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DT
Hi,
I had jpouch surgeries in 2000 in Kaiser, Hayward with Dr. Samuel Liu, and Dr. Dennen.
I followed up with Dr. Liu every two years. I would get what I call "Roto-Rootered" out every couple of years--fibers grow around the connection part and in the anus area.

I have left teaching and with that I also said goodbye to Kaiser. I am now on my husband's insurance, UnitedHealthCare, Medica,Medica choice with UnitedHealthCare Choice Plus.

One more thing:I had a GP, but she moved away, and I have not replaced her, AND I need roto-rootered again, sooner than later.

Two questions--do I need a GI or a GI surgeon, and does anyone have a good Dr. To refer me to? I don't mind traveling a little (like Pleasanton) but I don't want to travel like I did with Dr. Liu, who kept moving north in the Kaiser family until he now works in Concord!!

Thank you for your suggestions,
Diane

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Jan DollarJan DollarModerator, RN, retired
Have you asked Dr. Liu for referrals to other providers locally? Even though the Kaiser docs are within the Kaiser "cocoon," they usually know their peers in the community. It is not too uncommon for folks to lose their Kaiser coverage and need a referral. If you have already been out of coverage for a while, you probably can't email your doctors anymore, but you certainly can place a call.

By the way, Dr. Dennen was my surgeon too, but he has long since moved to head the bariatric surgery department in Fremont. But, he might give you some ideas too. I haven't needed a surgeon to follow up with since 1996. I have all my scopes done by my GI (here in Fremont).

Not sure what you mean by "roto-rootered," but if it means dilation, the GI could do it, depending on how extensive it is. They do balloon dilations too.

Jan Smiler
Jan Dollar
DT Diane T.Member
Hi Jan,
Yes, I did call Dr. liu's office and talked with a nurse practitioner. He said that Kaiser drs. Do not keep in touch with out-of-network drs and being so far away, the drs there would only know of doctors in the Walnut Creek area.
He mentioned to call Fremont Kaiser to see if they know of any private drs. That is when I thought of asking this jpouch list.
He also mentioned calling my insurance company and ask what GI drs and surgeons are on their list.

Yes, "roto-rooter" is dilating, either by finger, or a small rod. No balloons have been used yet, but I am glad to know about in case someone else does that. (the nurse practitioner mentioned that as well.)

So, it sounds like all I need is a GI? Are they knowledgeable in jpouches? I want to make sure I get a competent dr.

Thanks,
Diane
DT
Jan DollarJan DollarModerator, RN, retired
My Fremont Kaiser GI is Jean-Luc Spzakowski. He seems pretty knowledgeable about my j-pouch. He's been with Kaiser a long time. First in SF and now Fremont/Hayward for a number of years. He might know someone local in the private sector.
http://mydoctor.kaiserpermanen...er/jeanlucszpakowski

But, yeah, probably a good idea to find out who is in your network first. Then you can give the list to the Fremont GI Department folks and he could may e recommend from there. I did something like that when we thought we would be losing our coverage and I needed to scope out pediatricians. She could not make a firm recommendation, but did warn me off a few. THAT was helpful too.

Jan Smiler
Jan Dollar

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