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I had a relapse and have been gut sick since last Thursday. I phoned my GI for another prescription of Entocort and he wanted me to come in for a Sigmoidoscopy. I had to look up what that was. It said, "During sigmoidoscopy, a doctor closely looks at the lower parts of the colon, called the sigmoid colon and the descending colon, for signs of cancer or polyps. The doctor uses a thin, flexible, hollow, lighted tube that has a tiny video camera on the end. This tube is called a sigmoidoscope. Small amounts of air are puffed into the colon to keep it open and let the doctor see clearly.
The exam takes 10 to 20 minutes. The patient usually doesn’t need medicine.
Fun eh? I thought about it and then called back and said, no thanks, I'm still paying off my colonoscopy and endoscopy from 2010. Can you please just give me another prescription for entocort so I can enjoy my March break holiday and not cancel my trip. Finally, he agreed after I promised that after my holiday I would make an appointment.
This disease is draining my finances, what with special diet needs, doctor visits, meds, lab tests, and in-clinic procedures. It's a drain on my energy too but please believe me when I say my spirit is not broken. I experienced my longest length of time ever this year for feeling okay. I'm getting better with knowing what is safe for me to eat and not eat (even if I don't always follow it). I've learned where to shop for the food products, minerals, & vitamins and am discovering who has the best deals and I've learned where the farmer's markets are and how to make time in my busy schedule to cook. I found this site last year and read up a ton more on this disease. I feel down today but I'm even more determined to do better. Thanks to all of you who show up here and share because sometimes I feel alone like no one in my family understands me.
Sigmoidoscopy
Moderators: Rosie, Stanz, Jean, CAMary, moremuscle, JFR, Dee, xet, Peggy, Matthew, Gabes-Apg, grannyh, Gloria, Mars, starfire, Polly, Joefnh
Sigmoidoscopy
CoryGut
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
Age 71
Diagnosed with Lymphocytic Colitis Sept. 2010
On and off Entocort(Currently Off)
Hi Cory,
It sounds like your GI doc wants to take a fishing expedition at your expense. A sigmoidoscope exam isn't nearly as expensive as a colonosocopy, but that doesn't exactly make it cheap, and unless you have suddenly developed UC, (which is very unlikely), the odds are slim to none that he will discover anything new during the exam, (except more money in his bank account). He probably has a car payment coming up on his BMW.
At least he was willing to write the prescription. If he ever balks in the future, ask your PCP for a prescription. Once you have a diagnosis of MC, and you've been prescribed Entocort previously, GPs will often write a prescription for their patients, (and one good reason for doing this is that usually this will save the patient some money on the office visit).
I hope your trip goes smoothly.
Tex
It sounds like your GI doc wants to take a fishing expedition at your expense. A sigmoidoscope exam isn't nearly as expensive as a colonosocopy, but that doesn't exactly make it cheap, and unless you have suddenly developed UC, (which is very unlikely), the odds are slim to none that he will discover anything new during the exam, (except more money in his bank account). He probably has a car payment coming up on his BMW.
At least he was willing to write the prescription. If he ever balks in the future, ask your PCP for a prescription. Once you have a diagnosis of MC, and you've been prescribed Entocort previously, GPs will often write a prescription for their patients, (and one good reason for doing this is that usually this will save the patient some money on the office visit).
I hope your trip goes smoothly.
Tex
It is suspected that some of the hardest material known to science can be found in the skulls of GI specialists who insist that diet has nothing to do with the treatment of microscopic colitis.
I hope you're feeling better soon! It is frustrating having a disease in which you have to be in the driver's seat. I still get angry when look at how much my food costs in relation to everyone else. I know I have to get over it because it's just he way it is. I agree- this site is a soothing place to visit because even the most well intentioned family member or friend really doesn't get it. Keep up the "attitude" because it helps with the determination- we all have a life to get back to and together it can happen. Right now, I'm waiting my turn. 
Everyones' experience and suggestions are priceless. You're in my thoughts.
Everyones' experience and suggestions are priceless. You're in my thoughts.
Cory,
I'm sorry that your GI is insisting on a sigmoidoscopy as a prerequisite for your Entocort prescription renewal. A sigmoidoscopy was done for my initial diagnosis. The prep is much easier than for a colonoscopy. I just had to use an enema preparation. I would prefer it over the colonoscopy prep any day.
That said, I agree with Tex that it's unnecessary if you've already been Dx'd via a colonoscopy. Your GI doesn't have a clue what else to do, so he's doing busy work on you and making money at the same time. My GI "compromised" with sigmoidoscopy suggestion for me. I told him I'd think it over. The only benefit I see to getting one is to look for mast cells. Doctors seem to want proof via testing before they'll prescribe medication. I suppose they're worried about lawsuits.
Gloria
I'm sorry that your GI is insisting on a sigmoidoscopy as a prerequisite for your Entocort prescription renewal. A sigmoidoscopy was done for my initial diagnosis. The prep is much easier than for a colonoscopy. I just had to use an enema preparation. I would prefer it over the colonoscopy prep any day.
That said, I agree with Tex that it's unnecessary if you've already been Dx'd via a colonoscopy. Your GI doesn't have a clue what else to do, so he's doing busy work on you and making money at the same time. My GI "compromised" with sigmoidoscopy suggestion for me. I told him I'd think it over. The only benefit I see to getting one is to look for mast cells. Doctors seem to want proof via testing before they'll prescribe medication. I suppose they're worried about lawsuits.
Gloria
You never know what you can do until you have to do it.
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MaggieRedwings
- King Penguin
- Posts: 3865
- Joined: Tue May 31, 2005 3:16 am
- Location: SE Pennsylvania
Morning Cory,
I definitely feel for you and I think you were right in refusing your doctor the additional test that really would have no results to speak of as Tex mentioned.
Hang in there and believe me, families just don't seem to get it with the exception of a few.
Love, Maggie
I definitely feel for you and I think you were right in refusing your doctor the additional test that really would have no results to speak of as Tex mentioned.
Hang in there and believe me, families just don't seem to get it with the exception of a few.
Love, Maggie
Maggie Scarpone
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Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!
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Resident Birder - I live to bird and enjoy life!