Ak Ped. Gastrointestinologist

[Katwoman]

I'm looking for people who have dealt with the ped. gas. dr here in Anchorage. He only comes up every other month, so it will be a wait to get into see him.

I'm feeling a bit skitish about the appt. I so want to help my DD2, but the rumor is if you take a child to a gas. they biopsy the stomach right away. I hoping that's more of a scare tactic. But I don't really know and would hate to be this nervous for the next six months.

So, anybody?

Thanks!

[mtn.mama]

I took my dd to see Dr. Pratt. We also sought a second opinion from Dr. Ophelia Marin in Billings, Montana. It shouldn't take more than 3 months to get in to see Dr. Pratt. He comes up every six weeks from Arizona for 3 days worth of appointments. Don't stress out about the appointment. You all are just going to talk and he'll do a very brief examination. Then he'll give you his recommendation. For us, he wanted to start reflux meds and/or do an endoscopy. But I just said no thanks and that was it. I lobbied for what I wanted... blood testing for nutrient levels and Celiac genetic markers. And that's what I got. He said to come back anytime. If you are for sure 100% opposed to scoping or biopsies then I would go in on that premise, and be up front about it, and tell the doctor you want him to help your child non-invasively. Good luck!

[Katwoman]

Thanks!

If he just gives recommendations - as in your case scoping and meds - who was supposed to do those things?

We're only waiting six months because of the timing of our referral/Christmas/his next trip.

[mtn.mama]

He would have scheduled us for a scope at a later date, or sent us home with meds that same day.

[hippiemommaof4]

we saw dr pratt with my 2 yr old when we were stationed up there. he used to have an office and live in anchorage but they closed it and he moved back to cali. It stinks that he is the only one there and now he isnt very accessable at all. I really didnt like him that much though but not because he wasnt a good doc because he is he's not very ap friendly imo though but he's nice enough.

[Katwoman]

So after this wait we might not get any answers the first visit.....

Blech! She's already on a high dose of medicine. I so want her off this medicine and helped! (Okay, now I'm venting.)

Perhaps a referral out of state is a better idea......