Finally, I got my GI appointment!

[bushydougie]

My struggle to get a hospital appointment is over! Today I saw my GI.

Phew

He has told me to stay on Entocort (my GP put me back on it last week) and to go up to 6mg for 2 weeks and then to alternate between 3mg and 6mg until I see him again in a couple of months. He thought this was the best way forward for now to get me sorted.

He talked a little about me still not having a full diagnose as none of my tests have shown anything. He decided there was no point in having an MRI scan (the next procedure he would do) as even if they were to find anything then he would still treat me in the same way. This made perfect sense to me
He said it was pretty pointless and there's no point giving me anymore radiation!

He also told me that he had written a letter of complaint about the new appointment system (anyone wanting to be see over 6 weeks away gets put on a huge waiting list) to his boss as he's not at all happy about it too.

Although I'm still on medication it was a really positive appointment, again. Yay :ycool:


PS - yes Cat I am copying you again

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Ha ha, Sam, we're the Entocort twins! Something about your post bugs me though. Your GI said he won't give you an MRI because he doesn't want you to have any more radiation?? Doesn't he know that MRIs work on magnets, there is absolutely no radiation involved! CT scans are the ones with all the radiation. I'd give him a call and ask again about the MRI if I were you, that sounds really fishy to me that radiation was his reason for no MRI!

Other than that, I'm glad you had a good appointment and that you get to stay on Entocort for awhile longer. I'll be on it myself until probably May, at which point I think my GI is going to have me stop so that I can undergo more tests (and yes, an MRI or rather an MR-Enterography is in my future! Maybe if you convince your GI to reconsider the MRI we can do ours at the same time, ha ha ).

 

[bushydougie]

I've probably got that confused not him! I thought he said radiation but he was talking about CT scans and the barium meal test too. So guess it was me that got confused
I think his main reason for not testing me at the moment is that he wouldn't change the treatment at all so there's little point in testing me. I'm quite glad about that

I'm just happy that I'll be feeling better over the next two months. It gives me confidence I guess

 

[Cat-a-Tonic]

Do you know if he has any plans in mind in 2 months time when he takes you off the Ento again? My GI mentioned MRI and SBFT (I had an MRI but it was of my liver, this will be an Enterography specifically looking at my intestines, and I haven't yet had an SBFT) so that's the plan for me as of now. My GI knows I really want a diagnosis more than anything but he feels I should have a period of feeling well first, so that's why I'm on the Ento for a bit longer. Sounds like you're definitely the same as me in that regard!

It is nice to know that the next couple of months will be relatively smooth sailing, isn't it? I'm going on vacation in a couple weeks and I'm kind of afraid that my guts will rebel but I am hoping the Entocort keeps them in check. In the meantime I've only taken 2 days off of work so far this year, and only one of them was due to me feeling unwell (the other one was earlier this week when my hubby had an episode of kidney stones and I spent all night with him in the ER). I'm pretty proud of myself that I've used so few sick days so far this year. Last year I used up all my sick time! So this year is so far much better.

Anyway, I'm rambling on, but I'm glad you get two more months of feeling well. Sounds like you and I will be seeing our GIs at the same time again too! I've got an appointment on May 19th, almost exactly 2 months from now.

 

[Astra]

Aw, you two girls are doing so well, I always check up on you!

Great appt Sam, makes great sense to me too. Outcome would be the same!
stay well, both of you
xxxxx

 

[ameslouise]

Glad you finally got in and were pleased with the results of the exam!

And that's great he's advocating for a better appointment scheduling system!

Take care of yourself! -Amy

 

[Welsh-bird]

Hi Sam, so pleased that your appt went well. Hope going back on the Entocort is helping with your fatigue. Hang on in there!

 

[bushydougie]

Thanks everyone
I've certainly felt a whole lot more positive today.
Smooth sailing indeed Cat! Yes!!
Andrea - thinking of you today. Can't believe you had time to post but thank you

 

[DustyKat]

Hey Bushy!

I am so happy to hear that you are in a happy place right now! YAY!

And big YAY for you too Cat! I hope you have a symptom free holiday..........

Good luck guys with your follow up appointments.......

:goodluck::goodluck::goodluck:

Here's to feeling good!.............:cheerss:

Dusty. :wub: