Times they are a changin'...great appt. today!

[jme22]

Hello all,

So I had my first appt. with my GI doc (the one who uncovered the whole mast cell issue) since seeing the mast cell expert down in South Carolina. He was very impressed with the thoroughness of the report and the direction we are now taking in managing my MC disease. It was a great appointment as it allowed us to both reflect on the "mast cell journey" we have shared over the past 3 years. We agreed that we both have learned so much and are encouraged that so much more is being learned about the role of MCs in GI disease. (Not to mention systemic MC issues as well.) So much change in a relatively short time.

In keeping with the theme of change, I was shocked to hear my GI's response today to the fact that I have a very limited diet as I wholeheartedly believe it helps keep my symptoms in check. I was waiting for him to "poo poo" (pun intended!) the idea of diet being involved in the management of GI issues. We all know that this is not something most GI docs embrace as part of the continuum of care for GI patients.

To my shock and surprise he said "I'm glad you brought that up. I've hired a licensed (M.S., R.D., L.D.) nutritionist to work in our office and I would like you to see her about that very issue." What??? A nutritionist working with the gastroenterologist....groundbreaking! Honestly, I could not believe my ears. How many times have we all complained about our gastro being closed to the idea of diet playing a role in our symptoms?! He went to discuss the FODMAP diet and asked me to talk with her specifically about that option. Quite honestly I'm still in a bit of disbelief...but also so thrilled!!!!

With food being a trigger for so many of my MC symptoms (beyond GI) this is a prayer answered. I've put off seeing a nutritionist due to the added cost. Now, I can have it covered by my insurance...feels like Christmas! I'm so hopeful that this can really make a difference in my overall health.

So, all of that is to say that change is coming (and has even arrived!) and every person on this board is a soldier in the war of changing the way doctors look at GI patients. Each of us who has in frustation taken an article to our doctor, questioned his/her thinking, insisted there were answers other than meds or come to this board to become a better informed patient are changing the face of gastroenterology. It's a slow pace, but we are doing it folks! Slowly, ever so slowly, doctors are hearing us.

We all have used this board as a place to vent about our doctors, and I'm no different. But today, let's just take a minute and sit back and recognize that we are making a difference...each and every one of us.

My thanks to all of you!

Julie

[tex]

Julie,

That was definitely a milestone.

Thanks for sharing that experience.

Tex

[Joefnh]

Hi Julie that is great news!! I just wish this were the standard for all GI offices, besides who would ever think that food had anything to do with GI health... ... It's amazing that most GI docs think that way.


Joe

[starfire]

WOW!! No wonder you feel like it's Christmas (and all the other holidays combined, I'll bet). I'm so happy for you.

Love, Shirley

[mbeezie]

That's encouraging news for sure. But I bet you will know more about a low histamine diet than she does. The icing on the cake would be if she were also a LEAP dietitian and could help with MRT.

Mary Beth

[humbird753]

That is very encouraging. I hope other GI's catch on to this. I can see why it felt like Christmas. Good luck with continuing improved health.

Paula

[MaggieRedwings]

Great accomplishment Julie and I applaud your doctor for his forward thinking. It is forward in the field of GEs but to us seems normal. Merry Christmas early.

Love, Maggie