Re: Need advice on how to talk with my dr about a lap and options
From: Megan (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Mon Aug 21 16:03:53 2006
Sabrina,
I was turned down five times by five different doctors before I got a
lap. It was my experience that many doctors did not want to perform a
lap, because they felt they could treat the disease with Lupron and
birth control. While I kind of understand their reasoning (it is
usually best to avoid surgery at all costs), this was not the best
approach for me.
It sounds like you have made a very good case for a lap. The only thing
I do not suggest is bringing in print outs from websites into the
doctor's office. Many of them dismiss internet research. As a
librarian, I can understand why they do this even though there are some
good websites about Endo on the web. One thing I do suggest is that you
contact the Endometriosis Assoication. They do sell a diagnostic kit
that will provide information on how to get diagnosed with Endo. You
can order it through their website http://www.killercramps.org.
Once again, if you have any questions, please feel free to email me.
--
Megan
At Mon, 21 Aug 2006, Sabrina wrote:
>
>I have been emailing several people about their experiences with their
>drs and endo. Most seem to have had to be aggressive and ask there dr
>to do a lap. I have been thinking about the type of conversation to
>have with my dr in two weeks. I think I have endo as he has ruled
>everything else out. I want some advice as to what ya'll think.
>
>The last time I was here, we discussed whether or not I wanted children.
>If I wanted children, then you said that the only thing you could do was
>change the pill again. If I didn't want children, then consider a more
>permanent solution to my issues. I do want another child and will be
>ttc in the fall of next year. You have ruled out pregnancy, cysts,
>fibroid, infection, and pelvic abnormalities. But you have not ruled
>out endomentriosis.
>
>I have done 5 different birth control pills, two different progesterone
>pills, darvocet and motrin. The pill isn't working because for some
>reason I am still ovulating as confirmed on a US in Jan 06. We looked
>at Lupron and the depo shot to stop ovulation, but that was ruled out
>due to side effects and not a guarantee that it would take care of my
>problem. (I reacted very badly to the pill form of Provera). The only
>thing we have not tried is a lap. I would like to try to do this to
>rule it in or out.
>
>After a lap is done, I need a plan to get through the next year. I
>dread calling the office and bothering you and the staff and then having
>to tell my story to the nurse each time when I call for a fill of
>Darvocet (The nurse always ask, did you try a heating pad and motrin,
>and my whole life history. (He has me call in each month to let him
>know how I am doing, send in a chart, and he orders it). What I would
>like to do is to do a continuous bcp (not seasonale) and if I have
>breakthrough bleeding, then I breakthrough. I would also like to have
>refills so that I don't have to call and bother him. I won't go and use
>more than he has prescribed in a day or a month. Can they give refills
>on narcotics???
>
>Once I have my next child and depending on the results of the lap, then
>I would be more willing to discuss a permanent solution.
>
>What do you think? Any advice from those that had to ask for a lap. My
>doctor choices are very very limited here. I would still like to keep
>him for regular obgyn stuff. But there are not any doctors here other
>than other obgyns in the city about 45 minutes away. I could get one
>that is worse. I am terrified that he will say no, but as one person
>said, it is my right to request a lap. Was anyone ever turned down for
>a first time lap? It seems that the people that had to ask for one, were
>given it by their dr. I will say that usually my dr is reasonable and
>agreeable to things. Though conservative in nature. I figure if he was
>willing to cut and doing something permanent then maybe he would be
>willing to do a looksie. I am going to print out different webpages
>that have all the steps he has been following (which incidentally are
>for endo) and bring the paper from the ER that says that pelvic pain
>often has to be visualized in the OR to back it up.Most people like him
>because he is easy going and easy to get along with. Actually he is the
>favorite dr on the obgyn floor at the hospital. His calendar is very
>full. I have only heard that one person didn't like him.Ex. It takes
>at least 6 months to get an annual exam with my dr because so many like
>him. He sees only high risk ob patients or csections, the rest go to
>the midwives. He also sees all of the surgery or complicated GYN
>problem patients. The other dr in town, everyone is 50/50 on him. Most
>say they can leave him.
>
>I do have to say it sucks that we have to advocate so hard.
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