Nurse Practitioners in IBD

[GoJohnnyGo]

I met one socially today -- never heard of such a thing. Apparently, she can prescribe drugs but can't order things like scopes.

She's affiliated with a Gastroenterologist, but she operates her own practice. She's like one of about a half-dozen in Western Canada who do this sort of thing.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced or currently uses a Nurse Practitioner that specialises in Crohn's.

 

[soupdragon69]

Yep we have them where I am based GI wise.

There are 2 who have been there more than the 2.5yrs I have been connected with the team. Also a new one started with the team a couple of months back and seems very nice.

I can talk to them on the phone or via email at any time. They try to contact you the same day or if not the following day.

They send me my blood results that were taken when I go for my remi the day after.

They have organised in the past 2 hospital admissions for me and come to see me whilst there. Also fit to tell me which ward and time to go and try to get me onto a gastro ward straight away rather than any other if beds are difficult to find.

They can organise a sooner appointment also if I need to see my GI.

They trouble shoot any problems I have. When I have my remi they come and visit and see how I am doing overall. Able to discuss gut function, any pain, diet issues. They also are responsible for ordering my remi pre my infusion so know when I will be in.

Last week one of them came to see me and she was told by the nurses on the unit I was not there. What happened was there were so many patients there they had put me into a side room and forgotten I was there because I was so quiet LOL So I emailed her and she was sorry to have missed me but we caught up that way instead.

They are also responsible for gathering info related to any drug trials patients are on. I am on one for remi and its a 5yr study into how we are and how well it helps us etc. So I have questions and scales to answer on that relate to quality of life, impact on work, sick days off work, pain, number of times to the loo etc.

So overall they are fantastic folk and they are incredibly helpful. They work so hard and they desperately needed the new addition to the team recently.

I do know however how lucky those of us are that go to the gastro dept where I am to have this support as the NACC here in the UK is campaigning for more IBD nurses throughout the UK.

 

[s.a.m.]

I see one all the time, I havent seen my GI since Feb (and I've had 2 hospital stays since that time) She's been really great, and I dont have to wait for an appt.

 

[kello82]

yeah there is a nurse practitioner in my GI's office and sometimes she is the one to return my call instead of my dr himself.
she doesnt really seem to have too big a role in my care though....
but she is specailized in IBD

 

[Mark33180]

i have had the nurse practioner help me a couple of times, she actually ordered my last colonoscopy, when ended up putting me in the hospital for a week but hey as long as they found the problem.

 

[kromom1]

I see an NP. She works very closely with a doctor in their gastro practice. I have actually never seen the doctor in the gastro office, only the NP, but the doctor came to see me both times I was in the hospital. I feel like the NP has more time for me.

 

[gratefuljackie]

I haev an appointment first of next month to see a Nurse Practioner at a new health Centre in my area. i am hoping she'll have time and more knowledge how to help me. I'm so lost and am not sure what to do. Thanks to this boards or I'd be very lost. I am going to call my GI this week. I've been in remission for a while but have been flaring for a few weeks which makes me sad.