First appointment with new GI doc....

I liked him right away.  He is in his 60s - lots of experience - made me feel very comfortable and that he cared!

He ask me a lot of questions and I ask him quite a few.  We seemed to agree that my treatment so far as ok - except for me being on prednisone so long.  I told him why (the incompetent staff my first doctor had).  He agree with my second doctor - actually he knows him well even though we are 150 miles apart.  They are both active in lecturing, etc. about IBD and IBS.

He agreed I have my UC under control good enough.  He told me his biggest concern would be first bleeding, second - number of BM's in a day - last is urgency.  If those get worse or come back he wants to see me.  He said my 1-3 BMs a day (only mornings), no urgency I can't control and no bleeding is good. 

He agreed on using Cortifoam when I feel symptoms such as left sided pain or have a little mucous or D and the Anusol suppositories if rectum hurts.  He stressed how a certain amount of steroid is absorbed and he wants me to limit only to when I need them.  He ask me about using Canasa and I told him all mesalamines caused me to be worse.  He said maybe in Fall he would do a scope and if all looked pretty good he would like me to try Canasa or Rowasa again.  His experience he said is that some can use 5asa medications and enemas when they are not flaring so badly - some of us are just so sensitive to them. 

Makes sense to me!

Anyway, for now continuing on as I have.  He ok'd all supplements I take including Imodium, pepto bismal, Beano and Prilosec when I need them.

I asked about what to eat and he said "anything that agrees with you".  I have IBS so I know what "agrees" with me.  I am going to start adding a bit more fiber - very gradual like one pieceof wheat bread or little salad each day.

Will see him in October or call any time I need to.  They have a triage nurse who screens problems and will help me at any time.

Everyone have something special Thursday for my 70th birthday.  You guys have helped me so much - wish you could all meet up and celebrate!

ElaineNY

The new doctor is with a group about 23 miles away - easy to get to.  A doctor with this group (no longer there) removed my gallbladder 5 years ago.  There are 5 doctors and several NP, etc.  I feel confident I can have contact with them as needed.

I still have the Metamucil capsules and good idea to try them again - thanks. 

One thing I remembered the doctor said - he ask me if I was still taking the Align (as he looked over my list of medications) and I told him yes and he said "best thing you can do for yourself".  I told my husband my fear with this doctor was that he would be "old" and set in his ways but he was open to all treatments for anyone.  I mentioned that another doctor told me I would never be a candidate for drugs like Remicade or Humira.  He said he does not count anyone out - no matter what age, etc. He has an 85 year old patient doing very well on Remicade.  He also stated he felt trying everything possible before considering surgery.  I am very conservative so liked to hear that. I also told him I would consider trying Canasa or other mesalamines later if he thought I could tolerate them!

Hey, my last day to be in my 60's LOL - and I am going to the VA with my husband who is getting his port replaced - fun fun!

ElaineNY

ElaineNY