Looking for Gastroenterologist

[DanielP]

Any suggestions? We don't have a local MD yet.

Dan

[csgray]

Dr. Edwin Montell is really good, I found him easy to talk to and very willing to answer all my questions.. Gastroenterology Associates in Hilo. 969-3979

Carol

[macuu222]

Timothy Jarhaus....Gastro associates on Kohomana.

"Colonoscopy's Are Us"

[missydog1]

Dr. William Hartman, what a wonderful gentle man who is a great listener and of course very skilled.

He too is a partnet in Gastro Assc. on Pu'uhonu (that is off Komohana). I think all these doctors mentioned are the same practice.

[Iju]

Had a colonoscopy done by Dr. Hartman 4 yrs ago, totally agree with KathyH.

[DTisme]

Every time I hear about someone looking for a gastroenterologist, I wonder if bc of intestinal upset, and if so if they're ingesting aspartame (nutrasweet). That stuff did a number on me for years until a gast. told me how nasty it is. Diet sodas, of course, but also almost all chewing gum, many mints, etc. have it in it. Not that this is your problem, just thought I'd get on my anti-aspartame soap box. Google "aspartame dangers" for more.

[missydog1]

yeah, I avoid aspartame like the plague!

There are many reasons to go, cancer screening is a big one these days, recommended every five years. I forget why I went now, GERD maybe? (I have a hiatal hernia, nothing to do with aspartame.) Other stuff that can take people to a GI doctor: Krohn's, celiac, IBS, ulcers, diverticulitis, bleeding, oh joy, so much fun!

I went through the colonoscopy endoscopy screening recommended for my age, and they do a super job, now if someone could make that nasty Colace stuff palatable it would help, but they do give you some lemon flavoring that helps a little.

[csgray]

Ok this is where I get on my "man up and go get your colonoscopy" soapbox:
In large part because I wanted to avoid the whole fasting/colace process I ignored minor symptoms for years, but when I finally went to Dr. Montell and had the procedure it turned out the large mass he removed was in the last stage before turning into cancer. So if your Dr. says go do it, if you are over 45 and haven't done it, go do it. If you have ANY unusual stuff going on, go see the specialists in this part of your anatomy. I've since read up on what I would have been in for if I hadn't dealt with it when I finally did, and it makes the colonoscopy look like a walk in the park. Be nice to your colon and it will be nice to you.

TSA screenings are bad enough, but what they've put colostomy patients through is inhumane.

Carol

[macuu222]

I agree. I had a colonoscopy at 53 and had a growth that WAS cancerous. But fortuneately for me they got it all before symtoms and before it spread. And 3 years later...after getting yearly pet scans and colonoscopys.... No cancer anywhere!!!

[csgray]

Congratulations M222! I was so glad when I hit three clean reports in a row and they said I could go to every 5 years for the colonoscopy. I think this is one area where we have top notch care here in Hilo.

It was a real wake up call for me and I am trying to do a better job of listening to what my body tells me.

Carol