Reged: 06/01/04
Posts: 7013
Loc: Maine (IBS-A stable since July '05!)
My method of picking doctors (when I have to do it blindly and with no recommendations from anyone I know) has always been one of two approaches:
1. Go with the one whose name sounds nicest and friendliest.
2. If you don't like the sound of any of their names, close your eyes, hold your hand up in the air, and jab a straight pin down into the paper. Just don't hold the paper in your lap, or you'll hit your thigh along with your next doctor. LOL
I'm being silly, but I'm really not. I've really made decisions that way. And yeah, I've ended up with some not-so-terrific doctors, but ultimately, you can always switch doctors and therapists if the one you pick isn't working for you.
Hey, you can always email me the list, and I'll pick one for you. How's that for scary? Just don't blame me if they turn out to be a raving arse.
I think a couselor is a good first step. And that's what it's all about, Beth - I know it's easy to be overwhelmed by everything that's going on, but everything is manageable if you do it one baby step at a time.