Ladies...OB/GYN question

[Cookie]

I was just wondering, ladies, if you see an OB/GYN who specializes in Crohn's patients? Is there such a thing? Sometimes I think there is a fine line between my Crohn's flares and my "female" issues and I hate the fact that my current OB/GYN is completely clueless when it comes to Crohn's. (In fact, when I developed my first rectovaginal fistula and it was abscessed I went to her and she had every person in her office come and and look at it! There I was laying on the table, feet in stirrups, while they sat there discussing it..."Hmm, I don't know what it is? Maybe Shelly will know..." Talk about humiliating.)

Sometimes you get symptoms and you are just not sure if it's Crohn's related, female related, or both, do you know what I mean? Anyway, I was just wondering if any of you have had any experiences with some of these gray areas and have found an OB/GYN that has been able to help you out? I have a call into my GI and I am going to ask him for a referral.

[imisspopcorn]

I don't know if there is such an animal....Maybe your surgeon or GI can recommend someone. It seems like a GYN would be better at dealing with all things vaginal.....

[katiesue1506]

No, but I do have a Gyno that has a nurse who used to be a GI nurse, and she's been really helpful in educating my doctor about the meds I'm on... she's also on immunosuppressants herself due to a kidney implant... its just nice that she can sort of be my liason.

[lifelover]

I completely agree with you!! It would be amazing if there were a womans doc who specialized. Besides, GI Docs seem to be dominated by males. Its a rare find to find a female GI doc. Women are more likely to relate to a female doc. (in my experience) I’m envious of those who are so open and have no problem telling male docs everything.

I try not to be shy or embarrassed when it comes to my health, but when you're in with your male GI doc its difficult when you're unsure if it’s a female issue or Crohn's issue to even bring it up let alone let them take a look down there. And they tend to make you feel stupid if you think one symptom is related to another- it’s difficult to find any doctor who can even consider thinking outside their own little box. My OBGYN doesn't usually even consider discussing anything other than very specific female issues. I find myself holding back when I'm with both of them.

Let us know if you find anyone. I wish docs knew we have such a need for this. What a great niche to get into.

[CrohnieCarolyn]

I had a male GI tell me that there was no such thing as a fistula forming between the bowel and vagina! Idiot he was - dumped his sorry butt...I had an abcess forming on my vagina before I was diagnosed and only later when I was diagnosed did I realize it was from the Crohns ...

[Cookie]

Originally Posted by lifelover

I try not to be shy or embarrassed when it comes to my health, but when you're in with your male GI doc its difficult when you're unsure if it’s a female issue or Crohn's issue to even bring it up let alone let them take a look down there. And they tend to make you feel stupid if you think one symptom is related to another- it’s difficult to find any doctor who can even consider thinking outside their own little box. My OBGYN doesn't usually even consider discussing anything other than very specific female issues. I find myself holding back when I'm with both of them.

AMEN!!!

[imisspopcorn]

That is the problem with medicine now a days!! It use to be you could go to your General practitioner/ Family Practioner....Get a pap smear, have a well check on your kids and the list goes on.....Now you need a stinkin' doctor specialized in whatever ails you.

If you have a wart on your big toe..."Gee Mr. Smith, I better send you to the Podiatrist because I don't do feet, and while I'm at it here is a referral to the Infectious Disease doctor because warts are contagious."
Rant over!!!!

[Tan]

I can't really offer any advice but totally agree with it being embrassing to discuss woman issues with male doctors. Here in Oz we can still just see our normal GP for a pap smear etc only have to go to GYN for anything more serious and thank god because most of the OB/GYN in my city our male!! There is only one female I know of and she is fully booked out for months and months.

I don't seem to have too many issues opening up to my male GI about anything relating to poo or how Im feeling tho he is really nice and just makes you feel at ease, but I also haven't had to deal with any of the woman issues your mentioning so fingers cross it stays that way too.