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Why are we seeing only GI why not immunologist?

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Ulcerative Colitis
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Posted 3/3/2017 12:54 PM (GMT -5)
Have any of you see this type of doctor? What do they test for? Why don't we since it could be our immune systems acting up?
Posted 3/3/2017 2:14 PM (GMT -5)
pretty sure it's been talked about and some folks have seen them - but i don't think with great success - you might try searching the forum -
Posted 3/3/2017 5:28 PM (GMT -5)
I saw an allergy/immunologist for years when I was a teenager. It was to treat severe allergies and asthma, but that's it. Of course, I didn't have UC then, so it wasn't even a thought when I saw him.
Posted 3/3/2017 6:05 PM (GMT -5)
I saw an allergist/immunologist and i had such high hopes, but he was actually just very sympathetic with my situation (having IBD). He did all the regular allergy tests and nothing too significant came of it. I have issues with histamines, but who doesn't?
Posted 3/3/2017 9:45 PM (GMT -5)
an immunologist does diagnose and treat autoimmune, but many specialize in allergy. a gi has the same meds and can also do scopes.

i would choose either type if experienced with ibd. a gi who did mostly gerd would not be attractive to me, nor would an immunologist who did mostly allergy shots.

you could also ask about a rheumatologist since they specialize in inflammation - but tend to focus on joints. still has the same meds.

imo, once diagnosed, i think most people could be managed by primary care, as long as they were an internist
Posted 3/5/2017 7:34 PM (GMT -5)
I completely agree with you: we go to the GI, because the symptoms lead us to them, but UC is an auto-immune disease.

I was blessed to work with both for many years. My GI would prescribe, and my Immunologist would do the Remicade infusion. Together, it was the perfect combination.

I live in Guatemala where UC is not very well understood, and GI's don't know how to treat it. It's very frustrating and expensive to have to travel to USA to get properly treated. My dream is to start a UC Foundation here, to educate, support, and advocate for patients.
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