Changing drs. within clinics

When I very first went in for my colonoscopy, I just wanted to get in ASAP.  My rheumy wanted me to go to GI, Dr. S for my colonoscopy because he is better for long term care, but I couldn't get in for quite a while.  I could get in with his partner, Dr. C.  Dr. C. is okay and all, but not my favorite but I have been seeing him for like 6 months now.  Maybe it's me, but I just don't feel like he sees the big picture (UC, kidney infections/stones, cysts, arthritis, abnormal paps).  Both him and my rheumy told me I can stop seeing the rheumy, but I just don't feel comfortable with that because Dr. C. doesn't see the whole picture.  Plus, doing my research, Dr. S. is recommended by CCFA, my general, and my rheumy.  Dr. C. is not.  I just called the GI clinic and they wouldn't let me change providers.  I am irritated.  I called and made an appt. with my rheumy and am hoping he can get something done about it.  Maybe I'm crazy about the whole thing.  I have only talked to Dr. S. one time when he had to call in a rx for me, but I feel like it's my body and my care and if I think it's the best thing for me, I should be able to switch. 

Hi Traci,

That's odd they wouldn't let you switch. I was in a similar situation...At first I just went to the first GI I could get in to see, but I did not like him. They let me switch to another GI at the same clinic and I had no problems with it. I didn't even need a referral because I had already seen a GI at that clinic. I'm not sure why they won't let you switch...that doesn't make any sense to me. Did they give you a reason? Could it be that the GI you want to see just isn't taking any new patients at the moment? I would definitely call and try again. You're right -- it is your body and your care and if you want to switch you should be able to.

It sounds like a good idea to switch to an ob/gyn who knows more about UC, too. You have to do what you think is best for you given your current situation and feelings.

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23 years old
Diagnosed with UC March 2007
Current inflamation in the rectum
Asacol 4 tablets 3x/day

Gotta be an advocate for yourself, hon. Sorry to say, no one will care as much as you about your health. You have to take an assertiveness pill and swallow hard and INSIST on a change.

You might have to fulfill the role of educator sometimes to your docs. Unfortunately, that seems to be true these days. Stay on top of things, do your research, and if you feel you are not getting proper care, or even the best care possible for your geographic location, whatever, switch. I understand it's uncomfortable and people will put up road blocks, but do it anyway.

Next time you call for an appointment, tell them you want the other GI. If they give you grief, insist. Heck, you are the customer here -- right? If you want to change, I don't know how they can say no. If they persist, go to a different clinic altogether, if that's possible.

Good luck!

Mitz

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Sporadic proctitis since about 1985. Mother had UC, then J-pouch surgery 1983.
DX'd with clostridium difficile in 2000. Prednisone, two courses of Flagyl, then Vancomycin finally got rid of it. Symptomatic with UC after that.
Colonoscopy in 2001 dx'd left-sided UC. Was pretty darn ill at that time. Treated with prednisone, Rowasa, Asacol. Asacol not working so switched to Imuran. Three small flares since in 2002, 2005, and 2007.
Gall bladder attack 6/13; ultrasound showed stones; surgery before end of 2007.
100 mg Azathioprine and 225 mg Effexor XR (for chronic, longstanding depression) daily.