2 replies to this topic

[mamaof2]

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I found this group while trying to look up my specific symptoms...it seems to fit. What do I do now?Should I just start trying to modify my diet?Should I go see a doctor for a diagnosis? What kind of doctor? I don't need a referral to see a specialist, but should I still start with a general practitioner? Any benefits to family practitioner vs. internist? I rarely go to a doctor, so I don't have one in mind.

[H.Chondriac]

I am in a similar situation to you. I am relatively new to my area & have no specific GP. I made an appointment to see one, but, it's not for a few weeks. I was worried about my symptoms and found a good specialist who fit me in right away (yesterday). She pretty much diagnosed me- though we are still going to do a colonoscopy (yikes!!) just to rule out a couple of other things that she highly doubts.If you're worried about your symptoms, as I was, then I think a specialist is best because they have seen it all and can therefore be most reassuring.

[Kathleen M.]

Yes you should see a doctor. You might start with either a family doctor or internist if you know they are pretty good with most things, but if you can go straight to the specialist (and they don't require a referral, sometimes they do even when insurance doesn't) you would see a GI doctor (gastroenterologist).They need to check it isn't something else with similar symptoms, and they can prescribe medication if lifestyle changes alone do not work.Some people can control symptoms with diet, but many people can't do it with diet alone.www....com has a diet that helps a fair number of people.K.