Starring Hilary M.G.T. as herself: More Medical Stuff

For those keeping track:
Doctor count: 8 (Have now also seen GI person)
Test count: 9 (Have had endoscopy, barium swallow, another ultrasound and a HIDA scan - results of the latter two still pending)
Medication count: 8 (have had Pantolac and Percocet since we last talked)

Well, I've polled some people on medical websites about what I should do about my intense abdominal pain that has lasted a month. So I thought I would poll those who know me best! My nearest and dearest!

Vote on which medical test I should have next!
Colonoscopy!
Pros: Would logically be the next step in assessing whether this is Crohn's other something other than IBS.
Cons: Painful and invasive.

Capsule Endoscopy!
Pros: Gives a fuller picture than a colonoscopy as it can map the entire digestive system and is also painless!
Cons: Not covered by OHIP as it is still considered experimental in Canada.

Ceretec White Blood Cell Scan!
Pros: Can show whether there's inflammation in the bowel and where it is!
Cons: Not sure if this is available in Canada.

Fecal Calprotectin Scan!
Pros: Is non-invasive and can show whether there's inflammation, (but not where.)
Cons: Any thing involving the word 'fecal' must have a con.

Get thee to a Naturopath!
Pros: Recently discovered it is covered by my supplemental health insurance!
Cons: They might tell me to cut out all good foods forever and ever.

View Results

Feel free to leave comments explaining your various choices!

Comments

As your certified financial manager and trauma therapist, I would suggest you take this test (for free) and insist on plenty of anaesthetic to make the hurt feel good.

Posted by: Julian | April 7, 2004 02:12 PM

i voted for the capsule endoscopy just because it sounds really cool. but i actually think you should start with the colonoscopy (and i'm a 1st year med student so i really know what i'm talking about).

Posted by: sarah | April 8, 2004 11:17 PM

I think you should try the colonoscopy because it's free, and it's not as awful (apparently!?) as people say. Also, I think you should see a naturopath, who could only do good and wouldn't do any harm. Your Mum.

Posted by: Ann Thomson | April 11, 2004 11:51 AM