The Initial Diagnosis
I honestly didn't believe my gastroenterologist when she gave me the initial diagnosis of Crohn's disease. It wasn't about a 'that can't happen to me' mentality, but more about a cynical belief that this doctor was just finding an excuse to rack up medical bills. At the referral from my PCP, I made my very first GI appointment with Dr. C. The symptoms that sent me to my doctor in the first place seemed benign enough... it hurt in my (ahem) anal region when I was passing stool, and it was often accompanied by blood. I was assured by family/friends that because the blood was bright red it meant it wasn't an internal issue, and I probably just had some hemorrhoids. With this thought in mind, I met with Dr. C... who told me within the first few minutes of our discussion that she thought I had Crohn's Disease. It was a startling assessment based on what could barely be considered a full conversation. Without any sort of test or analysis, Dr C. had already...