Ep 23 Interview with Dr. Duerksen of the PAC

Let’s start the blog with the Show Notes for this episode:
The National Conference of the Canadian Celiac Association was held on June 9th, 2018 in Ottawa, Ontario. Dr. Duerksen is the Chair of the CCA’s Professional Advisory Council. Dr. Duerksen has a Gastroenterologist practice for adults in Winnipeg, Manitoba. The website for the Canadian Celiac Association was mentioned numerous time and can be found at www.celiac.ca.

My Thoughts –
If you listen to the podcast, you are likely familiar with a referral to a Gastroenterologist to investigate issues of the digestive tract. I saw many gastro specialists over the years prior to my diagnosis. Like many, my diagnosis, more than 20 years ago, happened as a bit of a fluke, after being missed by countless health professionals for years.

Being referred to a specialist usually means that your family practice doctor does not know enough about your condition to properly diagnose or treat you. Going to a specialist of any kind can be very scary. Sometimes you are annoyed waiting for an appointment, other times you feel like you are being rushed through tests and treatment with big words and uncommon terms.

When the opportunity was presented to me to interview Dr. Duerksen, I knew exactly what questions I wanted to ask. I had heard so many stories from so many people about unanswered questions and what to expect from an unfamiliar doctor brought on board when your trusted physician was not able to pursue testing or diagnosis. I wanted to be clear about the process – learning what to expect makes for realistic expectations. I had all my questions answered in an unrushed calm, polite, knowledgeable manner.

After having my interview, and hopefully for you, after listening to the podcast, most of the mystery is gone. If celiac disease is the problem, the gastro specialist has the tools, tests and knowledge to find it. The follow up may be done with the specialist or with your family doctor. Although celiac disease may be a mystery to many, you can be assured that nowadays gastro specialists are looking for it. Consider a referral to a gastroenterologist as a step in a positive direction.