Do you ever feel like Doctor's office workers don't take you seriously?

[Crohnsnewbie]

I've been sick for 11 months. I was put on Lialda after calling the doc office multiple times saying the pill PENTASA was too big for me to swallow. (I did take it a few times but just couldn't keep taking it without gagging or almost choking). So I was put on Lialda. (I cut it in half since it's a tablet) I've been on it almost 4 months and I still can't work or get out much. I want to call and have my doc put me on something else but I'm afraid he won't because the women in the office have an attitude when I call because of the pill thing last time. I must be a "difficult" patient? I've never been but maybe they see me that way? Plus my doc would prob make me have an appointment which I can't afford........$155-$200 up front (no insurance, no medicaid because I'm waiting on disability.) Do you think if I call and keep saying my Crohns is not getting better quick enough he would put me on something else?

I feel like doctors and the workers in the office are just acting like I'm just paranoid and difficult.

I've been in statcare for multiple infections whether UTI or pinkeye and antibiotics have made me worse also. Much worse! Doc ordered a stool sample test for me at the one hospital lab. I turn that bag in tomorrow lol. Hope regardless of what they say they give me SOME PILLS! I need to work again or something........

 

[lowone]

I would look into how to file a complaint about your doctors office.

Bad news... You are not supposed to break, cut, crush, or chew Lialda... Doing defeates the brown "special" coating on it that keeps the pill intact tell it gets to the right ph in you your ileum & colon to dissolve.

 

[Crohnsnewbie]

The Doctor said Lialda is able to be crushed because it releases in your whole body for anti-inflammatory purposes, but only helps your intestines. Pentasa was a gel capsule an inch long and was only released at the site which never really helped out anyway.

 

[sawdust]

I love my GI!!

I would however like to kick the **** out the woman who runs her office. Doesn't answer the phone, doesn't return messages, doesn't pass messages onto the dr etc. I have to phone and phone and phone.. drives me nuts

Does your GI know you feel this way about other employees at her practice? You don't have to "taddle," but I've found that doctors are sometimes unaware of this kind of thing. She might appreciate knowing? You might appreciate her knowing too.

 

[ThanksP]

You shouldn't cut or crush Lialda. Maybe you need a new doctor instead.

 

[Crohnsnewbie]

I only got pain again after being on antibiotics for one week, I know my Lialda is working because when I wasn't on antibiotics I didn't have pain in my intestines.

 

[ThanksP]

Try some 0% PLAIN Greek Yogurt. The antibiotics mess up the bacteria in your gut. The greek yogurt (even just a few spoonfuls per day) will help with that. Even people without IBD have GI distress when taking antibiotics. But make sure to get a good brand of yogurt (Chobani or Fage NOT Dannon) and don't get anything with fruit, etc in it. I usually add a teeny bit of local honey to help with the taste.

 

[Crohnsnewbie]

why not Dannon? My sis has some in the fridge that says 100% natural. Is it because of the sugar? I take probiotics and yogurt would prob help, I have to go try to go to the store soon Or in a few days!

 

[ThanksP]

Dannon does not make a quality Greek yogurt compared to the others. They just recently got into the greek yogurt making business so I don't trust 'em LOL. I get the 0% fat because it doesn't taste as strong yet still has the good protein and cultures. Regular yogurt has less protein and more sugar, even the plain version.