THANK YOU TEX AND SARA!!!

Robin · Post by **Robin** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:25 pm

Dear Sara and Tex,

I really want to thank you from the bottom of my heart you are both incredible people, the great advise, detective work and compassion was outstanding!!

I went to see my Gastro today (LOVE HIM)!!! He spent over 2 hours with me making sure ALL my questions were answered and really wanting to get to the bottom of this!

He took a CT scan of my abdomen. My diverticulitis is flaring up again (TEX YOUR AMAZING you knew before he did and without a CT). It also showed that I have ulcers in my Duodenum (the beginning of my small intestine) which he didn't see on my last colonoscopy. He feels they have been there for a long time. So now not only do I have MC, I have Diverticulitis and Ulcerated Colitis! I am a big mess! He wants me to ween myself off the Celexa (SARA YOUR an AMAZING CSI). He stated that the generic brand (which is the one I am on) not only cause the big D but it also as properties in it to keep inflammation from settling down. He asked what I would prefer getting control over my belly problems or helping my pre menopause problems! WITHOUT A DOUBT getting control over my belly problems!! I will deal with the hot flashes and mood swings some other way!

He started me on Entocort and is increasing my Asacol to 2400mg per day. He also gave me Align which is a new probiotic its bifidobacteruin infantis and he has been on it and loves it. He also gave me a letter to get my lab test from EntroLab covered by my insurance. I gave him the paper work on the Lab and he thought it was a great idea to have it done, but was upset that we here in NY can not get the test. But I told him my friend Sara told me how to get around that! So again Sara thanks for the info.

So now, I finally figured out what as been bothering me!! I have been making a lot of fruit smoothies with blackberries and stawberries....I can not have any seeds!!! He did say that I am still having Gluten in my diet somewhere because I have a rash on my stomach and my arms which is a sign of a gluten allergy. I thought it was my eczema!

Well Sara and Tex again I thank you both!

I hope you don't mind but I showed my doctor this web site! He was amazed that there was one and stated that lately he has diagnosis to many people with MC and doesn't understand why. At least he can tell them that there is a GREAT website they can join.

WITH BIG HUGS AND KISSES TO YOU BOTH!!!!
Robin

sarkin · Post by **sarkin** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:53 pm

Robin,

First - I must admit that everything I know, I learned from Tex

- and many other wonderful members here.

Your GI sounds way ahead of the curve, in terms of being receptive to your questions and knowledge-seeking, and also of recognizing a possible "stealth" gluten ingredient in your diet, by your skin rash. PLUS his support for getting your Enterolab results covered - he may not be perfect, but he is really open and engaged, and caring. (It does feel a little like contraband, smuggling our 'sample' over the state line, but - in a good way?)

The response to probiotics seems to be highly individual - some of us do well on products that make others miserable. For that reason, I would leave that experiment for a little later down the road. And I *totally* agree - give me the worst hot-flash-day EVER over an hour of MC - no contest!

I'll be interested to know where you find your 'hidden' gluten (or dairy?). If you need help decoding your diet or your ingredient labels, I know you'll challenge your CSI team to help figure it out...

I had *NO IDEA* that the generic vs. brand-name Celexa would have that kind of difference. WOW!

I think it's possible you won't need the Asacol, once the Entocort kicks in. But - that is truly a guess, so please don't bet the rent on it!

SO glad you have a helpful doc - congratulations on this step toward health,

Sara

Post by **tex** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 7:59 pm

Robin,

Well, I can't speak for Sara, but you certainly made my day. Many thanks for the kind words. I'll probably be smiling in my sleep, tonight. LOL.

As Sara so aptly pointed out, you apparently have an awesome gastroenterologist, to be so knowledgeable, and to be so generous with his time, helping a patient. Very few GI specialists would associate that rash with occult gluten in the diet, but I have no doubt that he's correct. And he's even willing to endorse the Enterolab tests - GI docs just don't get much better than that. I would feel honored to be able to add his name and hospital or clinic location to our list of highly-regarded doctors, if you are willing to share him with others.

I hope you'll be good as new again, as soon as you complete all the corrections to your treatment program.

Hugs,
Tex

draperygoddess · Post by **draperygoddess** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:33 pm

Robin,

So happy for you! I mean, not happy that you have MC, UC AND diverticulitis, but glad you know why you started having problems again after doing so well. Hope you get to feeling better quickly.

Can I borrow your GI???

Cynthia

"If the hat fits..."

Robin · Post by **Robin** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 8:49 pm

My Gastro is amazing! Like he said the first time I met with him...HE IS NOT GOD, HE DOESN'T KNOW EVERYTHING, BUT IS VERY OPENED TO LEARN NEW THINGS! He also as told me many times that he can not help me unless I tell what is going on...he is not a mind reader! He is only as good as his patients want him to be! Not only is he a great doctor but he has by far the best bedside manner. When things need to be serous he is but he is also a comedian. I have no problems with sharing him with everyone!!!

Gastrointestinal Associates
Paul R. Pervil, MD
146A Manetto Hill Rd.
Suite 205
Plainview, NY 11803
Tel# 516 822-4404

He does have a partner, who is also very knowledgeable, but I don't like his bedside manner. He's nice but more serous.

I do have to say that he is best friends with the doctor I work for. So I don't know if thats why he pays a lot attention to me. I do know that I have sent a lot of friends to him and they all love him too! So now for the downside....you wait to see him and its very hard to get an appointment but if he has a cancellation his staff will call you! If you have and emergency he will see you immediately either in his office or at the hospital.

BIG HUGE HUGS
Robin

Robin · Post by **Robin** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:08 pm

OOOPS I forgot to mention! Any generic brand of drugs has other additives in them. They can not be the same formular as the "real one". The real one is a patent and when it goes generic they take the basic formula and make there own. They have hidden dyes, different bonding agent and other additives. My doctor recommends only to take the non generic Rx!

Robin

Lesley · Post by **Lesley** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:26 pm

Envious! I wish mine was like that!

Post by **tex** » Fri Oct 28, 2011 9:27 pm

Robin,

Thanks. I've added him to the list.

Hugs,
Tex

Robin · Post by **Robin** » Mon Oct 31, 2011 6:03 pm

Hi Leslie,

Please don't be envious of me.....it took 6 other GI's to get to him!!! Oh boy, do I have some horror stories on the last 5!
It funny because the doctor I work for wanted me to see him and I kept saying no because I know him also and I felt funny seeing a friend and embarrassed. But he is a wonderful doctor and I have sent soooooo many people to him. No one has complained so far and like I said you have to wait to see him thats the only thing wrong with him. I don't mine because he takes his time with everyone. You never feel rushed and every question is important!

Hope you find a GREAT GI too! I think with having MC you need someone who is comforting as well as knowledgable.

Best of health
Robin