Re: Endometriosis doctors in Philadelphia area-- please help
From: Gabrielle (anonymous@obgyn.net)
Fri Jun 19 21:56:33 2009
Hi Alex,
First I do have a question for you. Is the endometriosis doctor who is
currently treating you and who performed your first laperoscopy your
gynecologist?
I personally have seen Dr. Cook. My second surgery was done by him in
July of 2003 and I have been mostly (about 99%) pain free since that
time.
It sounds like you have a complicated case so I'm glad you are seeking a
surgical specialist. I would suggest reading information about the
different doctors and their various surgical techniques on the websites
listed below (if you haven't already done so). The docs listed below
have been specializing in pelvic disorders for years and have developed
different laperoscopic surgical techniques to treat the disease (i.e.
Dr. Cook calls his procedure the E.V.E. procedure, and Dr. Redwine
developed the LAPEX surgical technique). All of these doctors agree
that you have to remove as much endometriosis as possible before healing
can begin. Excision is an important technique in addition to
vaporization because endometriosis can function like a tumor in that it
can penetrate and grow deep below the surface. It is important to
excise (cut) around and under the endometrial growth until you reach
healthy tissue.
If you can find a surgical specialist in your region (maybe check out
the NY or Maine docs) that would be good, because the less you have to
travel the better if you can avoid it. If you do have to travel
farther, Dr. Cook, Dr. Redwine, and the CEC all have support staff
that help you make arrangements. They also have means to review your
information and do phone consultations with you prior to you traveling
to them for surgery. I personally researched Dr. Redwine and Dr. Cook
before I scheduled with Dr. Cook as I am based on the west coast. It's
my guess that the other specialists listed below also offer these
services.
You can also check out the national organizations:
http://www.endocenter.org/
http://www.endometriosisassn.org/advisors.html
They have lists of scientific advisors on their sites. Perhaps you can
find someone in Pennsylvania on their lists who you can consult with or
who can recommend you to someone close by.
I hope this is helpful.
At Thu, 18 Jun 2009, E. wrote:
>
>There are a couple of excisionists in NY, Dr. T. Seckin and Dr. Iris
>Orbuch.
>You can find their info. on ratemds.com.
>You can also check out these docs:
>Dr. Cook in CA http://www.pelvicpain.com/
>Dr. Lyons in Georgia http://www.thomasllyons.com/procedures.htm
>Dr. Robbins in Maine http://www.endoexcision.com/
>Dr. Liu in TN http://www.gyndr.com/
>and Dr. Redwine http://www.endometriosistreatment.org/
>There is also Dr. K in NY http://www.gynecosurgery.com/endometriosis.htm
>and Dr. Gary Goldman in NY that I have heard good things about (but is
>not an 'expert') http://nyp.org/FPHTML/1168360075262.html
>
>>At Thu, 18 Jun 2009, Alex wrote:
>>>
>>>Hi,
>>>Short version:
>>>I'm desperately looking for a good doctor specializing in endometriosis
>>>and laprascopic surgery in the Philadelphia area. I can travel, if
>>>necessary. Any advice or experiences with docs in the area would be
>>>greatly appreciated.
>>>
>>>If you're not comfortable discussing this information on a public forum,
>>>feel free to email me at alexandw@sas.upenn.edu.
>>>
>>>------------------------------------------------
>>>
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>>>Long version (background/history included):
>>>------------------------------------------------
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>>>I'm a 22 year old college student with intersitial cystitis, ulcerative
>>>------------------------------------------------
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>>>
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>>>--
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>>>colitis, endometriosis, and kidney stones. I've been under treatment
>>>------------------------------------------------
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>>>for endo for about a year.
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>>>
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>>>All of my other docs (urologist, gastro, gynecologist, internist, gp)
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>>>have advised me that my continuing pelvic pain and stomach issues are
>>>------------------------------------------------
>>>due to my endometriosis and that there is nothing more that they can do
>>>------------------------------------------------
>>>for me (save pain management) until I get the condition under control. A
>>>recent colonoscopy revealed a great deal of external pressure on the
>>>ileum which my gastro read as evidence of renewed endometrial growth
>>>there.
>>>
>>>I had a laprascopy about a year ago and felt great for a few months, but
>>>all of the same symptoms crept up and are now back in full swing. I
>>>hadn't been on birth control because I felt that if affected my stomach
>>>and mood, but I sucked it up and started Femcon a few months ago in an
>>>attempt to slow tissue growth. I am still desperately uncomfortable and
>>>in constant pain from bladder and abdominal issues flared by the
>>>endometriosis as from the condition itself.
>>>
>>>My current endometriosis doc is reluctant to do another lap so soon and
>>>wants me to try and tough it out for a few more months, try Seasonale
>>>before he resorts to surgery again. I would like to get a second
>>>opinion and get to know some other specialists in the area.
>>>
>>>Thanks in advance for any advice anyone can offer.
>>>
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