Ok so I just moved to a city that is 3 hours away from where I lived before, so I of course changed gastroenterologist because a drive there and back would take 6 hrs plus out of one day, and having a child in school just wouldn't work out. So I had my first appt. with the new dr. today and it went horrible! Ok first this dr. is located where we have a major university, so it is essentially a teaching hospital as well. So first I had to have a whole entire appt. with a guy that isn't really my dr., and then he had to go talk to my new dr. and then he came to talk to me. They don't have my records yet because I just signed papers today to have them transferred, so the only info they have is what I'm telling them. So the new dr. comes in completely talkes over me, ignores every question I ask, and every word I do actually get out he just says I know. I had surgery in July, a right partial colectomy, before that I had horrible bloating, pain, had to carefully choose food, and had a stricture that not even the colonoscopy scope could fit through. So I of course tell this new dr. this info. He then asks me what my diet is like, I say I try to eat well but I still sometimes eat fast food, I laugh and say it's because I have been so used to going years not being able to eat a salad or veggies or anything healthy for that matter because of fear of an obstruction, pain, or bloating. He then tells me that he does not believe that a cheeseburger and fries would go through and easier that veggies and salad, and that I should have at completely healthy even before my surgery! Ummmm when I did even take two bites of salad back then I got very sick! Ok I don't know if it's just me but it took me quite a while to get comfortable with my old dr. enough to listen to his opinion and take his advise. But I eventually did, my old dr. would answer my questions, and speak with me, and explain things to me as long as I needed him to, he also has Crohn's himself so I'm sure that helped a lot in him understanding me. This new dr. talked to me like I'm an idiot, didn't let me get one word in, and didn't care to answer even one of my questions (the ones I tried to ask while he talked over me) I'm so upset, I already have depression and horrible anxiety so I was horribly nervous even going to this appt. to begin with, and now I'm so uncomfortable. How do I change dr's??? When I started going to my old dr. I was sooo set on having a woman dr. I don't know why, I guess I was still in some denial about having Crohn's and thought a woman dr. would help? Idk lol Anyway I called other gastroenterologist in the area, and they told me that if another dr. in the area is taking care of you we can't accept you here because we feel that you already have a competent dr. Here I don't know, I'm assuming it's the same. I already had to go to a primary physician to even get referred to this new dr. But can't you change dr.s just because of not liking the care you are getting from them?? I'm so upset, I almost just wish I would have made the drive and went to where I was comfortable, and trusted my dr. Those are very important things to feel in your dr. when you have an illness like we do! But I already signed paper to transfer my records, so I'm worried that I'm stuck with this dr.! Sorry for the vent, I just don't know anyone else to talk to that would understand like the people here. :sign0085:
New Dr. vent Plz help!
- Thread starter jenz
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lol, you are not stuck with them so don't worry. I'm out in Ca and like you said, you get a referral to a GI specialist from your GP. You make an appointment with your GP, tell them your symptoms and that you need a referral to another GI doctor because you feel that your current one isn't treating you properly and you feel that they are putting your well being and life in danger. That got me my most recent referral but unfortunately someone forgot to take into account my insurance (Medi-Cal) so I have to wait to find another but luckily I'm in remission so its not an emergency. Make sure they take your insurance into account so you don't waste your time.
As a side note my first GI was 4 hours away when I was 9 years old (I had a baby brother and two slightly older sisters who also went). My parents took me there, we spent the night and went back home after the appointment. You don't see the GI doc very often and most is done over the phone. So it may be worth it to see your old GI if they will have you back (many only take on so many patients so give the office a call). You can have your records sent to ANYONE.
Sorry for the late reply.
As a side note my first GI was 4 hours away when I was 9 years old (I had a baby brother and two slightly older sisters who also went). My parents took me there, we spent the night and went back home after the appointment. You don't see the GI doc very often and most is done over the phone. So it may be worth it to see your old GI if they will have you back (many only take on so many patients so give the office a call). You can have your records sent to ANYONE.
Sorry for the late reply.
You don't have to stay with that doctor. Go back to your Primary doc and get another referral. My primary gave me a list of GI's that he knew in the area (as well as some I had already found on my own). He told me to make a list of questions for the prospective doctor and then to call and ask to speak with them, or ask for their email address. I had one office that refused to give out an email address, and another two doctors who never returned my calls. It was a GREAT way to weed out doctors that don't fit with your style and needs.
Could the GI doctor, whom you trusted and got along with, write a letter on your behalf, summarizing your treatment and history, and introducing you as a good patient? If so, you could provide this to the new doctor.
You should be free to change doctors as you need to. In Oregon you could, anyway.
I have moved from Oregon to Washington two weeks ago and will be seeing a new GI doc next week. I feel for you. I'm in a similar boat.
Good luck.
You should be free to change doctors as you need to. In Oregon you could, anyway.
I have moved from Oregon to Washington two weeks ago and will be seeing a new GI doc next week. I feel for you. I'm in a similar boat.
Good luck.
I feel for you!! Moving and getting a new Dr is tough. I find it hard to find a Dr who will really listen and understand my history. Why do we have to "prove" our disease again and again? I figure I can take a nice big salad and sit in the ER and eat it until I get sick!! I really miss my salads!
Good luck and talk until they listen!
Good luck and talk until they listen!
