What to look for in a GI doctor?

[MrsDay]

I have only been diagnosed with Crohn's disease for about a month currently the doctor I am going to see does not seem very helpful, so I am considering switching. I have seen my current doctor twice. The first time he hadn't looked at my chart so he didn't know anything to tell me, and ordered a CT scan. The scan showed no abnormalities (fistulas, etc) but I am not at all in remission, so he told me to start humira and come back in 3 months. I was given NO instruction on humira, like how to give it to myself, and he didn't even tell me it is an immunosuppressant. Literally all he did was talk about cancer risks (I wrote about that on the humira support page)
So basically what I am asking is...does it sound odd that I seem to be getting no support? Am I justified in going to a different doctor or do I just have unrealistic expectations of feeling like a doctor has my back and wants to help as much as possible? I don't get any information on anything...I have to pry it out of him. I asked what foods I should eat- his response was "anything."
Just a little confused and frustrated, and still very new to all of this...

 

[theOcean]

The cancer risks are moot now, as well -- a recent study actually disproved that it increased cancer risks, though there's still some debate. He should have assigned you a nurse to train you, so that's really irresponsible on his part.

It does sound odd to me that you're not getting support, and it sounds like he's not really listening as much as he should. In the end, it's up to you: if you feel that you're not getting the treatment you should, and that you don't feel comfortable with your doctor, I think it's best to switch.

I like to look for good bedside manner in a doctor, someone who will listen, and someone who is accessible -- also someone who is well-informed and can share that information. I can have real conversations with mine and we can openly debate treatment methods and I feel really secure with my current one.

The food thing is pretty normal, unfortunately. What I've been told by a dietitian is that with Crohn's it's "consistently inconsistent" in that it's really up to how you're doing at the time. When in flare: avoid high-fibre foods. When in remission: eat what you can and avoid trigger foods.

 

[nogutsnoglory]

You should expect someone with expertise, who is compassionate and open minded in terms of treatment. That being said they have many patients and you will be a number to them in most cases. You want someone who hears you out and answers questions but it's unrealistic to expect a patient advocate these days. In your case you aren't getting basic mandatory info so I would look elsewhere.

 

[Daisy123]

A good relationship with a GI is essential. I had a bad experience when I was younger at my local hospital. I searched around for recommendations and sought a second opinion at a specialist hospital where I have been ever since.

 

[Cross-stitch gal]

Not sure if these were mentioned already.
-One who listens not only to you but also to your husband/loved one who you bring along to appointments.
-Easy to get a hold of for questions/concerns via email or phone.
-Is always open to new ideas when it comes to treating you.

I had always been treated by a female since I originally had been diagnosed. When I changed insurance in 2013 I started over. My current GI is a male and I'm thankful I took that chance. Male or female doesn't matter to me anymore as long as I'm taken care of. This is my hope for each one of us here on the forum.

 

[Kero]

Sounds like your GI doc has the bedside manner of a brick Sorry to hear you have had such an awful experience. You definitely need a good rapport with your GI. Info is essential, especially when you are expected to give yourself a needle. I would definitely look around. Check online for reviews of different doctors (Canada has ratemds.com, not sure if there is a U.S. equivalent) get recommendations from friends or family. Hoping you can find a good doc!

 

[shamrock15]

I will disagree to a small extent on the bedside manner. I do believe it is important, but I think it is far more important that he be competent, trustworthy and worthy of respect. My current GI doesn't do super well on the rate MD's because people sound like they want a drinking buddy. I want my doctor to know his work inside and out, and get to know my insides inside and out. That for me takes precedence. If he or she has that, I can tolerate a less than sparkling personality. My current GI earned my respect quickly. My previous one didn't earn it in 3 years.

 

[MrsDay]

I appreciate the help I think I am going to switch doctors. I found another one that is closer to my house, and on my way to work instead of going 45 min out of my way. My current doctor doesnt seem to know his work inside and out, so hopefully the new one will

 

[Kero]

I will disagree to a small extent on the bedside manner. I do believe it is important, but I think it is far more important that he be competent, trustworthy and worthy of respect. My current GI doesn't do super well on the rate MD's because people sound like they want a drinking buddy. I want my doctor to know his work inside and out, and get to know my insides inside and out. That for me takes precedence. If he or she has that, I can tolerate a less than sparkling personality. My current GI earned my respect quickly. My previous one didn't earn it in 3 years.

I do agree, bedside manner isn't the most important thing. I personally like doctors that give it to ya flat out, and that know what is going on. But info from them is kinda essential as well. They can't assume someone can go online and get the info they need. My youngest sister is technologically stupid, and she's 22.

 

[Khaley]

I would educate yourself as much as possible about your disease, including types of Crohn's, diagnostic imaging and lab tests, treatment options and complications. This site has a wealth of information. Then I would ask your doctor the following questions: where is your disease and how severe it is, how does he/she plan to monitor your inflammation (there are specific blood and stool tests for this), what are the pros and cons of the various treatment methods, what is his/her treatment plan for you, what concerns should you have in terms of complications and how will you know if you need to go to the ER, can he/she recommend a dietician for you to work with. This is a partial list. Add anything else you want answers to. Your GI doc should be willing to take the time to give you the information you need to keep yourself healthy. If you don't get the answers you need, keep looking. But, ultimately, it is up to you to do most of the work. I'm learning this over my seven years of experience. Good luck!

 

[LodgeLady]

I am on my second GI doc. He is referring me to an IBD specialist ( so now 3 GI docs). While I absolutely love my current #2 GI, I think I am too much for him at this time. I don't think his practice has enough time to devote to testing, analyzing, and treating me. In fact he missed my bad GB big time and it was only after seeing him twice in a week and phoning every other day about my pain is when he tested me for a bad GB. I wonder if this is true of most GI practices? My first appt. with my specialist is for 2 hours and includes meeting with a nutritionist!

As others have said I think you have to be your own patient advocate.