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Discussing Surgery with your Dr

Mon, November 03, 2008 1:00 AM

I'm just wondering if anybody has had difficulty with their Dr's regarding having surgery to help deal with their colitis? Has anyone had a Dr that isn't for doing the surgery? If so, how did you have the conversation that the surgery is a good idea?

bdiebels
Joined Nov 3, 2008

Tue, November 04, 2008 1:00 AM

Reply posted for bdiebels.

I am currently going through the process of getting qualified for the J-pouch surgery. What I have found to be the most helpful is taking a proactive approach to your treatment. Fortunately, for me, my doctor recommened surgery. I was then off to get a second opinion. Before trying surgery, I tried to tweak medications one more time. I really wanted surgery to be a last resort. I am off to the UC specialist again to be referred to a surgeon. The best thing to do is to go into the doctor's appointment informed and speak up. If you're not getting the treatment you feel you deserve, see another doctor. If your doctor is truely concerned for your best interest, he/she will not be offended.

kar
Joined Aug 4, 2008

Tue, November 04, 2008 11:10 AM

Reply posted for bdiebels.

Hi,

I tried drug after drug that my doctor prescribed and none of them worked. I have UC. I told my doctor that I have been researching surgery quite a bit and really wanted to talk to someone about it. He wanted me to get a second opinion and sent me to another gastroenterologist to see if he could tweak my medication. He also sent me to a surgeon who specializes in J-pouch surgery. I saw both of the new doctors. The "tweaked" medications did not work and the surgeon said that I was a great candidate for surgery. I will have the first part of my J-pouch surgery on Nov. 14th and can't wait. If you are really interested in having surgery and think it will improve your quality of life you need to tell your current doctor that. He should respect your concerns and wishes and refer to you a good surgeon. If not, do some research of your own and start looking for a second opinion. I changed my gastroenterologist 3 times until I found the right doctor that worked well with me and had my best interests at heart. Good luck! Remember that we are stronger than this disease!

mags1
Joined Apr 29, 2008

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