[jane93]

Does anyone know of a list of good GPs who are supportive and actually help people with IBS..and will order tests? Specifially if anyone knows of an internet list or even a good doc in CA I'd appreciate it.

 

[Persistance]

Where are you in California?

 

[Guest]

I've had much better success with my Nurse Practitioner, I was taken seriously the minute I told her what was going on with me. Unfortunately I'm in Massachusetts but maybe there's someone on the board who lives close by that knows someone. You're not alone in the reaction you got from the GP, a lot of people here have had some awful experiences. Jackie

 

[jane93]

Sacramento

 

[IBSfree-wannabee]

http://www.irritablebowelcare.com/states/srchst.cfm?state=CA This is a link to list of physician's who have experience with IBS in CA.

 

[Guest]

i'm with you. I've had ibs since my teens (i'm now 45) and have NEVER found a doctor who's at all interested. I'm in the NY area if anyone has any recommendations.Thanks,Carol

 

[Dolphinlady]

Same place as above; they have a search feature for each state. http://www.irritablebowelcare.com/finder.cfm

 

[Persistance]

IBSfree and Dolphin Lady;I was thrilled at first when I saw that there was actually an IBS doctorfinder somewhere out there -- I had never seen it before....thank you for posting it.BUT -- just want you to know what a very cursory preliminary search through the doctors on the list found for me: Out of seven or eight names from L.A. so far, none are GI's. One that looked promising ia a pediatrician, the other specializes in a mixed bag of "massage therapy, hypnotherapy, 'wellness,' nutrition, etc." The "hypnotherapy" caught my eye, however when clicking on the "IBS" link they give, there was no info on any. The doctors I know of that ARE specialists in IBS are not listed, i.e., William Snape in Long Beach, one of the better-known IBS researchers, or Lynn Chang at UCLA -- who was very involved in the Glaxo studies. Other searches turned up MD's, Family Practictioners and the like. So far -- no GI's. Just a first impression and a slight warning to know what you're doing. By the way, there is a brand new motility disorders clinic at Cedar Sinai Hospital in Los Angeles that will be doing studies and takes every kind of insurance. Very thrilling news. [This message has been edited by Persistance (edited 01-28-2000).]

 

[jane93]

Hi IBSwannabefree and persistence I'm happy to hear there are doctors and other useful sites, unfortunately all of the docs are in Southern Cal. There don't even seem to be any San Fransisco bay area docs -I expected a few there. I may just have to take that trip to LA..I can only hope that if Kelsey and Camille Grammar can increase awareness of IBS more doctors will be forced to take this seriously

 

[Guest]

It's too bad you don't live in the Nebraska area. My Doctor is awesome. He is the best.My PA went too school with him and referred me too him. He checked everything else out first, too make sure it wasn't anything elseand then diagnosed it as IBS. Now it all makes sense. But I had alot of other medical problems that could mimic, I have PSVT with my heart, Hyperthyroidism. My other things were fixed before the final diagnosis for the bowels. I wish you luck.

 

[Persistance]

Jane, I find that hard to believe that there are no fine doctors experienced in treating IBS in the whole San Francisco area! Try this: Call the new Cedars Sinai Motility Center (ask for them from the general number at 310-423-2000) and ask if they have any references.Perhaps better yet, call the IFFGD (International Foundation for Functional Gastrointestinal Disorders) and they might have some names (it's an 800 number, but I don't have it on hand). Don't any of your regular doctors have references? By the time Lotronex comes out, you probably won't have to find one that experienced in dealing with IBS -- just one open to new ideas and new meds.

 

[MsJanB]

My first reaction is to say that if you go to a younger GP, one who has just been practicing a few years, I think you have a better chance of finding a doctor who even has a clue as to what this IBS is all about. The older doctors seem to treat many stomach/intestinal problems as "nerves" or "stress", and many will outright tell you it's all in your head. It certainly can be frustrating!Jan

 

[Persistance]

By some interesting turn of events -- I went to a new ENT the other day. He is about 82, judging from his AMA record. When he heard I had IBS from an antibiotic for sinus, he expressed great understanding and sympathy. Then he gave me the name of Dr. William Snape, the top IBS specialist here (which I already knew). In fact, he knew about a student of Snapes who practices at the Motility Center! In FACT -- he has heard of Lotronex!(as of last November, my GI hadn't!) So you never know where that kind of info is going to come from.

 

[Guest]

anyone know of good ibs specialists in new england? (gi, internist, nurse pract., holistic, whatever)

 

[Dolphinlady]

Oh God, you're right Persistance! They only list one doctor for my state and it's an ob-gyn. Arghhh! Thanks for the heads up.

 

[Guest]

i checked out the web site for NY and only 1 was listed. I can't imagine there are not more here. HELP!!!Carol

 

[Persistance]

P.S. Jan, I just want to respond to you and say that if my ex-GI is any indication, you are right with that one. Practicing 30 years and he said, "I never heard of this new drug, but I don't expect it to help you."I'm still taking chances with the one I made an appointment with myself.Everyone --like I said, I THINK the IFFGD has a doctor-finder.

 

[Missycat]

Jane - I live in Pleasanton, and was seeing a fantastic GI (until I got better). E-mail me if you're interested in his name and phone number. He has a great sense of humour and is quite sensitive to IBS. He was always patient with me and was the first doctor I saw that really got to the bottom of my digestive problems (no pun intended).

If you want to drive to the SF Bay Area, I think he's worth it.------------------Fear can hold you prisoner.......hope can set you free.Missycat >^.^<

 

[Guest]

I live in San Mateo. Check out the doctors at UCSF. They are the specialists specialists. They are the ones that even the Stanford GI specialist I went to for GI problems they couldn't figure out with my Gallbadder wanted to send me to UCSF. I ended up not going because of insurance. I just had it removed and ended all that problem. Call their GI dept.

 

[Homebound]

I know what you mean!! I've been searching and searching to find a doctor that will even take me seriously!! Sad thing is I came across a really great one last week. But he only does Urgent Care, and doesn't have his own practice.

Bummed me out, cause he was SO understanding and gave me a drug right off the bat to try to help me. He listened to me, and answered all my questions! I've never seen that before. Either it's "Oh your system is just out of wack. Eat bland foods for a week, and heres some anti-diahrrea meds for a week and you'll be fine." Or "Your too young (I'm 22) to have anything really wrong with you." OR "Sounds like it's all in your head..." BLAH BLAH BLAH!! I'd like to see them deal with this! Hopefully I'll find a doctor as great as the one in that urgent care!!Jennifer