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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 7/11/2014 1:07 AM (GMT 0)
I am thinking about looking for a new gi/ dr. I really like the person I am seeing but he is often out of town (semi retired) and I know I will need to find someone new eventually. If you love your dr (or had someone you think I should avoid) I would appreciate it if you would share your experiences. TIA!
Posted 7/11/2014 5:35 AM (GMT 0)
I went to school for a few years at UB. Not sure if there are any good GIs there or not. I'm a big fan of finding a GI at a major teaching or University hospital or major medical center.

If you are close enough to Cleveland then it might be worth the road trip to the Cleveland Clinic to find a GI who specializes in IBDs. I go to NYC to the IBD specialist who helps me with flares and I have a local GI who does C-scopes and routine visits (he's also my PCP) it works out really well for me. If I'm not well enough to drive I'll speak to IBD specialist over the phone.
Posted 7/11/2014 12:31 PM (GMT 0)
My current dr just retired from teaching at UB's medical school. The medical school/community here is pretty high tech these days, billions if dollars have gone into it in the past 10 years. I am not "sick" enough to warrant going to to Cleveland, but I have some family connections at the Cleveland clinic should the need arise.
Posted 7/11/2014 6:41 PM (GMT 0)
I go to Buffalo medical group..Dr Miqdadi. He's been a good doctor to me. Always answers my questions and takes his time in the appointments. I've been very happy as a patient even though I've never been able to acheive remission. Can't blame him because I've been through all the meds and he's always been open to trying new meds.
Posted 7/13/2014 6:33 AM (GMT 0)
Have you looked at ccfa.org "physician finder" section? There are likely some affiliates practicing in your area. Once you get names you can find out more info. on their background from the NYS physician registry online. I've used both for doctors in downstate NY. / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 7/13/2014 1:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Indy! OldHat- for some reason CcFA doesn't list any physicians in the buffalo area.
Posted 7/13/2014 1:29 PM (GMT 0)
My sister lives in Buffalo and she raves about Dr. Wells, he's a GI with his own practice in several locations around WNY.
Posted 7/14/2014 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
Did you try contacting [email protected] ---? Their office is in Rochester, but Website says they serve Buffalo & surrounding counties. (Western NY Chapter of CCFA) / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 7/14/2014 1:58 AM (GMT 0)
BeatUC, Dr. well's has office space in my children's pediatric practice, that is too funny! Does your sister also have UC? I have often wondered about him in the past year as I have sat in the waiting room with my boys.
OldHat, I have called CCFA and have yet to reach a human, but I have left several messages and sent emails but haven't received a response. They aren't high on my list if helpful folks! I suppose I could try and get to a support meeting to talk to folks.
I know my dr will refer me when he does fully retire and I do like him, I just dislike the fact that he is out of town so much these days.
Posted 7/14/2014 11:58 AM (GMT 0)
Yes my sister has UC, UC/CD runs in my family. She has been seeing Dr Wells for at least 10 years and just loves him. My experience with CCFA has been the same, a bunch of do-nothing robots whose primary function is to raise money for the national office, they suck...

Post Edited (beatUC) : 7/14/2014 12:29:59 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 7/14/2014 2:04 PM (GMT 0)
Just asked my friend with CD who he sees and he is also a patient of Dr. Wells. Had nothing but good things to say about him.
Posted 7/15/2014 12:03 AM (GMT 0)
That's bad news that CCFA regional office doesn't respond to calls. Maybe they lack a paid staff & rely on volunteers ... ? In any case, I hope you'll be able to connect with Dr. Wells and get the care you need. Not a comforting thought knowing that your current MD goes out-of-town a lot. Does he/she have another local doctor "cover" during absences or are you expected to use nearest ER if urgent issues crop up? / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 7/15/2014 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
There is always another doctor covering his practice. He is part of a large group, I just don't like the other doctor that I had to deal with a couple of months ago. I really love my doctor, he is also not a GI, but a colorectal specialist and while he is wonderful, the last doctor I had to talk to seems to deal more with doing colonoscopies than treating patients. I am not ready to switch yet, but I want to start searching for someone new. My own doctor is a true researcher and lives when I come in with questions and was thrilled I had brought in my UBiome results at my last appointment. I just feel like I need to get my ducks in a row when he finally takes the plunge and retires for good!
I do think the CCFA office is mostly volunteers here.
Posted 7/18/2014 7:07 AM (GMT 0)
(Just FYI.) It happened that I went to my gastro's office on Thu & spotted a brochure there from CCFA's Information Resource Center. The brochure invites IBDers to call M-Fri toll-free from 9 AM-5 PM (888) 694-8872 to "find a gastroenterologist, support groups, and educational programs in your area" -- or to get other help. / Old Hat (33 yrs with left-sided UC; presently in remission taking brandname Colazal)
Posted 7/18/2014 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, OH!
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