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What to do about the GI conundrum?

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome
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Posted 3/22/2006 1:40 PM (GMT -6)
When I got back from the Mayo Clinic, I reported the findings to my GI's nurse, who called me back and said the doc didn't think he would be able to do much for me.  I let it go at that and just followed up with my PCP.  Now that she's gone - and things are starting to flare up again - I am doctor-less.  I could get a new GI, but that would be my third GI here, and I don't want to look like a difficult patient (psychologically, I think I'm pretty easy to handle!  Physiologically, maybe not so much, however).  There are pretty much two GI groups in town and I've now seen one from each.  What would you guys do in this situation?
Posted 3/22/2006 2:12 PM (GMT -6)
An experienced GI doctor will be used to the difficulties in their field. They know exactly how hard it is to properly diagnose, treat, etc. all the GI diseases so I wouldn't worry too much about that. Since you have already been to the GI groups, they should have your chart, know what you've been through/going through etc. You are their paycheck so don't lose site of the fact that you have rights as a patient. I know thats a mixed emotion for you since you are going to be a doc but I know that you will be a good one so mute point. I basically would just go and tell them that everything is acting up again.

BTW... I have a question for you since you have had every test known to man... have you had an indium scan and whats it like? I go for one in a couple of weeks to monitor the location and severity of my UC. :)
Posted 3/22/2006 2:24 PM (GMT -6)
Amazingly enough, I haven't had an Indium scan!  Isn't that where they take out some blood, tag your white blood cells with Indium, send it back in, and check to see where they migrate to locate areas of inflammation?  That's just the neatest thing.  I hope they can make it useful for you!
Posted 3/22/2006 2:30 PM (GMT -6)
Yep thats the one... I'm kind of freaked out about them "tainting" my blood and injecting it back in. Sounds neat but still kind of uneasy about it. Thoughts of hepatitis, HIV, etc. just started giving me the shudders. I know that they are all professionals and stuff so that calms me down but anxiety disorders will play some mean tricks on the mind ya know?

Thanks... I wonder why they haven't done this test on you ???
Posted 3/22/2006 2:43 PM (GMT -6)
No no no, don't worry about that!  They are using your own blood and only tagging it with a radioactive marker that will quickly deteriorate and won't cause you any problems.  It's like having a bone scan done, have you ever had one of those?  They pump radioactive material into you and it congregates around areas of bone that are diseased.  It's the exact same thing only they are using your white blood cells as the carriers.  No risk of disease transmission or "tainting!"

Posted 3/22/2006 2:46 PM (GMT -6)
Thanks Sarita... that puts my mind at ease... at first I was like, you take my blood, I don't want it back LOL... my new rheumy must think I'm a joke :)
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