Entocort-Starting at 6mg?? This is why I question...

[Sea_Star]

2 weeks ago, I saw a new GI, after deciding I needed to establish one after moving back home from college last year (yes, I went a year without seeing a Dr. So I went up to Mayo in May- lol that sounds funny-to just "check on things")

So 2 weeks ago, I had an appointment with a local new GI where I told him some inflammation was found at Mayo and that for the past couple weeks I had upper abd pain and RUQ pain. It had subsided by the time of the appt but he said to keep him posted. He didn't even examine me or order bloodwork, but prescribed LDN as I told him I am TERRIFIED of the stronger meds and have a relatively mild case. Well, that weekend I developed left side pain and pain in the RUQ (again) and it felt like a lightboard-pain in different spots! So I set up an appt with him last week, and he ordered blood work (CMP, CBC, CRP...no SDR?!) and a CT Scan which I will have on Wed, saying he worries about an abscess. (Even though my Crohns is in the ileum/rt side and i don't think inflammation can go from 0 to 180 in 4 weeks...since biopsy and visual of Left colon was negative for any inflammation at Mayo.) Also he mentioned taking Flagyl, and Entocort...okay? I don't get it...how can a doctor prescribe something without seeing what's there first? And he said to take Entocort 2 pills once a day (isn't that 6 mg??) Isn't the usual 9mg??

I think i got used to being taken care of in good academic centers/hospitals and I wonder if I'm in good hands

 

[Johnnysmom]

I do think an abscess can go from 0 to 180 in 4 weeks. In our experience things can get bad very quickly.

If you have a diagnosis of crohn's and are having pain, my son's GI would have had labs done before we left the office. If the pain was severe he may have ordered a CT. Our GI is located at a Children's hospital where he has access to everything immediately. So I think he would want to get the information before he prescribed meds, but in your case if Wednesday was the soonest things could be evaluated, it doesn't seem unreasonable to me that he would treat you with an antibiotic and low dose steroids. In our experience unless my son has had a scope very recently the GI has to rely on symptoms and blood tests but comparing the results with his past history. If this GI doesn't have a history with you he may be being overly cautious. Some people can have normal blood tests and somewhat mild pain then all hell breaks loose.

A scope and biopsy can trigger a flare. Has your current GI called the GI from Mayo to discuss exactly what they found and what treatment he was recommending? Our GI is very good about picking up the phone and chatting with my son's other specialists and the GI he saw before we moved.

I hope you are able to get some answers quickly. Please let us know how you are getting along. ((((Hugs))))