My follow up visit

So I had my follow-up visit on Thursday. It basically went how I thought it would - My new doc is nice enough, but she doesn't recommend any alternative treatments which I can't say I agree with. I also asked about LDN and she said she can't prescribe something she's not familiar with though she has read some articles on it. Boooo.

But the good news I suppose is - I'm taping off prednisone well (hardly any mood swings this time around, symptoms don't seem to be returning), my blood pressure was great, I've put on two pounds, and even though I thought otherwise my inflammation was considered "moderate". I was also given a big box of lialda samples to tide me over until I hear back from Shire about whether or not I get Rx assistance (which I desperately need).

I wonder, though, if it might be worth looking into a new GI? Like I said, she is a very sweet woman... I guess I just want to know what else I can do besides MEDS MEDS MEDS to help myself. I feel like it's going to be very hard to find someone who is open minded enough to recommend alternative treatments, though. Thoughts?

I agree with everything fruitgirl said. I also think if you want to try alternative treatments, it may be best to seek other types of doctors instead of a new GI. You can work with this woman if you're comfortable with her and like her and also with a natropathic doctor or a nutritionist or whomever you choose. I doubt most GIs are going to be very open to alternative therapies. My GI is quite openminded but she will not prescribe LDN. She is open to psychological therapy, hypnosis, trying alternative diets... She's never mentioned having any of her patients having luck with diet and balks when I bring up restricting my diet but she's never discouraged me from doing so. Diet is one thing you are 100% control of and you can alter yours whenever and however you wish. You can also add OTC supplements and herbs if that's something you're interested in. I've tried tons of stuff but nothing has helped. I spent a lot of money trying things without much luck, at this point, I feel discouraged about alternative therapies - but I am just one individual and different things work for each person so I recommend everyone try anything they desire to try.

I agree with previous posters responses.

It will be rare and special if you find a GI who is also open to alternative treatments. Some on this forum have done that but IMO it is rare. I've had 4 GI's over 11 years and none of them go outside the box. I do however have the card of an alternative MD locally to use if/when I decide to try LDN. Other therapies like FT you are on your own unless you live in Australia (Borody) and can pay the fee.

Most MD's and GI's are deathly afraid of malpractice suits and that is understandable. Alternative treatments do not have a lot of studies and the ones that do are embraced very slowly. Probiotics comes to mind in that regard. VSL#3 has the studies backing it's use for UC and my GI suggested it over a year after I was using it successfully lol.

Let's face it, this forum is on the bleeding edge (pun alert) of new UC therapies unlike medical school graduates who are trained to go by the book which is generally a very good idea. However they don't personally have unmanageable UC symptoms and let's face it they will stay in business longer with a returning customer not a cured one.

If your GI will partner with you and not berate you for trying alternatives then stick with them. Find another doctor to try alternatives. And let each of them know about the other and what meds/alternatives you are taking.