Re: New here - and my experiences so far.....
From: Sandy (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Thu Jul 31 08:53:28 2003
Thank you Dawn
I am going to check into a specialist today. As you said I think that
would be a better option as well. And hopefully the Dr. can lend a
sympathetic ear and "know" what I mean when I describe whats going on.
At Wed, 30 Jul 2003, Dawn wrote:
>
>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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