Vandy is awesome

[Jeff D.]

So I went to Vandy today and I really think they care about the whole me. They want to know what's going on in my head and what is going on with my body. The psychologist was awesome and made me feel very at home. He just wanted to know what I'm going through so he can help my GI to understand me, the person better. He challenged some of my thinking and made me think more about MY Crohn's which I normally have a hard time doing.

Then I saw the nutritionist and she was great as well. I'm on a low residue diet for the time being which I'm totally okay with.

My NP was great as well and she asked me meaningful questions that my usual GI doesn't even ask.

My GI was amazing. He was gentle and he really understood where I was coming. He doesn't want to do an ostomy on me unless I want him to do one on me. I go back in two weeks for a colonoscopy and he will dilate me a little then if need be. Then he will send me to a colorectal surgeon to tear my scar tissue so it doesn't come back as quickly. He said we can do it every 3 months if need be for the rest of my life for all he cares as long as I am happy. In a few years if it's not doing the business then I can always go for the ostomy.

He also prescribed me a suppository so that my butt remains loose. Then 6mp so that CImzia takes affect better. He says patients on Tnf drugs do better if on a drug like 6mp for the first year and better if on longer.

I'm really happy with the treatment I got there. They are the best I have ever been to and if anyone with Crohn's asked for a doctor to be recommended to I would recommend Dr. Schwartz in a heartbeat.

Thanks for listening

Jeff

 

[dayng1016]

Hey Jeff! I'm glad your visit went well for you yesterday. It definitely sounds like they are wanting to take care of you and give you the best treatment possible. That is wonderful. I also have an appt with the colorectal surgeon on 3/16/09 (Dr. Herline), I'm kinda uneasy about it, just because I really want to put off surgery as long as possible, but I do know it will happen. Just a matter of when.

Good luck and take care!

 

[Guest]

i think most people who read your post, Jeff, will be jealous lol. how awesome to be really listened to, taken notice of, by top medical professionals. and for them to search for the tailor-made treatment which not only suits your symptoms, but your feelings too.

i'm so happy you got to see these people.. well done

 

[CD68]

Jeff, sounds like you have found the GI Garden of Awesome. :cool2:

 

[Jeff D.]

They found some active Crohn's so I go the 11 and get a colonoscopy and an endoscopy to see what's going on. I then go the 16 to get the colorectal surgeon to break apart the scar tissue and I should be fine for quite a while as far as my rectum is concerned. Thanks for all the suport

 

[soupdragon69]

Jeff I am so very pleased you are finally getting the care and attention you deserve. You have been through so much in the past months and I really take my hat off to you coping with it all!

Great to see they have worked out a clear plan for you and are giving you emotional support too. So many of us lose out on that aspect and cope on our own. Am impressed they have integrated this aspect into the team and view it as holistic care!

Well done you for finding them and getting there and fighting your corner!! ((hugs))

 

[kromom1]

Jeff, that is so awesome!!!

Lisa

 

[ErinDF]

Vanderbilt. Its a University in Nashiville Tennessee

 

[Jeff D.]

Today I had my colonoscopy and upper endoscopy. I am in remmission as far as Crohn's goes because I have no active Crohn's but I still have the damned scar tissue to deal with as my only problem. I have to say that I wish it were possible for me to have mild to moderate Crohn's for a bit as they could up something to make it better instead of really being able to nothing but tear the scar tissue which is only a temporary solution. Sorry I haven't kept with the Cimzia journal I just took pain meds and I had my last booster last week so I will start it again tomorrow. God bless I'm praying for each and every one of you


Jeff

 

[Sojourn]

That's great there's no active crohn's, I think. I don't understand how having mild to moderate would help with the scar tissue. Hope you're doing better after they tear the scar tissue.

 

[Jeff D.]

I was just saying I would have rather a little active Crohn's than have the scar tissue because I could always take meds for that but scar tissue is permenant unless I go for an ostomy which I'm not going for at the moment. I would rather just get frequent dilations instead as I can't deal with an ostomy so early in life. What if they figure out next year that they can fix it as long as I have my rectum intact so I'm leaving everything as is for the moment being.

 

[Sojourn]

I see what you mean. Do what you can for now to avoid the ostomy and maybe there will be some new treatment to deal with the scar tissue in time.