Brought my son to a new pediatric cardiologist today for a second opinion on
coarctation (he has an MRI scheduled). The good news is that he thought it
was just tortuous and not coarctated (I guess that's good news?). Then I
brought this idea up that you mentioned and the cardiologist told me "NO, GI
AVMs are not possible in your son" and further "stop trying to play doctor".

That doctor was very insulting. I only asked "could my son's low iron be
caused by GI AVMs?". I have met at least 50 different doctors in person over
the past 6 years (my son is 6), and I have so far had 3 of these encounters.
If they have to insult a patient in front of their son and wife to feel
elevated, that is very wrong.

To be honest, so long as I am not interfering, causing harm, delaying care,
etc. and I am only concerned about my son's wellbeing when told that he may
have something as serious as coarctation, then trying to educate myself
about the condition... honestly, is that "playing doctor"?

Now I wish his pediatritican could tell us why his ferritin was low and TIBC
was near the top. I have no idea what it means, and after this.. I almost
feel that I am doing wrong by reading about the condition.

Can anyone tell me why a doctor would look at a blood test that showed
feritin at 13 with a reference range of 22-322, and TIBC near the top (in a
child!) then turn around and tell the parent "all looks good" ? Of course I
have no idea what it means, but for GOD'S SAKE. I am learning to distrust
doctors more than politicians.

Richard