Hi,
I have been working with my regular doctor about my stomach problems and she has been talking with my gastroenterologist to find out what his take an the whole situation is.....She thinks I have a bad GB and he thinks it is my IBS. Anyway, I spoke with his nurst yesterday and she said she would talk to him and get back to me...today I get a pamplet in the mail about IBS and this list of gastroenterologists in my area..I feel like he doesn't want to treat me anymore and I was wondering if any of you have had something like this happen and how you treated it??

I'am both p'od and confused...I have been really sick lately and I just wanted help and now I'am not sure what to do!

Thankyou for your input..
Jodi

Hi,
Im in a similar situation. For the past few months I have been to the doctor almost monthly because I get minor chest pain, stomach aches, tiredness. Of course my tests come back ok except my thyroid is a bit low so I am taking medication for that which can contribute to some of my problems. I went yesterday after holding off for approximately 2 1/2 months of not going to my GP. I complained that my lung area still felt funny, stabbing pain in ribs, etc. He than tried to convince me that I was depressed. Here I thought I may go for another round of tests and instead I got handed a prescription for an anti-depressant. I feel like this must have been a goodbye from him that there is nothing more he could do for me. This still does not clear up the problems I am having. I do feel the same way that I was fired from my GP. Now what? Im very upset over this and dont feel that I have had every possible test I could have. I guess I have no choice now but to find another doctor.

Hey there - so sorry for your doctors' brush-off. I think it's time to consider a new doctor, or go back and confront him about his apparent lack of concern for your problem. I understand their hands are tied by insurance, and for every procedure/test ordered by them, there must be medical justification. Unfortunately, sometimes the tests that we hope will find something wrong come back as normal, and then we're stuck with the doctor telling us it's all stress or depression related.

I don't have any good advice; Jodi - maybe you could try the dietary/lifestyle changes mentioned in your IBS pamphlet, and if you still have problems, then go back and say "Look, I've tried X, Y & Z, and I'm still having problems." I've read your other posts, and I really think it's your gall bladder, but I also know what it's like to suffer for a long period of time and just get the run-around. I went for a year with worsening gall bladder problems until my surgeon could convince the insurance company to pay for GB surgery since my tests kept coming up as "normal." Thankfully, I had a doctor who truly cared about finding out what was wrong with me, and knew how to work with insurance to convince them of what I needed.

It's difficult sometimes to separate GB problems from IBS and I have (or had in the case of my GB) both problems along with GERD. So when the digestive tract is a mess, it can be difficult to reach a definitive diagnosis. I followed all the docs' recommendations from the start, and then was able to report what didn't work (like Prilosec, antibiotics for possible H. pylori, dietary changes, etc.)

Hang in there and try to work out with your doctor why he doesn't seem to be taking your symptoms seriously. Do internet research on your symptoms as well to give you additional medical information, and if needed, added ammunition to fight for your medical needs. My doc was not real thrilled with me coming to him with various internet articles, but because he knew that I researched things very thoroughly, he also had to treat me as more than just a hypochondriac.

Good luck to you,
Katie G

My old primary dr was a total quack, kept saying take your prozac and go home, you are imagining the pain. I finally had to fake a gb attack and go to an urgent care facility. They referred me for an ultrasound and i finally had proof to take to the primary and follow up with.
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It is really sad, the state of the medical community. They prescribe anti depressants like candy, hoping they wont have to do any real work.
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I switched to a PPO plan starting July 1, now I can choose any doctor, no refferal required. If I want a GI I go to a GI, no questions asked.
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I recommend that if you are in an HMO, get out now, switch to a PPO so that you have the freedom to manage your own health.