Colorectal Surgeon or Gastroenterologist on point for IBD?

Posted by engeler1 @engeler1, Mar 16, 2022

Hi All,

I'm in the process of getting diagnosed for what's wrong w/ my GI system. All signs pointing to IBD.

I actually went into hospital w/ a leak in intestine and inflammation -- b/c of ER room in a small city I was under general surgery care. IV antibiotics, out in 4 days. Plan was to wait 1 month for GI to heal then colonoscopy to review.

I was still feeling quite badly so went to a bigger city and am under the care of a Colorectal Surgeon who did his fellowship at Cleveland Clinic (seems like a good smart guy). The surgeon will be doing my colonoscopy.

My question is, if I do end up w/ IBD.. should I transfer care to Gastroenteroligist? Does anyone remain under care for IBD w/ a Colorectal Surgeon (obviously if I need something cut out I would go back to him). Essentially, who makes the best Quarterback for IBD treatment?

Thanks for your thoughts!

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grannydee | @grannydee | Mar 17, 2022

Just remember that it might be several issues…
EPI is often overlooked as iBS-D has stamens type of symptoms…
also sucrase isomaltase insufficiency
among other issues. It took a 3rd Gastro
opinion to help me in my journey.
And It wasn’t due to negligence, the first two just didn’t mail the diagnosis.
I never dreamed my life would be so much better! Never stop advocating for your best health!!!

engeler1 | @engeler1 | Mar 18, 2022

Thanks Grannydee for your thoughts.

fotula | @fotula | Mar 18, 2022

I don't know if this is the correct forum for this question but, has anyone ever had hemorrhoid surgery for external hemorrhoids and is it worth it? I don't know why they can't be treated any other way besides surgery?????

atina | @atina | Mar 19, 2022

You definitely need a Gastro! Good luck!🙏🏻

sallyw133 | @sallyw133 | Mar 19, 2022

In reply to @fotula "I don't know if this is the correct forum for this question but, has anyone ever..." + (show)

There are many other ways to treat them. My husband has been dealing with them for many years and has had numerous procedures, many done right in the office. He has always seen a colon-rectal surgeon, but you need to be sure to ask when making the apt what they can do as all do not do everything. Just my suggestion, I would try other things like banding before surgery if that is an option for you. I would only do surgery as a last resort.

Nanny23 | @nanny23 | Mar 20, 2022

I had banding done and it worked

pjdav256 | @pjdav256 | Mar 25, 2022

Gastroenterologist for sure! I doctored with my family doctor for years with issues and the Doc is great but all said and done I now am a gutless wonder three surgeries later.

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