Do you have a referral?

Finding a doctor can be hard. From the ages of 8 to 18 I had the same 2 gastroenterologists. My parents and I never looked for a second opinion because we figured we were getting the best care at St.Josephs. I was in remission for about 2 years and when I started to get sick again they would not take me because I was no longer a kid. I needed to find a new adult specialist. Sadly I was totally dropped by them. I couldnt get the doctors I thought cared about me to spend a second on giving me a referral or helping me find a new doctor. I had traveled hundreds of hours and spent hundreds of thousands of dollars for their help over the years and now that they wouldn't be getting anymore money, it seemed like they didnt care at all. I went through 13 doctors and spent almost a year looking for a quality doctor, by that time I was much sicker than I knew.
It was a hard time, but I am happy it happened. Ive learned more in the past 2 years about crohns than in the 10 years I went to Tampa. Its crazy how in the dark we were about crohns and all the factors that go along with the disease. I must say if you have Crohns or Colitis it is important that you become an expert in the disease. Many doctors will go over things with you and spit out big words knowing the average patient wont know everything theyre talking about. QUESTION EVERYTHING! Dont just take their word for it, do your research and know your body. A good doctor will appreciate and welcome your questions. Education is key, the more you know, the better equipped you are to deal with the situation. And if you dont know something, find someone whose been through it and ask them. Getting info from someone who has first hand experience can be so valuable. Doctors can tell you the steps but a patient can tell you what to expect emotionally and physically. Take into account, however, that everyones experience is different so variables can change.
Eventually I found my current gastroenterologist and surgeon at Cleveland Clinic in Weston Florida. I would recommend them to any person looking for a great team of doctors dedicated to your case. The doctors are part of a panel of doctors and surgeons who work together to determine the best plan to help you reach remission.