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Testimonials

The doctors and physician assistants

I cannot say enough good things about my doctor. He is very friendly, upbeat, energetic, compassionate, professional, and just a pleasure to be associated with. This was my first colonoscopy. So I was a little scared. He made me more comfortable for sure. I would HIGHLY recommend him to anyone. This really is sincere. C.N.
 

My doctor was reassuring and understanding. I will keep in touch as required. R.G.

 

You met with my son, in December of 2007. He had been experiencing a number of gastrointestinal issues and was quite frustrated with his situation. Since his appt/consultation with you, he has taken the antibiotic and has been on the Prevacid and probiotic consistently. This approach has been beneficial, and he has experienced definitive improvement. You had called me personally, which I appreciated! I had instructed Zach to follow up with you by email to let you know his progress, but I decided to also contact you. I wanted to thank you for your effective treatment! I will have to thank Dr Kodner for this excellent referral!

Zach will be living in St Louis and attending SLU this fall. Hopefully, he will continue in good health, but I take comfort in the history of quality care he has received.

 

My doctor was very professional and caring. He has a very nice demeanor and I would recommend him in the future.

 

I love my gastroenterologist at SIG. He was my doctor a few years ago and he has also treated my son. He is professional, compassionate, personable, easy to talk to, and easy to understand. Besides all of the above qualities, he has a great smile and makes you feel comfortable and assured. I would recommend him to anyone. D.D.

 

My doctor is a wonderful doctor he has a professional attitude and a wonderful bedside manner. Both my wife and myself see him, we wouldn’t see anyone different.

 

My doctor was nice. He talked to my husband and me and told us the results, and what we needed to do. Followed-up with 3 phone calls. He is very professional and I have and will continue to recommend him to friends and family. G.L.

 

What a great doctor! J.M.

 

You (PA) really take the time to listen to me and I appreciate all of the help. I have been feeling so much better since coming to see you. B.M.

 

My PA is always thorough and takes time to explain things to me. I feel very comfortable coming to this office. M.E.

 

My doctor at SIG is a wonderful doctor. She always takes time to answer your questions and I never felt she rushed me out. I think trust in your doctor is very important. Well worth the trip thru traffic to see her.

 

Thank you so much, you have been incredibly thorough and answered all of my questions. Thank you for spending so much time with me.

 

You have been a tremendous help, thank you so much for your time.

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The office experience

The NextMD website is quite resourceful, enjoyable, and easily accessible! I don't know of any physicians, besides yourself, who “go the extra mile” and use a website to communicate, respond to questions and concerns, and to provide vital, supplemental health information in order to better care for patients. I commend you and your office for this exceptional service!

Sincerely, L.L.

Your facility is wonderful. The staff is always friendly and upbeat. I have so much faith in my doctor. My entire family gets their GI care here. M.M.

 

This is the most efficient office I have ever been to! Everyone has been great.

 

Top notch.

 

This is the most organized doctor’s facility I have ever seen. K.D.

 

Had a very good experience!!

 

I was very pleased with my experience. J

 

I had a very positive experience with your office and staff. I highly recommend your practice! Thank you.

 

Everyone went above to make my experience as pleasant as possible.

 

Great care and treatment.

 

Keep up the good work. We greatly appreciate all your help when we need to see the doctor.

 

Office staff, physician and auxiliary medical staff provided excellent, professional treatment. Thanks to all involved.

 

I can say without reservation-this is one of the finest places I have been for treatment. I felt cared for and my procedure was comfortable and excellent. I will highly recommend this facility and will return myself when the time comes. Thank you for making the experience stress-less.

 

Your secretary is a doll – she helped me get my medications when I could not afford them. K.S.

 

Thank you so much for all your help. Your PA has been great to work with! E.B.

 

The new laxative preparation with a light breakfast the day before the colonoscopy was helpful. Thanks. Everyone was professional and helpful! J.B.

 

Well run office facility.

 

Very smooth and calm atmosphere. I always recommend this office.

 

Everyone was very professional and courteous. You have my highest rating.

 

Very satisfied with everything.

 

This is a good place. Seems to run smoothly, which gives me confidence that I am receiving quality care.

 

All assistants, lab folks, everyone appears motivated and engaged. From here, this looks like a model organization.

 

“I have never had an unpleasant experience at the SIG facility, whether at regular office or endoscopy center. It’s always pleaseant and comfortable and the staff is professional but not stuffy and friendly and helpful, as well as reassuring. It says it all when one sees staff members that stay for years with low turnover. Love my doc too!”

 

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Irritable Bowel Syndrome and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Therapy

"I am so much better and no longer have to take an antidepressant for my IBS." R.F.

 

I was experiencing severe GI problems and was put on Xifaxan three (3) different times.  I had good results each time.  After the third round of Xifaxan, my problems had lessened a great deal.  I was put on a low dose antibiotic and a probiotic.  My quality of life is much, much better. L.V.

 

Just wanted to give you an update on my G.I. problem. Doing much better, diarrhea resolved after 2nd dose of Xifaxan, abdominal discomfort and distention is much improved. I have finished the Xifaxan and will now begin the Erythromycin 50 mg. Thank-you so much! Best regards, C.N.

 

Overall, I think I am doing a lot better. In fact, I am doing better than before I had the trip to Korea and then several times of diarrhea. After I saw you, I went to Alaska for fly fishing in somewhat rugged country (lived in tents, no running water) and thank god had no issues despite some rich meals. I started the antibiotics after the trip about 5 wks ago and everything appears well. For a couple yrs now, I used to get occasional “bloating” after lunch and no longer feel that way. I have had several rich meals and wine etc without any problems. K.Y.

 

I wanted to let you know that I had decided to go ahead and purchase the prescription that you had given me despite whether or not the insurance would cover it. I started taking it last Wednesday and I apologize for not getting back to you sooner after I started taking it (I misplaced your business card with your website info and I just found it yesterday). I wanted to let you know that since I started taking it, I have been surprised. Only one time, and that was Saturday, did I have a little gas and some loose stool. I've been surprised as to how normal everything is since then. In fact I think I can say that I almost forgot what normal bowel movement is since I've been dealing with this problem for so long. Thus I've not had any gas, diarrhea (other than mentioned above) or cramping since I started taking the medicine. Thank you for all the relief! C.C.

 

I started the Naltrexone and had wonderful results (normal BM with no cramping/diarrhea, etc)! I am cautiously optimistic!!! L.S.

 

After taking the antibiotic treatment I must say that I am stunned at this and the effects of the dietary changes in my life. I have never experienced this sort of control over my bowels that I have now. I have not taken a hycosamine nor any other IBS type controlling drug this entire month, in fact, for this year. It would seem that there was not a psychological component to this problem after all. For me to work and not take something to control the diarrhea is absolutely unprecedented. I have not had a solitary episode of diarrhea in weeks. I am most grateful for the help you have provided me. I am not assuming that there won't be setbacks down the road, but if I can maintain my dietary discipline I think things are looking phenomenal! M.R.

 

I have had IBS since age 14. I am 43 now. Last year I took Xifaxan and it was lifesaving. I used to have diarrhea and soil myself if I did not get to the bathroom in time. It ruined my life. Xifaxan has changed my life. M.S

 

I have never felt this good. Years of bloating and distention have gone away after twenty days of Xifaxan. I have got my life back.

 

I was diagnosed with small intestinal bacterial overgrowth almost 5 years ago. Previous to the onset of this disesase, I was a healthy, active mother of 2 young children. The symptoms began after 2 bouts of stomach flu over the course of 3 weeks. Symptoms included body aches, flu-like symptoms, depression, and severe constipation (over a week without a BM). I visited many doctors, and all the tests they performed (thousands of dollars worth), told me everything was normal. All the medications I tried didn't work. I lived with these symptoms for months, believing at times I was dying.

It was then that someone recommended I visit Specialists in Gastroenterology. I was given a breath test, which showed extremely high levels of methane and hydrogen in my gut. I was given a round of xifaxan, and for the first time in months, all of my symptoms disappeared. Unfortunately, once the medication was done, the symptoms returned. My new doctor at SIG then gave me another round of xifaxan, followed by low-dose erythromiacin. This combination helped keep me well for several months. I repeated similar treatment maybe one or two more times over the next couple of years. It has been almost 5 years since the initial onset, and I have not had a recurrence of symptoms in over 2 years. I believe the drugs helped my body finally heal from the damage (perhaps nerve damage in the gut) that occurred from the initial bouts of stomach flu. I credit my doctor with saving my life as I knew it.

The xifaxan was expensive, and there were times I tried to live without it, but in the end decided my health and being able to take care of my family were worth the cost. Luckily, I was able to afford the drug, even though it was not covered by insurance.

Before I took xifaxan, I tried many other drugs that WERE covered by insurance, that DID NOT work, and had MANY tests run that cost my insurance company thousands of dollars. Insurance companies will save money by covering a drug that actually treats the root cause of this horrible disease.
R.S.; St. Louis, MO

 

I suffered with IBS, for about a decade, and needlessly. My life was severely impacted because many times I was tethered to my bathroom for a violent flare that left me staying for 32 or more hours at a time on the floor of a bathroom because the siege of my system was so complete there was no point in leaving, the diarrhea so painful, proceeded by such severe full body cramping, it was too hard to make the journey from bed to bathroom, a matter of 12 feet or less, but was afraid I wouldn't make it, or the cramping, doubling me over, meant I was more likely to bang my head or lose my balance. Time taught me to stay where I was. I had gotten to the point that I was a prisoner of IBS, not leaving my home as I didn't want to have to commandeer an entire bathroom at a social occasion of any kind.  A  physical therapist who treated for abdominal pain in a formal pain management program clinic remarks in her notes that I can't make progress because I am on able to make my appointments because of one  IBS flare after another.  The severe abdominal cramping meant and forth by GYN to apathetic and misguided  GI specialists, who told me specifically there was no researching being done on IBS, it was an anxiety related condition,  Desperate to claim back some portion of my life I set out researching every single symptom I had, and it was then when I read a patient's that her doctor had prescribed Xifaxin  it was changing her life.  So, I took it to my primary care and she agreed to start me on it as long as I agreed to keep looking for a GI specialist who was working with this Xifaxin protocol and that the specialist would keep her posted.
Owing to the discovery of antibacterial treatment of IBS with Xifaxan my life has changed.

 

I saw my doctor as a very sick individual who presented with symptoms of severe painful diarrhea, extreme flatulence, bloating, nausea, and constant belching.  I was unable to leave my home due to constant episodes of painful diarrhea throughout the day and night.  During my frequent trips to the bathroom, I would often break out in a cold sweat and, on occasion, faint.  I became lethargic and weak. My doctor ordered a Lactulose Breath Test, which confirmed his suspicion of SIBO.   He prescribed Xifaxan to treat my symptoms.  After the first round of that medicine, I saw improvement, but I relapsed after a short time.  I took two more rounds of Xifaxan and I am living proof that the medicine does work.  I have been symptom-free for several months.  I cannot emphasize enough what a relief it is to have my life back and to be able to move on with my usual routine.  I am convinced that without Xifaxan, I would still be suffering.  I consider it a wonder drug for patients with SIBO.

 

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Restless legs syndrome and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Therapy

Initial results from Xifaxan (as with 2 dosages left in the course). Averaging 8-9 hr sleep. No longer "as" tired as prior, no naps. This is a great positive. Thanks JB 

I have slept every night for the last month – for the first time in 24 years my legs did not keep me awake. B.B.

 

I am amazed - after 10 days of the Xifaxan, not only was my RLS and bloating better, but my rosacea and pimples cleared up. D.L.  

 

After the SIBO treatment my life with RLS is so much better – its like night and day

 

After 5 days of the Xifaxan my legs stopped moving and for the first time in months I was able to stay in bed all night. R.P.

 

My RLS is all but gone. I am sleeping – I have no fatigue in the AM. No need for coffee! M.S.

 

I used to be like a walking zombie. No longer. D.L.

 

Thank you for curing my restless legs syndrome. C.K.

 

I discontinued the use of Xifaxan (for approximately three months) because I was experiencing longer periods of no RLS events and the cost associated with the medication.

Approximately a month-ago my RLS returned witha vengance although I continue to take Requip. A week ago I resumed taking Xifaxan everyother day and have had no RLS occurances.

Thanks. W.S.

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Rosacea and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Therapy

"A friend stopped me in the street and said your skin looks so much better. Thank you for the treatment." R.R., Wildwood, MO

 

Today is the last day of the Xifaxan for me. I have the Erythromycin from the Specialty Pharmacy to start tomorrow. I'm no longer bloated, after literally years of being bloated all the time. Cramps have significantly reduced. As an added benefit, the skin on my face looks better than ever. Approx 2002 or 2003, I went to an allergist for testing because I constantly had puffy eyes & nose, and allergy-appearing symptoms. I tested positive for NO allergies. The doctor was looking at my face and said you have something, I just am not sure what. He then said I might have Rosacea, and sent me to a Dermatologist. My face has always been a little bit red in the nose, cheeks, & forehead area, and it was starting to get bumpy. I was given Metrogel, and have been taking Erythromycin twice daily until I stopped it when starting the Xifaxin. This is the best that it has looked in years. It is very smooth, and puffiness (that I didn't realize I even had) has gone away. B.H.

 

After you first diagnosed my rosacea as being caused by SIBO, I got better for the first time ever. My skin was 80% better and nothing ever worked before. After that, I took Align for 1 month and realized toward the end of the month my skin was not continuing to clear. In fact, I believe it became redder, drier, and I had more pimples. I refilled the Xifaxan and finished the second ten-day course today. Xifaxan made a tremendous improvement. It reduced the breakouts, the redness, and dryness. I have a prescription for the erythromycin and plan to take that as a maintenance dose. S.L.

 

Improvement was mild to moderate (a definite change). Nothing had worked in the past. Also, in my groin area I have had a tendency to get a rash for years and have used powders to keep dry, extra showers, and nothing seemed to really work but that seems to have cleared up. S.M.

 

I have had rosacea involving my eyes for years. I told my internist how happy I am with the outcome from the Xifaxan. This has made a huge difference. My doctor would like you to send the info about this treatment. I sent a friend to your office, she had her appointment today and another friend of hers had recommended you as well. M.F., St. Louis, MO

 

Thank you for recommending the treatment of SIBO for my rosacea. I was initially skeptical of the cause/effect relationship but a little research made me feel more comfortable with the concept. I must admit to being surprised by the result. Within two weeks of treatment, three lesions that had not responded to laser treatments by my plastic surgeon began to clear and were gone after four weeks. My face is still clear sixty days after treatment. THANK YOU. Sincerely, T.P. Olivette, MO

 

After 10 days of the antibiotic, my eyes vary in redness over the day and are sometimes still very red, but overall they feel significantly better. I am very happy at this improvement. If even more is possible, that would be splendid. Two people have commented spontaneously - one on clearer eyes, another on clearer skin. C.L., St. Louis

 

The rosacea seems to be improving and want more refills in case I need it since I change insurance in October. Thanks. SM, Fenton, MO 

 

My eyes are much better. There is less redness in the eye lids and white of my eyes. There is less dry feeling. AB, St. Louis, MO

 

 After taking Xifaxan for 10 days and then 20 days of Align and 200 mg. of zinc each day, my skin is less irritated and my bloating continues to improve. Eyes are a bit irritated at times, but that is improving as well, I think. Will continue on this treatment and send pictures again in 10 days. Thank you so much for your help :). Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! J.R., St. Louis

 

The Xifaxan followed by Align and Erythromycin has helped with the rosacea. I have not had any red pimples, since taking SIBO treatment. There is still redness however. The symptoms of constipation have improved. I still get bloating and gas with certain fruit. JM, Metaire, LA 

 

My visit was on 2/10/11. I filled the Xifaxan 550mg prescription and began the med on 2/11. I noticed within 4 days the rosacea began to settle and become less red. During the 14 days of taking the med I had fewer flushing episodes on my face, and my eyes felt less scratchy in the evening. 
CG, St. Louis, MO

 

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Interstitial Cystitis and Small Intestinal Bacterial Overgrowth Therapy

I took the Xifaxan treatment for my IBS – was it supposed to help my bladder too – my interstitial cystitis symptoms have improved. N.C.

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Advanced Endoscopy Center

The new laxative preparation with a light breakfast the day before the colonoscopy was helpful. Thanks. Everyone was professional and helpful! J.B.

 

The breakfast made a tremendous difference. B.P.

 

The facility was very clean and everything seemed to be in its place. This let me know my health and well being was in good hands. Also, the nursing staff seems to know their job and did it very good professionally. Please give the doctor, anesthesiologist, and the nurses a big thank you. B.Z.

 

Every staff member was very pleasant and gave great care. Service was very one –on- one and personal. I will for sure refer and come back myself. I was also surprised by the phone call a few days after my procedure to check on my status…that is great service! M.S.

 

Your facility is so clean. Everyone is so professional. I felt so safe. The personnel are efficient, friendly. Offering a warm blanket, juice, etc. J.S.

 

Everyone was so friendly, so efficient and I absolutely experienced no pain! Thank you to everyone. N.R.

 

I am a nurse and manage a staff in a medical office. I wanted you to know how impressed I am with your staff and operations. Everything was done smoothly and in a timely fashion. As I watched your staff work they were so friendly and worked well as a team. Very impressive. D.A.

 

I have referred many people to AEC because of the tremendous care and personal service that I have received. This was my third procedure in six years and I can’t thank the entire staff enough for the wonderful treatment I have received. AEC is truly a professional organization. T.M



Everyone was so friendly and personable and professional. I felt comfortable and confident with those caring for me. Also with the large number of patients coming and going I never felt “shuffled”. I felt individually cared for. Thank You. K.H.

 

Thank you for making my experience as pleasant as possible. The staff was wonderful, comforting and supportive. R.R.

 

You can not improve on perfection! R.B.

 

Staff was very friendly and caring. Great tunes! Never had an IV go in without pain before! K.E.

 

Quite efficient and convenient. Basically my compliments to the staff that made a rather unpleasant test a pleasant experience there. L.S.

 

My procedure was painless. The health care professionals were kind, caring, and very friendly. My experience was very positive. Although it is odd to say that I enjoyed having the colonoscopy, I actually did - it was like hanging out with nice people then having a great nap. J.M.

 

Having my colonoscopy here was the most pleasant experience. I send everyone there now. J.S.

 

All good procedures. Great result- confirmed no problems. L.R.

 

Everything went like clockwork, just great. D.P.

 

Your procedures and test are the best. R.W.

 

I found the entire procedure to be comfortable, professional, and not the least bit inconvenient, which contrasts with what I have heard from friends who have gone elsewhere. Even the prep was not bad at all. L.Y.

 

Don’t want to have the procedure again, but if I had to - I would choose them again.

 

The doctor and staff made me feel extremely comfortable before, during, and after my first colonoscopy. I’ve already recommended him to friends.

 

My visit to your office was referred by Radiant Research. My procedure was (endoscopy) well explained, very quickly and very comfortably carried out. I was really amazed as there were no after effects such as irritated throat or an anesthesia fatigue. Thank you for what turned out to be a pleasant experience.

 

I am very comfortable with the whole operation. To date I’ve had 10 endoscopies and this was the best - no discomfort.

 

I never realized having a colonoscopy could be such a pleasant experience. I am going to tell all of my friends about the wonderful experience I had at the AEC. I won’t go anywhere else.

 

Down to a science. Gratefully, M.C.