At last I had my "new patient" appointment with my consultant. It was actually fairly productive. The hospital I had to go to in order to get an appointment so soon, rather than waiting two months, was quite a drive. It was nearly two hours of driving, and I'm very glad I used a Sat Nav as I'd never have found it. When the nurse realised how far I'd travelled she couldn't believe it. I explained that I didn't want this particular hospital as my usual clinic, but on this occasion I couldn't wait for a place closer to home! Thankfully there is a clinic just 12 miles from home, so from now on I should be able to go there. Anyway, I digress, on to the outcome of my appointment.
The consultant was actually very helpful. He spoke very fast and very quietly, which meant I had to concentrate quite hard to ensure I understood him, but apart from that he was thorough, and I felt that he listened well. He had my original diagnosis notes, and he took down some details of my crohn's following my move away from the south west. I explained that I was managing my flare up,but that it took quite some effort with regards to diet and taking my medication.
He talked about the fact that Pentasa isn't always the best drug and suggested that it may be worth thinking about infliximab. He said for now, I could up the dose of Pentasa from 3g a day to 4g a day. He also gave me a prescription for Budesonide, a corticosteroid produced to target the gut specifically rather than prednisolone which has more severe side effects. He said not to "cash in" my prescription unless I felt I really needed to.
He then proceeded to book me in for all the examinations again, as it has been ten years since we last had a look at my gut, and it would help to decide the best way to treat my flare.
Interestingly he said that they were now trying to steer clear of Barium enemas (thank goodness) due to the x-rays, and so instead I am to have a Colonoscopy (camera rather than x-ray) a gastroscopy and an MRI scan. The gastroscopy will look from the oesophagus down to the stomach. The colonoscopy will look from the rectum up through the large intestine, and the MRI will look at the bit in the middle they can't get to any other way.
He also gave me the phone number for the IBD nurse. So I now have a direct contact if anything gets worse (or better - you never know).
The waiting list for the examinations are up to around 8 weeks, so I just have to sit tight now and wait. Unfortunately for the colonoscopy I'm going to have to have a couple of days off of work. The preparation will involve taking a really strong laxative in order to empty the colon - so I can't be at work on that day! The following day, the examination will take place under sedation, which means when I come out I will be drowsy for some time after this. It's shame the waiting time isn't a little shorter, as it's only three weeks until the school breaks up and then I will be on holiday for two weeks.
I feel happier now, knowing that I have experts to call on again if I need to. Just knowing that I have support makes such a difference!
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