I apologize for not blogging much lately.  It seems like with the new larger house layout, kids fighting and being more difficult to control and my health issues I just haven't found the energy. 

I went to a new doctor regarding the health issues I'm having.  This doctor was not American.  He was of Polish decent (he told me) and had a heavy accent.  Coincidence?  I think not.  He spent a 1/2 hour just talking to me about the symptoms, and another 1/2 hour doing the exam then asking more questions.  Then he ordered a specific test to find out if I actually have an ulcer (WHY didn't the other three doctors order that test when they told me I had an ulcer?  The test was negative.  Repeat, negative = NO ULCER. Which means it's something else and gee, I'd love to know what.)   Then he did several stool tests.  He even PROACTIVELY asked me about my Polycystic Ovary Syndrome.  I didn't bring it up, he did.  (And isn't that how it should be - the doctor caring enough to actually READ your records?)  Then he set up a plan to battle that.  Later, he called me personally to relay more results and suggested/ordered a colonoscopy.  He thinks I could have Crohn's Disease.  I was nearly in tears over the good care and attention I'd received.  I have never received such good care from an American born doctor, ever.  

 Now, that's not to say ALL American doctors are bad.  ON THE CONTRARY.   It's just that most of the doctors I've seen in Washington are so busy they don't have the time to look further into symptoms.  And they act like these lab tests are coming out of their pocket.  Whereas this new doctor called me well after the office closed to speak to me about test results and options, and was definitely more concerned with my health than how much it would cost or how late he was staying at the office.  (Remember how I'd asked a doctor three weeks ago to do some sort of x-ray?  They said no.  Remember how I'd gone in six weeks ago and the doctor said "I'm not going to do a bunch of tests."?  And this new doctor runs a specific ulcer test and then suggests a colonoscopy?  Something is wrong with that picture.  Why didn't the first three do something?)

Am I a self proclaimed hypochondriac?  Yes.  However, these current symptoms are quite serious and real.  Constant stomach and bowel pain. Nausea.  Blood in stool.  Etc.  I won't go into all the details so you can keep your appetites for dinner.  The point is - there is a definite need to look into this.  And that's just the bowel/stomach stuff.  That doesn't even get into the skin cancer stuff. 

Then the new doctor ASKED ME if he could be my primary doctor.  I was blown away.  Like, HELLO!  YES.  And I'll transfer my kids and husband to you as well - deal?  Deal.  It was a great visit and no matter the results of the tests and colonoscopy I am so very grateful to know this doctor will be looking over my future care. 

Thanks for reading.  I'm sorry to keep complaining.  Hopefully I can post some pics, pimp out my Facebook page and have some fun updates and stories really soon!

Love Gabby