When you need to meet with a gastrologist specialist Waller County, TX, schedule a visit to the clinic of the Katy Stomach Doctor. You can request an appointment via our online portal or call our office directly. We’ll settle on the earliest possible date so you can meet Dr. James Maher, our board-certified gastroenterologist. Don’t stomach your problems alone; tell our gastrologist specialist how and where you’re feeling uncomfortable.
What is a gastrology specialist?
A gastrology specialist, also called a gastroenterologist or specialized stomach doctor, is a specialist who knows how to find and fix problems in the digestive system. This includes the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, and other parts of the system. Some of the diseases they can help with are IBS, Crohn’s disease, ulcers, acid reflux, etc.
How do you know you need to see a stomach doctor?
You may need to see a stomach doctor if you have stomach pain or discomfort that won’t go away, bloating, changes in bowel habits (like constipation or diarrhea), trouble swallowing, heartburn or acid reflux, weight loss or gain that you can’t explain, or vomiting, especially if there is blood involved.
It’s also common for people over 50 to be told to see a doctor for preventative tests like a colonoscopy. If you’re unsure about or worried about your symptoms, you should always talk to your primary care doctor or another healthcare provider. They can give you advice and, if necessary, send you to a specialist like Doctor Maher.
Digestive issues can plague just about anyone and everyone. You can’t let the issue pass if they’re persistent or continuous problems. It’s better to deal with the issue at its source, so you’ll want to discuss it with a gastrologist specialist, who can tell you more. Come to the Katy Stomach Doctor today for our medical services.
What To Expect From a Gastrologist Specialist Waller County, TX
Whether you’re a new or recurring patient, the first thing our stomach doctor will do when you see him is talk about your medical background and the symptoms you are having now. Of course, if you’re a recurring patient, we might already have your patient forms on file, but you might’ve experienced new symptoms or a change in lifestyle that could affect your current digestive health. A few common discussion points include:
- What you typically eat
- How often you exercise
- How much alcohol you consume regularly
- How often you smoke
- Any supplements or medications you take
If the symptoms aren’t telling the issue, Doctor Maher may suggest certain tests to help determine what’s wrong. Tests like blood, x-rays (ultrasound or CT scan), or gastrointestinal surgeries (colonoscopy or gastroscopy) could be mentioned. Ultimately, this information will help the doctor determine what’s wrong and then work with you to make a treatment plan that fits your needs.
Treatments can include making changes to your lifestyle, like changing your diet, taking medicine, or, in the worst cases, having surgery or a more invasive treatment done. Our team will discuss the best way for you to treat or maintain your digestive health. We’ll do our best to ensure that you can go about your day without worrying about your stomach.
A Closer Look Into Your Stomach
Gastrologist specialists use a variety of techniques to find and treat problems with the digestive system. These include the following:
- Endoscopy: A flexible tube with a camera is used to view the digestive tract.
- Colonoscopy: The colonoscopy is a technique used to look for changes or problems in the colon and rectum.
- Upper GI Endoscopy (EGD): This test lets doctors look at your stomach, esophagus, and the first part of your small intestine.
- Sigmoidoscopy: Using a lit tool to look at the lower part of the colon.
- Capsule Endoscopy: To get pictures of the digestive system, you have to swallow a camera the size of a pill.
- ERCP: A procedure that helps the doctor find and fix issues in the pancreas, liver, gallbladder, and bile ducts.
- Liver Biopsy: This procedure includes taking out a small piece of liver tissue to look at under a microscope.
- Esophageal Manometry: This checks the pressure and how well the muscles in the stomach are working together.
Remember that the treatments will depend on what the doctor wants to find out or treat. There are different ways to get ready for, do, and follow up with each one. A colonoscopy is one of the most important procedures because it also counts as a cancer prevention method. We highly suggest anyone who is almost 50 consider this procedure to prevent or check for early signs of colon cancer.
Colonoscopy: A Life-Saving Preventative Measure
A colonoscopy is a way to avoid cancer because it lets a gastrologist specialist see the whole colon and rectum from the inside. People who get the treatment can often get rid of any growths or polyps that don’t look right before they turn into cancer. A colonoscopy can also find intestinal cancer in its early stages when it is usually very easy to treat.
Because of these reasons, people should get regular colonoscopy screenings starting at age 50 or earlier if they have certain risk factors. You should talk to your doctor about maintenance and follow-up screenings because they may differ depending on your risk and the results of earlier cancer screenings.
Don’t Stomach Your Problems Alone
Doctor Maher from the Katy Stomach Doctor clinic is your need if you’re experiencing persistent stomach problems. He is a certified gastrologist specialist who continues his studies through consistent clinical research.
Our office’s location is in an easy-to-reach spot, so you can call the office today to schedule a visit with our gastrologist specialist.
Waller County, Texas Fun Facts:
- The county was named after Edwin Waller.
- He was a signer of the Texas Declaration of Independence.
- He was also the first mayor of Austin.