Re: Lots of Questions

[Guest guest]

Hi Rick,

I don't think I can answer your questions about meds, hydration

and other dietary influences but I wanted to discuss with you your

referral to a Milwaukee pancreas doctor.

There are two of us on the board who have had experience with

GIs in milwaukee and unfortunately, we have not had good

experiences. However, there may be other's out there that have,

but I will speak for myself and lot the other's speak up.

I went to both Froedtert Hospital and St Lukes for diagnosis and

treatment of my pancreas divisum. The froedtert group (which

are Medical College of Wisconsinc doctors) were unable to

diagnose my PD after four years of looking for it. In fact, the

radiologist found it 4 months before the doctor at St Lukes did,

but the GIs at Froedtert missed the radiology report (which is not

uncommon - that has happened at least once before to me). I

also was treated quite badly by a MCW GI there who quit his

practice and left no arrangements for transferring his patients to

another doctor (even though I had a difficult procedure

scheduled with him). The doc who filled in at the last minute,

was unfamiliar with my case and therefore did not perform the

ERCP in the way that he should have, if he would have been

up-to-date on my medical history. In addition, Froedtert Hospital

itself is not that friendly or patient convenient (parking, getting

around and being admitted, and the radiology department - no

private areas for waiting if you happen to be an inpatient. The

stick you in a public hallway for all the world to pass you by!) I

have had really bad experiences at that hospital so I guess I am

not that objective......

On the other-hand, my experiences with St Lukes were for the

most part positive although again, the GI doc dropped me like a

hot potato when the treatment didn't follow his idea of " text book "

outcome. He found the problem and tried to treat it but he

NEVER!!!!! talked with me about the diagnosis, prognosis and

treatment options. In the four months that I had ERCPs and

stents with him, I never once talked with him face to face (other

than the first appointment)! The only way I know about my

diagnosis is that I read my medical records after it was all done.

If I hadn't, to this day I would think that everything was fine and

that my pain was inexplicable. The hosptial itself though is

tremendous! They are very good with patient care and the set up

for GI patients is awesome: from the check-in area to the

pre-treatment suite to the endoscopy rooms to post-op to the

inpatient ward. I highly, highly recommend the hospital part of the

pancreas treatment even though I am not too endorsing of the

doctor. The doctor is a great technician - probably one of the

best endoscopists in the area but he is the worse at interacting

with patients. But out of the two options (froedtert or St Lukes) I

would have to recommend the St Lukes team over the Medical

College of Wisconsin group.

But, if you are able to financially, you may want to look into the

possibility of seeing Dr Lehman or Sherman in Indianopolis. I

haven't had personal experience with these people but I have

heard nothing but fantastic reports about this group! If you are

able to get care from these doctors, I think you are going to get

the best care in the area.

Sorry to be discouraging about the Milwaukee area but I had to

let you know that pancreas docs in this area may not be your

best option (have you looked into Madison? The UW clinics? I

haven't any knowledge about them but it may be an option for you

that is closer to home than Indy).

Laurie

[Guest guest]

A friend of mine that had surgery the same day as me had BC/BS and they said

she had to have the phyc. review.

Pam

[Guest guest]

I have Mutual of Omaha and I'm not sure if they required the psych

eval as much as my physician did. Personally, I think that the psych

eval is a great tool for the surgeon and patient. I am glad that I

had the opportunity to speak openly about my history of obesity and

concerns for the future. The psycologist was excellent in helping me

see that I was not only going to change physically, but mentally as

well, and I have in a big way.

For the first time for as long as I can remember I have little or no

thoughts about what people may be saying behind my back or what the

little giggles may be about. I'm more confident and stronger mentally

than ever before. Don't fear the psych eval, it may just be the best

thing that could happen to you through the pre-op process in

preparing your mind for the coming lifestyle change.

-Ray

> A friend of mine that had surgery the same day as me had BC/BS and

they said

> she had to have the phyc. review.

>

~~~~~~~ SNIP ~~~~~~~~~~~

[Guest guest]

they told me if my contract numbers fell between two cretain numbers that I

didn't have to have the evaluations

[Guest guest]

Tricia,

Best of luck to you in going through all the hoops to get to the surgery.

Take care and welcome to the group.

Laurette

4/23/04 open rny

309/290/245/150

[Guest guest]

Deitra,

Apparently its our Insurance cause I was told the same thing. Its

an option to see a nutritionalist too. I missed a call the other

day while at work asking if I wanted a later August date for

surgery. I had been told earlier that day it would be in

September. So now I need to try the phone tag again with the girl

in the office.

> I see everyone talking about the nutritional evaluation and the

psych evaluation,,,,,,,my doc has informed me that with my insurance

that I am not required to have either.........I have

BC/BS..........what is with this ? I though this was a must...

>

>

> Deitra

>

>

[Guest guest]

Well if it is caffeinated tea it may be because caffeine can

dehydrate you after surgery and you do not want that!

As far as wanting to try one last diet. Hell no! (sorry so blunt) I

had tried more than my share of diets and surgery was (as it should

be) the very last resort for me.

Your Surgeon should have given you a list of food you will be able

to eat after surgery by now if you already have a surgery date. If

not, you might want to call and ask him/her for one because every

surgeon is different in their requirements post surgery.

As for me, I was put on a liquid diet in the hospital and went home

on a soft/pureed diet. I graduated to a solid as tolerated diet a

couple of weeks later with instructions to go easy and test one food

at a time on my pouch, to stay away from bread, rice, pasta, tough

cuts of meat and sugar.

Some people are put on a liquid diet for a lot longer or the soft

diet for a long time.

Anyway, welcome to the group and read all you can before surgery so

you know what to expect and will know if you are indeed prepared for

this life changing surgery. It is not an easy thing to go through at

all and there are many risks involved.

My best to you!

Colleen

Lap-RNY 11/03/03

315/195/???

> Well I am new to this, I am just getting started. I have about 2

> months till my surgery. Did any of you think well maybe I will

try

> 1 more diet before you did your surgery? Now I am getting the

things

> done they said I had to do, like stop smoking, give up my diet

> pepsi, tea, gum. I dont really understand the whole give up tea,

it

> is unsweetened. Can someone explain it to me. Sorry this is so

long,

> I am just full of questions. What do you get to eat right after

the

> surgery? I am worried it will be milk which I hate.

> Thanks for any advise you can give me....