Re: New here - and my experiences so far.....
From: Dawn (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Wed Jul 30 19:52:49 2003
Sandy, I've only just stumbled on this forum and your message was the
first one I've read. I'm so sorry to hear what you're going through....
You know, from my own experiences and those of friends, it seems that
many in the medical profession have a long way to go when it comes to
understanding bedside manner and women's needs. I've had both women and
men doctors and frankly, I haven't found one gender better than another.
There are doctors who care and will listen but they are few and far
between.
For myself, it took 12 years to be diagnosed with Endometriosis. Doctors
told me I was a stressed out single mom who couldn't cope with the
expected pain of the menstrual cycle. Then I got married and I was an
unfufilled stay at home mom who was making up the pain. I finally found
a doctor who diagnosed me and is respecting my wishes in regard to
treatment but when I think about all those years that those cells were
growing and getting worse, I could have received treatments and been
spared all of the problems that I face now. It is infuriating to say
the least....
While I haven't read through the posts here, I'm quite sure that you
have found a sympathetic place to vent. You're not alone and many of us
can relate to your frustration and pain.
If you're able, you may want to seek the opinion of a specialist in
endometriosis to get a second opinion about your case. The doctors that
deal with this condition day in and day out are probably in a better
position to help you.
Wishing you a positive outcome,
Dawn
At Wed, 30 Jul 2003, Sandy wrote:
>
>I'm glad I came across this site.
>
>I am feeling VERY frustrated at this point! I hope you all dont mind but
>I need to vent/share my experiences with others that are going through
>the same thing and understand.
>
>It all started back in 1997, I was having extreme pain in my left flank.
>I was living in NE at that time. I went to the Gyn and he examined me,
>telling me I had a cyst inside my vagina. He also suspected endo, so he
>scheduled surgery (larp) to see what was going on and take the cyst out
>at that time.
>
>Well when I woke up they told me he couldn't find my left ovary that it
>had attached itself to my spine and kidney and that was why I was having
>such pain. Ohhhh how I felt SOOOO much better after that! He also told
>me I had no endo, just alot of adhesions.
>
>(I do know that I have a tilted uteris and it sits pretty far back. I
>also have an enlarged cervix, BTW I am 34 and have had 3 children and 1
>misscarriage.)
>
>Well I started having the SAME pain again about 6 months ago! :( This
>time I was not only experiencing pain like before on the same side again
>BUT I am now bleeding in between periods a dark old blood discharge. And
>after intercourse I hurt something terrible! So much that I cant stand
>up straight or barely move. I also have periodic sharp pains that feel
>like knives being twisted inside of me.
>
>I am now living in NC. So I went to a local Gyn here. The first visit
>she tells me it sounds like endo. Well she examines me....same thing
>she cant find my left ovary. She also took an endo biopsy. Well the
>pap and biopsy came back normal & negative for endo. She perscribed
>some pain meds and then sent me to have a vaginal sonagram. At that
>time the lady left in the middle of the testing to get 2 other guys in
>there and they were asking me a bunch of questions etc. I asked her at
>that time did they see both my ovaries. She said No!
>
>So I go back to the Dr. to hear the results of that. Well she then
>says the ovaries and uteris look normal. I'm thinking to myself ok
>maybe she found them in the picture?! She then proceeded to tell me that
>I might be a prime canidate for a hysterectomy since I already have 3
>children and my tubes are tied. I personally am fine with that, all I
>want is this horrible pain the end.
>
>(In between all this I had to go for several days with NO pain meds
>cause my Dr. screwed up the RX and there was no such dosage for
>Vicodin! I never did get through to the Dr. to get that fixed and
>neither did the Pharmacist, that was over a month ago!)
>
>She she then refers me to the surgeon for a Pre-Op appt. That was just
>yesterday. I go there "thinking" I am having surgery for a
>hysterectomy. Well I get there and they dont even have me in the
>computer for an Appt! I said well when do you have me in there....she
>said your not in here at all to come back! I said well how am I supposed
>to have surgery when you dont have me in there....I mean HELLO ppl!
>grrrrr
>
>So this lady says can you go back home and get your appt card. (Oh sure
>its only a half an hour back home and half hour back here!) I keep my
>cool, and go back home and get it. At this point I am in pain, tired
>and frustrated!
>
>They wanted me to come back the next week, but I said cant you please
>work me in, this is nuts and proceeded to tell them exactly what I have
>been through already with this place!
>
>So they finally worked me in and got me in the examining room. Then
>this lady Dr. walks in and says I think your confused, after looking at
>your files I believe you have endometriosis but your not getting a
>hysterectomy! OMG ppl make up your mind!!!
>
>She tells me instead of surgery I can either start hormone treatment or
>have the larp to see what is really going on. After thinking about it
>for a few min. I said lets do this larposcopy. Cause at this point I
>am SICK of this pain! So the end of this month (Aug) I am scheduled to
>have a larposcopy and a hysteroctomy (sp).
>
>I asked her what happens if they dont see anything, she said well then
>we are back to square one with what to do with you. Then she said they
>are also doing a study about women who were sexually abused as children
>and they "think" the pain is there but really isnt!!!! Can you believe
>that shit! I could see a Male Dr. saying something like that since they
>have never experienced periods/birthing etc. But a WOMAN!?
>
>I am TOTALLY at a loss at this point and need someone to talk to that
>can relate. Please forgive me for such a long post. And I thank you in
>advance for any help/advice/listening ear etc.
>
>~Sandy
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