When is it time to look for a new OB-Gyn? My current one has seen me through quite a bit of my medical history. It was with his direction that I experienced my first of many pelvic ultrasounds (and oh, what an eye-opening experience that was). He was the one that started the initial infertility work-up. He was the one that started me on the “Evil Clomid.” And he was the one to tell me when it was time to seek an RE. Not only that, but after so many years of “cheating” on him with specialist after specialist, he’s the one that took me back in when my attempt to successfully reproduce on my own failed.
So why am I questioning why I should change doctors?
As I mentioned in previous posts, I’ve been experiencing increased pain with my periods. I had an US two weeks ago, mid-cycle, that apparently looked picture-perfect. And the plan was to restart me on Lupron to help treat my endometriosis. And then Aunt Flo visited me with a vengeance.
And as an update to my last post where my doc basically gave me the “Take two of these and call me in the morning” speech … I called this morning to let the office know that yes, I was still having this intense pain. And no, the Darvocet I took (two tabs at a time, by the way) did not help the pain. So I was directed to go into the office for another exam, but this time it would be one of his partners since he was working out of his “other” office, all the way on the other side of town.
Well, let me tell you … Dr. Partner seemed to be much more attentive. He asked more questions, he seemed more interested in my symptoms. He seemed to want to figure out what was causing my pain. Unlike Dr. OldyShmoldy, who seemed to chalk up my symptoms to my endometriosis and that the Lupron injection should just “take care of it all.” So when Dr. Partner ordered another US thinking that something must have definitely changed from two weeks prior, I was more at ease knowing that something was being done. And when that US came back showing a 3.5 cm ovarian cyst (which, Thank God, was not ruptured), I just finally felt some justice that I wasn’t going crazy.
So what’s next? Other than the Lupron, which is supposed to help reabsorb the cyst … nothing. That is, unless the pain gets even worse. Which means that there’s still the possibility of a rupture. But not very likely.
Anyway, after this experience I’m seriously thinking that I need to change doctors. And change practices as well. I just don’t know how to go about doing this. I suppose I should wait until I finish my Lupron therapy. Or should I?
Argh. Any advice would help. And if anybody knows of a good OB-Gyn in the Detroit-Oakland Co. area …
When is the best time? Why not NOW?! It seems like the last thing you need is a doctor who doesn’t take you seriously. He sounds like he’s patronizing and brushing off your complaints. You don’t need that. You need better.
Kathy
Totally agree with the “now!” advice.
You should always work with someone who gets it, who listens, who you feel respects you.
Yikes. I have no good assvice to add, just to agree with everyone else. NOW sounds like a good time.
I think if you’re no longer happy with the care you’re recieving from your current doc, you should look around. You should be getting the best care possible to figure out what’s going on and fix it! You have to be your own advocate sometimes, so do what you think is right for you.
Hope your pain subsides soon!
I guess I would agree with everyone else. I wish you would’ve asked me..since I was the one who introduced you to him. I didnt know how unhappy you were with him, even despite our previous conversations. But I agree with your friends, do it now. There’s no use being there if you don’t think you’re getting the care you deserve. Mind you if it’s just him you dont like, he does as you know have other colleagues that might suit you better since they’re like 7 of them including 2-3 that are women. But if it’s the whole practice, I say sometimes the best way aside from personal referral from an acquaintance is to just look in your directory. Then make a search on that dr…As for me, I knew I wanted to stay within Beaumont. So I went on the Beaumont site to see what Beaumont drs were there that were in my plan. -That’s how I switched.
I hope you feel better soon.
I agree with the others. If you are asking the question, then now is the time.
Good Luck on finding a new doc. It’s not the easiest thing to do, but hopefully you get some good leads!
I agree with everyone else! If you’re asking the question, then it’s a sign you need to get a new ob!