Changing Doctors

[White-pine]

I have a current gastroenterologist who has been very good, but is not a cirrhosis specialist. I have been referred by my GP (at my request) to a gastroenterologist at a Liver specialty Unit. I’m about to have a phone interview with the new Doctor and I’m not sure how to say I want to change.

Can all you experienced pros give me some much needed advice?

Cheer and thanks

Whitepine

[AyrshireK]

I would just say to them that your current doctor has no liver specialism and that you really would feel more confident if the new doctor did have some level of liver expertise. My hubby was in the same boat, a lovely local gastroenterologist but sadly no liver specialism and especially none with regards to auto immune issues which was the cause of my hubbies illness. We asked about referral to liver transplant unit and actually local doctor said you are no where near that stage but it would be wise to touch base with them, a doctor at transplant unit - a gastro with a liver specialism has taken over hubbies care and although we still the local chap to keep in touch with him and get local tests done hubbies main care is now managed by doctor at liver transplant hospital though not directly in the transplant unit.

[Peppy05 in reply to AyrshireK]

Hi AyrshireK, I have alcohol cirrhosis since 2015 been clean since I'm under the care of my gastrologist - liver specialist who is the same person but he's not a hepatologist. Is that good enough. Thanks peppy05

[AyrshireK in reply to Peppy05]

They classify these doctors as:- hepatologist - liver specialist (spend 100% of their time on liver and biliary issues), gastroenterologist with a liver specialism (they spend a large % of their time on liver & biliary issues ) and gastroenterologist with no specific liver specialism (they cover all the digestive tract from mouth to butt of which the liver is but one small part).

My hubby sees a local gastroenterologist who has no liver specialism and then also sees a gastroenterologist with a liver specialism (at Edinburgh). He doesn't see a hepatologist.

Katie

[Peppy05 in reply to AyrshireK]

Thanks Katie

[White-pine]

Thank you, excellent advice. The new Doc is a hepatologist ( forgot to clarify that), which in Canadian means liver specialist, so fingers crossed!!

[AyrshireK in reply to White-pine]

Well you want the best care for your liver possible and that will come with a hepatologist so that gives you good grounds for asking for the referral to a liver specialist.