Finally got over my illogical fears of scheduling an appointment with a gastroenterologist

So after my last post which you can read here I decided I probably needed to see a specialist after it was recommended by you guys. I’ve been denying the fact that I probably need someone else other than my pcp to treat my symptoms - I was convinced my symptoms were normal and that I was managing ibs very well... I’m not “bad enough” to see a specialist.I live in a small town, we have a highly rated hospital and specialists in the area... except when it comes to gastroenterology. The gastro doctors are mostly all men, and have a reputation of minimizing the symptoms of people who have IBS, especially women. I was really dreading having to schedule with one of them.. but they are close, and if I needed any procedures done I’m 15 minutes away from the hospital, 10 minutes away from 2 of their outpatient surgery facilities. They are affiliated with the health system, so is my pcp, so hypothetically communication should be smoother between the two.I also live 45 minutes away from a city with more hospitals, also highly rated, more specialists, more convenient ways to schedule (like online) I was able to get an appointment with a female gastro doctor next month. After researching and reading reviews on her, I’m happy I didn’t just book with a gastro in my area because they are close.I’m hoping I can get some answers, maybe even some relief, or at least a plan to look more into why I’m having these symptoms. I hope I’m not disappointed!Edited: there’s nothing wrong with male doctors. For these particular issues I think I might be more comfortable talking to a woman that’s all. I didn’t mean to make it sound like I wanted to avoid male doctors just because they are male. via /r/ibs https://ift.tt/3m1w7xP