Dr. drop me as patient

[brailledot]

I have some bleeding and urgent bowel movements (with frequent accidents), and would like to have these symptoms treated. It's been 2 years since my last colonoscopy, so my doctor recommended one.
I have post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSS) from past horrid medical experiences, so I told my doctor that I can't submit to that right now. He dropped me as a patient saying then he can't effectively treat me. Once he realized he couldn't coerce me into the test, he dropped me as a patient. I've seen a second doctor, who did the same thing. Is there a doctor anywhere who can treat crohn's without disregarding PTSS?
I know some doctors don't believe that PTSS even exists, but here's how I explain what it does to me:
After a colonoscopy, I feel as if I have been assulted. I feel it's comparable to a rape. Again this is how I FEEL, not what I believe has happened. Would you say to a rape victim,

"The rape is over honey; snap out of it and get on with your life!!"


How do I convince a doctor to treat me without a colonoscopy? No doctor is going to "fall" for "the emotional excuse". I think I have to make it beneficial for him/her; how are they going to make money off me if they don't submit me to tests?
Any advice?

 

[Terriernut]

My suggestion to you is to ask to have a 'pill cam' done. This wont be cheap for you. There is also the possibility that it wont work either, that it could get blocked. The other suggestion I have is a CT scan and an MRI.

Also, you will need a Barium with follow through. These are all 'non invasive'.

I wont kid you though, a colonscopy is a necessary proceedure. Biopsies are very important. These are done thru the colonoscopy and frankly can save your life. Bowel cancer is a killer, and if not caught early...well. The colonoscopy can be done under general anethesia if necessary for you.

You have a brain disorder if you have been diagnosed by a Dr with PTSS, if you need help to get treatment from a GI, you should get a letter from the Dr who diagnosed you with the disorder so that the GI's can work around it as much as possible!

 

[Crohn's 35]

I fully agree with terrinut, she knows what she is talking about and it would also help to know what country you are from. Some one could suggest a doctor in your area.

:welcome: to the forum!

 

[xJillx]

Hi and welcome to the forum. I am sorry your doctors have given up on you, because you won't have a colonoscopy done. However, I agree with Misty; a colonoscopy is very important to see the current status of your disease. Imagining tests just aren't as reliable and showing as a scope.

Where do you live? Do you receive full anesthesia for your scope? I am completely out of it for my tests, and don't even know what happened. The prep the day before is the worst part for me!

 

[lookame]

I just wanted to add to Terriunut. The CT scan probably won;t show much unless you have a good amount of inflammation, microscopic or minimal inflammation won;t show up.

The colonsocopy is really the way the determine the cause of inflammation. If there are polyps then those need removing and biopsied as well. Without these it's hard to diagnose and further hard to treat. A GI may be able to prescribe some drugs which can treat your symptoms but without determining the cause they may do little to help.

Your best bet in all of this is to try to get your phyciatrist and your GI to work with each other in order to give you the best possible treatment they can. You'll need to do it as soon as you can so you don;t get sicker.

Good luck

 

[scoutfinch]

Your best bet in all of this is to try to get your phyciatrist and your GI to work with each other in order to give you the best possible treatment they can. You'll need to do it as soon as you can so you don;t get sicker.

Good recommendation. If the GI's you've been seeing are saying that they can't treat you further without a colonoscopy then you need help getting past the PTSS. A good psychiatrist/psychologist/therapist should be able to help you do that.

 

[Emily]

I just wanted to say hi and welcome I think everyone's postings are unfortunately true, there is no sure way to know what needs treated without the colonoscopy, and doctors do not feel comfortable commencing a treatment without being as sure as they can of what the problem is. It is the standard protocol and first and in my opinion best test for any gastro problems.

I think that the best thing to do would be to have a psychiatrist on board, someone who can try to treat the PTSD so you can get the necessary tests done to treat your gastro problems, since those should not, not go untreated. It could be doubly helpful for your mind and body if you rigorously pursue both treatments at the same time?

And of course like Jill says, you can be totally out for it. I always have been. Can't remember anything of it and never have any pain or problems waking up. I hope you can get everything worked out, whatever you decide to do.

 

[David]

I feel you. I had some horrible experiences with doctors and procedures in my past as well. I'm sorry you're going through all of this

Have you been diagnosed with Crohn's Disease? Are you currently on any medications?

If you're diagnosed, that's one thing. If you're not yet diagnosed, that's another. For me to provide further thoughts I'd need to know that answer first.

All my best to you

 

[brailledot]

Thanks for all your encouragement and support!
I live in Illinois, USA, I have had a diagnosis of crohn's for thirty-three years; I had it before it became "trendy" <grin>. I've had three surgeries. the last one thirteen years ago was followed THREE WEEKS LATER by back surgery! That was when I "lost it"; I didn't realize the human body was capable of such extreme pain, and I wanted to die. I was diagnosed with depression.

Even though may last scope that was done two years ago was not painful and I don't remember the procedure, the PTSS brought up memories of all the bad experiences I have had. I had nightmares, panic attacks and trouble concentrating for about a month afterward. Yes, the thoughts of dying returned as well.

I think, when I feel more ready, I will insist on general anesthesia. With the versed they use, I've felt paralyzed, unable to scream, yet aware of people talking and lots of pain--I didn't always forget like they said I would. That's why I can't believe them when they tell me now that I won't remember it--they don't know. If the procedure is so painful that they have to give you something to forget it, why don't they just prevent the pain in the first place? But at least with the general, I know I won't be aware. I know I sound like "they're all out to get me", but I've been lied to and coerced and that's how I feel. I guess I just have to put up with the symptoms until I'm ready. I need to find out if my insurance will cover general too.

Thanks again for all your support. This has been a relief to "talk" with others who sympathize with what I'm going through.

Thanks

 

[David]

Wow, you poor thing

I don't think you need to go untreated. While I can sympathize with a doctor who is uncomfortable providing you care in this predicament, I can absolutely see your side of it as well. Yes, as others mention above, a colonoscopy is vital, but if you're not ready for a colonoscopy, you're not ready. Maybe call around to different doctors in your area and explain the predicament and maybe strike a deal where if you agree to go to counseling to help you work through the colonoscopy issues and agree to have one at X later date, they provide the best treatment they can in the meantime. Just ideas of course.

 

[brailledot]

Good news! I have located my previous doctor. He broke away from the practice with another doctor--probably didn't agree with their practices--so I'm going back to him. He understood me and worked with me. Things are looking up!

 

[Terriernut]

Excellent! I sincerely hope you get some help now.

 

[nacccrohns]

How about a colonoscopy under general anaesthetic? That way you will not be aware of anything that is going on and will have no horrible memories.

I don't agree with your doctors dropping you. Ultimately it is up to the patient to make decisions for themselves regardless of the weither these decisions are in their best interest. The doctor should work with the patient in keeping with their wishes.