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  • Q&A with Australian Health Practitioners

    Should I find my own gastro specialist?

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    Crohn's Disease & Ulcerative Colitis Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
    I had a colonoscopy and endoscopy and the bowel surgeon advised i have an IBD but shes not sure on what sort. I have had constant diarrhea for 5 mths now and it keeps flarring up to the point im on the toilet passing water 10 (Good day) -20 times a day. I just had a full week off work due to being toilet bound. Referal to a gastro spec. 11 week wait, 8 weeks to go. My current spec said my condition is fine and i can wait to see her. Should i find my own gastro spec? Seems like my cries for help arnt being heard or just plain ignored.
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    • Crohn's & Colitis Australia
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  • Crohn's & Colitis Australia

    For more than 25 years, Crohn’s & Colitis Australia™ (formerly the Australian Crohn’s and Colitis Association) has been making life more liveable for more than … View Profile

    It's worthwhile having an appointment locked-in to see a gastroenterologist and even if there is quite a wait, at least you have one in place. You can ask to be notified and offered an earlier appointment date should another patient cancel their appointment. Make sure you have a referral from your GP and see if your GP can make a call to get you in sooner or help you with finding another gastroenterologist who may not be booked up for so many weeks in advance.  Do not cancel any other existing appointments until you are sure you no longer need them and have found a gastroenterologist that you intend to continue seeing.  In the meantime also check with your GP in regard to the report from the bowel surgeon and the results of the colonoscopy and biopsy, and any other test results to ensure it does confirm that you have IBD, even if it is not known of what type.  Based on that information and the symptoms you have been experiencing, which could be an indication that your condition has worsened since you had the tests done, your GP can if necessary start you on appropriate medication that may help tide you over until you get to see the gastroenterologist, particularly if there is still quite a wait for your appointment.  

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