Gastroenterologist never heard of citrucel

[wompo]

I met with Dr last week and I was just wondering what people thought about something.

I was surprised that a gastroenterologist has never heard of citrucel or Methylcellulose fiber. I have been talking it for many years and when I told him he did not know what I was talking about. Made me question how that is possible.

Just wondering what people here think of this? It made me uncomfortable with him because I just think he should know this.

 

[bolt]

My experiances in USA dictate if one has the time & resources, then they're certified, licensed, etc. / iykwim / Consider nationally lowered HS graduation metrics a decade or 2 back.

Find another Dr/Expert, etc.

Good luck & best wishes.....

 

[savory]

It’s a GSk brand. I am guessing he can get all the free samples he wants. It seems strange he is not aware of this brand.

 

[Ncc1701]

Maybe Metamucil is more popular?

 

[sengsational]

You would think that someone in that profession, who presumably suggests specific ways to add fiber to ones diet, would know all of the options, and what the pluses and minuses are of each. Maybe they told him in medical school that the kind of fiber doesn't matter, so he doesn't spend time on it.

 

[RVplusDog]

I met with Dr last week and I was just wondering what people thought about something.

I was surprised that a gastroenterologist has never heard of citrucel or Methylcellulose fiber. I have been talking it for many years and when I told him he did not know what I was talking about. Made me question how that is possible.

Just wondering what people here think of this? It made me uncomfortable with him because I just think he should know this.

I have to ask how young he is! It does seem odd. I like doctors that know more than me, not less.

 

[RunningBum]

I'd find another specialist who seems better informed.

 

[wompo]

I have to ask how young he is! It does seem odd. I like doctors that know more than me, not less.

He is 44yo. I found it odd also, but maybe he was just trying to end the session with him and did not want to discuss fiber?

 

[latexman]

In 2006 after 3 successive bouts of diverticulitis and 1 colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist told me to start a lifelong morning ritual of a glass of citrucel followed by a glass of water.

I’ve never had diverticulitis since.

I’ve tweaked it over the years. Now it’s Metamucil (cheaper) in coconut water (for the potassium) followed by a glass of water.

OP needs a new gastroenterologist.

 

[RetiredAt55.5]

My experiances in USA dictate if one has the time & resources, then they're certified, licensed, etc. / iykwim / Consider nationally lowered HS graduation metrics a decade or 2 back.

Find another Dr/Expert, etc.

Good luck & best wishes.....

I recall this doctor joke -

What do you call the doctor that graduated last in his/her class in medical school?

Answer: "Doctor"


Except it's both a joke, and not a joke.

 

[Ready]

I’d be willing to bet he was very familiar with the benefits of fiber supplements in general but was responding specifically to the question you asked about a specific brand. I take the Optifiber product that Costco sells which I believe is the generic for Citrucel. But I’d guess many people don’t know specifically what the Costco brand’s product name is.

 

[wompo]

In 2006 after 3 successive bouts of diverticulitis and 1 colonoscopy, my gastroenterologist told me to start a lifelong morning ritual of a glass of citrucel followed by a glass of water.

I’ve never had diverticulitis since.

I’ve tweaked it over the years. Now it’s Metamucil (cheaper) in coconut water (for the potassium) followed by a glass of water.

OP needs a new gastroenterologist.

Do you take the fiber before or after breakfast?

 

[Ready]

I took Metamucil for years until I discovered Optifiber. They both have the same effect but Optifiber has no taste and does not thicken at all. I just put it in my morning coffee and I have no idea it’s in there. The taste of Metamucil is just awful.

 

[RunningBum]

I’d be willing to bet he was very familiar with the benefits of fiber supplements in general but was responding specifically to the question you asked about a specific brand. I take the Optifiber product that Costco sells which I believe is the generic for Citrucel. But I’d guess many people don’t know specifically what the Costco brand’s product name is.

OP said they also asked about Methylcellulose fiber, so it wasn't just the specific brand. This specialist is not just one of "many people" but should be an expert. If the doctor wants to suggest someone take fiber, shouldn't they know the brand names to suggest, since the generic name is harder for most to remember?

Maybe it was a communication issue, where the OP wasn't saying it clearly behind the mask, or maybe the doctor had a hearing issue that day. Still, a doctor should take the time to try to understand what a patient says, so that would also be a reason to switch, IMO.

 

[latexman]

Do you take the fiber before or after breakfast?

Before. It re-hydrates after sleeping and I don't eat as much for breakfast. It's been a beneficial practice for me. I even take a "travel size" container when I travel, but I just use water then.

 

[latexman]

I took Metamucil for years until I discovered Optifiber. They both have the same effect but Optifiber has no taste and does not thicken at all. I just put it in my morning coffee and I have no idea it’s in there. The taste of Metamucil is just awful.

Try the sugar free with coconut water. It's not bad!