How many GIs have you been through?

Interesting...I just met with my GI today for the first time after my diagnoses.  He made me feel the same way. I think they feel threatened of the information on the internet...and they BIG eggheads...you know, having a speciality et al.  I find very intelligent people who are PhDs tend to know the subject matter very well but it's a trade off with having very poor interpersonal skills.

I'm gona give my doc a try. I just won't mention the internet to him. He can give me the meds but I need to take care of the rest of the damage goods that come with UC.  That why I'm here on this forum. Support groups are great and there no reason I can't learn something new and try some thing different as long as it doesn't affect the meds.;)

Doesn't help to keep changing doctor's, you'll never get established with one who knows your history.

I have been to 2. I had a different GI when I lived on the east coast. I liked my GI on the east coast but apparently she told my boyfriend that my situation was not "too serious" and that I was "fine" and he still brings that up when I tell him I am worried. I like my GI in CA. I went to her before I moved east and I was happy to see her when I returned to CA. She is actually open to ideas I mention to her. She is interested in probiotics and worm-therapy and doesn't treat me like I am crazy if I suggest these things.

I don't think there is anything wrong with looking around for the right doctor. You're paying, you should see someone you are comfortable with.

I'm on my first and only for 21 (and counting) years.

Mine does not like to be challenged. For instance, he says maintenance on Asacol is 4 a day, not six as I was told by another GI. Four a day just doesn't sound right for pancolitis.

He doesn't like to be challenged. Up until this point, he's been writing the scripts I need begrudgingly.

I'm on my 2nd.  I didn't like the first one and looked at options for finding another doc.  The second GI I found I have liked so far.

Currently don't have one, but my insurance don't cover office visits, so I try to avoid seeing one, although knowing what is going on down exactly there would be good to know.

I can be a doctor it is easy :)

1. take X amount of Asacol, if it doesn't work up the dosage, if it still don't work then
2. change to new drug or add in a steroid drug, redo step 1.
3. if step 1 and 2 doesn't work take immune reducing drugs like remacade, immuran, etc.
4. none of the above work (jackpot!$$$$) time for surgery.

I'm being silly, but really, how hard is it to prescribe X drug for X condition.

I am on my third. I was with my first Gi (who dx me) for 6 years. I loved him. He put me in remission and regarding the internet, when I was dx he told me to avoid the internet because it is full of worst case stories and there are so many varying severities with UC. I tthink that was a very appropriate way to explain it. He seemed to care and I know he is a leader in the GI field where I lived.
Unfortunately I moved and had to get a new GI. And, unfortunately I flared for the first time in 7 years and I was pregnant! I had to go to my new GI who I LOATHED!!!! not Loved but LOATHED! He and his secretary were the worst, most insensitive people. I just cant even bring myself to think about them anymore.. So, I changed GI's and now I am fine with my new one. He is sooo close to my house (3 mins) and his secreatry gets me in if its important. He has an in office nurse which is not cmomon in Canada. She will talk to me oon the phone if needed and in one case had my GI call me back. That is not common in Canada.
So, I am fine with him even though is is very very conservative with meds. I hope that he helps me get back into remission and I hope to stick with him for the long haul.

2. Love my second GI!

Oh and I agree that four Asacol a day isn't very much.