor in the suburbs was more convienent and I was in and out in a sort amount of time. My suburban doctor was not as aggressive and as a result I became extrememly ill by the time I arrived at the University of Chicago Hopsital I had spiralled out of control and there was no choice to remove my colon.

I try to make the best out of the fellow part of the visit one time a resident was recapping my condition for the doctor in front of me....then part way through the exam the resident said "oh I forgot the patient has gained 20 lbs over the past year." My response, "oh yeah, let's not forger to mention that!" Then I told him I was just bustng his chops. I also use the fellow/resident protion of the visit to ask about what clinical trials are going I have learned that they are so eager to share what they know!

Erica
Posted 3/22/2008 3:24 AM (GMT 0)
PS if you didn't like him I cannot stress how much I LOVED Dr. Kane.....her specialty is IBD and the female patient.
Posted 3/22/2008 5:34 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for your input, Erica. How long is a typical visit for you at a leading university hospital? They expected me to stay there for 3-5 days to get all the testing they wanted, and at the very least to stay a whole day. As it was, I was there about 4 hours. I guess I just didn't really know what to expect.
Posted 3/22/2008 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
My first time at University of Chicago I was actually transferred in from a suburban hospital. So I had all my testing while I was a patient in the hospital so I didn't go in to the system the typical way. I had been hospitalized for 10 days then went home for 3 days then was back in the hospital for 3 days then transferred to the University of Chicago. Then four days later they were removing my entire colon-yikes! 2 weeks before all this started I was in the ER bleeding a ton and the suburban doctor gave me a few drugs and the GI sent me on my way. Looking back that's when I should have switch hospitals or at least gone for a second opinion. I was so uneducated and unprepared but I try not to dwell-regret can be a cancer of life!

Now when I go see my doctor I spend about 2 hours at the doctors office and I love my doctor so I do not mind. He is always available, as was Dr. Kane, via email so if a some comes up he responds promptly.
Posted 3/23/2008 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
Sara-- it turns out that Loftus is going to conduct a teleconference/Webcast for CCFA on Tue May 6 in the evening! The posted topic is IBD meds! You can see the announcement on their Website homepage, ccfa.org. Too bad this didn't come to light BEFORE your aggravating appointment. / Old Hat
Posted 4/16/2008 10:37 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I saw that, Old Hat! I signed up for it, not sure I'll tune in or not.

I just talked to the fellow at Mayo who is working with Loftus. It had been about a month since my appointment and I had heard nothing of my results from all the blood tests they gave me (although I got the ridiculously expensive statement from them...almost $2,000 for an appt. with some labs...about $1,000 of that was for their pathologists to re-read my c-scope slides), so I decided to call.

Anyway, the fellow told me to stop taking almost all the supplements I'm taking (including a multivitamin, probiotic, fish oil and Metamucil - after telling me to stop taking it, he said to me for the second time: "You must be taking this for constipation?" I told him at my appt. that I was taking it to bulk up the stool and again today over the phone...he didn't seem to understand the concept of a fiber supplement bulking up the stool...This was after I told him I'm still have 3-5 BMs a day...) He also told me to stop taking zinc. Then I told him my primary care doctor tested me for zinc 3 months ago and I was deficient so she put me on a supplement. My levels are fine now, but the PCP wants me to stay on the zinc supplement for now. To that the fellow said "that's strange because zinc deficiency does not result from UC" and told me I should stop taking the supplement.

Oh - and I have osteopenia. My PCP says it isn't accurate for me b/c females bones continue to mature until the age of 35 (and I'm only 24). The GI fellow said it is accurate b/c the DEXA scan results take age into consideration. I don't know what's right...I was trying to research it, but I have lost motivation for now.
Posted 4/17/2008 4:00 AM (GMT 0)
Sara, that Mayo fellow sounds like a total jerk! What a bummer that appointment turned out to be, all around. It seems like they just run on prestige from past accomplishments there. Phooey on that! It basically takes one good gastro to set you on the right course of treatment, but since that doctor hasn't yet materialized, I think you can safely continue with supplements your PCP recommended & try to phase out smoking to help protect your bones from further problems. Pretty appalling that the Mayo fellow doesn't know the value of fiber supplements, either-- my word!!!!!!!! Hang in there, in the meantime, you still have us to run things by. / Old Hat
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