Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Handling the Doctors


Fri, December 07, 2018 4:49 PM

My 16-year-old daughter was diagnosed with Crohns in 2015. She was treated and has mostly been in remission until recently. We struggled with the pediatric GI she was referred to in the beginning, and I found her another one further away but in the same medical group as her regular doctor (pediatrician). However, that medical group caused us a great deal of frustration this past year. We were trying to manage her medication and some minor side effects. Her pediatrician kept referring us to the GI, and the GI kept saying it didn't seem Crohns related and to check with her pediatrician. I never know what doctor to check with when she's having issues.

I ended up changing her GI doctor AGAIN to one of the best I could find in our area. She is far more thorough, and the hospital/clinic is much better at trying to help us get answers. I'm honestly about ready to change her pediatrician now too because of their lack of knowledge about the disease - even though they're not specialists. Whenever I call the pediatrician, they are quick to shrug symptoms off as a bug that needs to "run its course" or check for strep throat (even when there is no sore throat or fever). So I'm torn about whether I should always start any concerns with the GI first. I'm worried they think I'm being alarmist, but when my daughter's experiencing symptoms, I just want some real help. Have other experienced this frustration? 

FPO lgriffith42
Joined May 28, 2015

Related Topics

Trying to support my husb...
Author Image jessers
Joined Mar 1, 2022

Hi, My husband is 46 and was diagnosed in 2019 ....

read more

Legal system
Author Image Kimdanon1
Joined Apr 20, 2024

My son has Crohn's and is currently in jail. T....

read more