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Can't See Doctor For 3 Months!

LuvMoosic4life

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LuvMoosic4life Collaborator
LuvMoosic4life
Posted

So I've been in search for a primary doctor since my last one rejected me for rediculous insurance reasons (not good when you are a college student). I've been calling everywhere and cant see a GI doc until I have a primary doctor. The closest appointment I can get is in JULY!! UGGHH! So I'm in a dilema. I know that gluten bothers me and I'm reading a lot about people getting negative results and such. I feel like if I want the best results to see if my body is reacting or if I have celiacs, I should be eating gluten. I dont want to go back b/c I know how I feel when I'm on it. My problems arent quite as severe as some people's in here. I could probably put up with eating a small amount of it each day, but it would have to be at night b/c I wouldnt want to deal with bloating and discomfort all day. BUt then there is the chance that I may get a doctor that will refuse to test me, so if I go back to gluten for three months prior to july, it may be for nothing depending onthe docs decision......grrrrr...

any suggestions?

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CCM Rookie
CCM
Posted

I feel your pain! I had blood work done in July 07, but then couldn't get in to a GI doctor until October, for which a consult was required before the endoscopy. So the endoscopy was not done until the week AFTER THANKSGIVING. AND no one told me how much or how little gluten I needed to eat in order to take the test. So naturally I had all my favorite foods all the time and was soooo sick by Thanksgiving I could not wait to get off gluten regardless of what the test results were (neg, after all that).

As a college student, are you required to have health insurance? Is there an on campus clinic for students? Or a campus teaching hospital? Have you tried a public clinic? Decide what hospital you want the GI doctor to work out of and find out what offices refer patients to that location.

If you are under 25 and happen to be on a parent's health plan still (I think this is still possible, it was when I was in school), you might consider seeing your parent's family doctor/GI referral over the summer if they don't live too far away. You might be able to see someone faster. But they are still going to want to do a celiac blood panel first if you have not already had one done.

Just some ideas....hope they help! ;)

gfpaperdoll Rookie
gfpaperdoll
Posted

You could ask the doctor that cannot see you for three months to refer you to someone that can see you right away, if that does not work, then ask to talk to the physician's assistant - sometimes they will get you in when the scheduling person will not. I would not accept the three month wait period - keep looking...

LuvMoosic4life Collaborator
LuvMoosic4life
Posted
  • Author

thanks! I have tried the health clinic at school. They were completely unfamilar with gluten intolerance and I actually had to explian the testing process. They didnt take my problem seriously. I am under my brothers insurance, The Empire plan. My mom actually works for doctors and is going to try and do something to get me in sooner since I'm looking for a doctor in the group she works for. Funny thing I just foujd out she actually works for a family doctor who also specializes in GI. I was telling my mom acouple weeks ago about what the blood tests were called for celiacs, she said she's never seen those test done in the office, but today right after I posted this I called her and said there was a patient in today gettin his results back for celiacs....I'm crossing my fingers I can see this doc by summer. If I have to be in pain until then, I guess thats what I'll have to do........I just ate 1 half of a half of a mini bagel about 2 hours ago and I have a throbbing headace and dizziness, feels like my muscles are fatigued all of a sudden too...this will be fun (sarcasm)

LuvMoosic4life Collaborator
LuvMoosic4life
Posted
  • Author
You could ask the doctor that cannot see you for three months to refer you to someone that can see you right away, if that does not work, then ask to talk to the physician's assistant - sometimes they will get you in when the scheduling person will not. I would not accept the three month wait period - keep looking...

I've actually done that about 5 times......my first call was a five month wait. 4 referrals later I worked myself down to three months-ugh.

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    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      You might consider asking for a referral to a RD (Registered Dietician) to help with food choices and planning a diet. Even apart from any gluten issues, you will likely find there are some foods you need to avoid because of the shorter bowel but you may also find that your system may make adjustments over time and that symptoms may improve.
    • Ello
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      I wish Dr’s would have these discussions with their patients. So frustrating but will continue to do research. Absolutely love this website. I will post any updates on my testing and results.  Thank you
    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

      Losing 12" of your small bowel is going to present challenges for you in nutritional uptake because you are losing a significant amount of nutritional absorption surface area. You will need to focus on consuming foods that are nutritionally dense and also probably look at some good supplements. If indeed you are having issues with gluten you will need to educate yourself as to how gluten is hidden in the food supply. There's more to it than just avoiding the major sources of gluten like bread and pasta. It is hidden in so many things you would never expect to find it in like canned tomato soup and soy sauce just to name a few. It can be in pills and medications.  Also, your "yellow diarrhea, constipation and bloating" though these are classic signs of a gluten disorder, could also be related to the post surgical shorter length of your small bowel causing incomplete processing/digestion of food.
    • Ello
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By Ello · Posted

      Yes this information helps. I will continue to be pro active with this issues I am having. More testing to be done. Thank you so much for your response. 
    • trents
      Small Bowel Resection 12 inches

      By trents · Posted

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