Choosing a Doctor

Every Endo Sister that I have communicated with has a story or stories of a bad doctor or specialist experience.

I was officially diagnosed with IC and PFD in September 2012 and Endo in November 2012, and have already experienced horror stories from the urologist that diagnosed me and the gynecologist that performed my initial laparoscopy. If you would like, you can read my stories here and here. 

I never want anyone to have terrible doctors, or to experience the awful stories that I have learned of.

 Since I want everyone experiencing pelvic pain to choose the best doctor, I have decided to make a list of personal advice. I have contemplated and searched the internet for the best advice that I can give women who are experiencing pelvic pain.  

Here are some useful tips:

Record all of your symptoms in a pain journal

 Be as specific as possible. By doing this, when you have a consultation you can quickly reference your worst days and the location of your pain. Read about journal ideas here.

Keep a food diary 

There are free calorie counter apps that make this easy. If your doctor says that you need to change your diet, you can quickly and easily show the specialist what you have and have not been eating.

Write down a list of questions

Write down a list of questions that you may have during your consultation. Bring this list and make sure every question you have is answered. Make sure you completely understand every response the specialist gives you. It is very important that you leave the consultation fully informed.

  Have ALL of your medical records

Before going to a new specialist, make sure that you have all of your past medical history with you. You can have your records sent to your new specialist, but it is also a good idea to have them on file personally. Another useful suggestion is to always ask for your medical record every time you leave an appointment.

 Do your Research

 There are many endometriosis support groups, endo sisters, and organizations that can help you find an excellent surgeon. Search the internet, and do not settle. Read reviews online, ask co-workers, friends and family. Word of mouth is an excellent way to hear about good and bad physicians and specialists.

Go with your Gut

If you are having a bad feeling about your treatment, stick with your gut feeling. Most likely you are correct, and something is off. If you are seeing a doctor, and do not feel comfortable in their care, find a new doctor. It is the simplest piece of advice that I can give you, but it crucial.

Do you have advice for choosing an endo specialist or surgeon? If so, leave a comment below!

xo Heather   

MedGift

I am a huge MTV fan, it is my guilty pleasure. Diem Brown, who is an MTV reality star was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. Since being diagnosed with ovarian cancer, she has started a foundation called "MedGift." When I found out about Diem's story and her fantastic organization, I wanted to share it with you!

"MedGift" is a fantastic organization that allows people with various medical conditions to create a gift registry of things that are personally needed. For example, if you need help with medical expenses or prescriptions, simply add it to your wishlist. Need help covering the mortgage or rent while you are out of work? Let your friends, families and co-workers know what is needed by signing up for the website. 

For more information about the lovely Diem Brown, check out her biography here. You can also find her on Twitter. To sign up for "MedGift," please go to the website for more information. 

xo Heather  
 MedGift Photo Credit: MTV

Malpractice

I am not a dramatic person, I just sometimes feel that doctors did not want to listen to me. I begin to wonder if my doctor's would ever figure out what was wrong with me. Honestly, I wondered if they would ever listen to my symptoms and terrible pain. Like most women with Endometriosis, I have struggled to make doctor's hear my voice. 

 

So, this brings me to what I believe is a valid point: I could possibly have a medical malpractice case.

(Photo Credit: Bain & Rodzik)

Has the thought ever crossed your mind? Did you pursue that thought? Please share your thoughts and opinions.

xo Heather 

Endo Specialists

As I have made clear in previous posts, like the one here, I have not had the easiest time with finding a good gynecologist. So, in order to prevent women from experiencing their share of bad doctors, I have located a list of Endometriosis Specialists throughout the U.S., the U.K., and Switzerland. I found this list on the Endometriosis Resolved website and you can locate the list here. I hope this helps all of you better locate a specialist close to you! If there is not a doctor listed near your area, let me know – I will do my best to locate a specialist for you!

If you have a gynecologist, Reproductive Endocrinologist, or Endometriosis Specialist that you would like to recommend, please leave their contact information below.

xo Heather

Photo Courtesy of: Robot Plunger