Frustrated after meeting with new Dr. - Women's Health Message Board

jules1 · 03-11-2006, 11:05 AM

I had an appt with my new GYN on Thurs. I had all of my records sent to her, so she would know about my severe endo and the two laps I've had in the past.

Basically, she came in, I told her I was having pain, and she told me it was probably Interstitial Cystitis and told me to go on the diet to try to fix it. Thats it. She didn't ask how severe my pain was, how often I'm in pain, or if I have any of the symptoms of IC, like the sudden urge to urinate or frequency of urination. She did a pelvic exam (because I thought I had a cyst) and that was fine, and then she set up an appt for me in a month for my annual. I was really let down.

I even asked her how to treat pain from IC and she acted like she didn't hear me. The only thing she replied to was when I asked if a heating pad would help (she said no). So, I'm having to completely change my diet for something I may not even have!! After researching online, I see that there are some tests out there for IC, and that Drs usually rule out other things first. AND I saw that if you DO have IC, most drs treat you for the pain. She didn't even care about treating my pain... and that is the whole reason I found a new dr! It was my first appt with her and it took about 15 minutes. You would think a new dr. would spend more time talking with her patient.

I'm terribly upset now and don't know what to do. I'm trying the diet changes, the only thing I'm having a problem with is not drinking soda (I'm down to one a day). Its just hard because on top of my endo, I have IBS and now I'm randomly diagnosed with IC (at least thats what it feels like, compared to what other people go through to get the diagnosis)... all of which cause pain in the same area! The frustrating thing is, regardless of what is causing the pain, I'm still in pain and noone will treat me for it.

I've seen discussion of IC on a few other threads. Should I push for some preliminary tests when I go back in a month, or should I just find another new dr?

JenRas05 · 03-11-2006, 06:59 PM

Hi,
I have intercystial cystitis or that is what they think too. I though had a test done. It was this test where they put a catheter in me and injected three different solutions into my bladder to see if they made my urgency increase. It is called a Sodium Potassium test. I also have endo. I am now on Lupron Depot because my gyno thinks that will help best with my endo pain and he said that it usually helps with intercystial cystitis too. That isn't right how your gyno treated you at all. I think you should see a different gyno. You want to get the best medical care you can with this, and if there not even going to listen to you then they are not worth going to. My gynos that I've seen have always listened to me and answered my questions. You deserve to get your questions and concerns answered, specially when your dealing with so much pain. I don't think doctors really realize how bad endo pain is and all we have to put up with, not just physically but emotionally too. Take Care! I wish you the best!

Jenny

Belle2003 · 03-11-2006, 09:42 PM

Whenever I had my first visit with a doctor they always took their time and asked me a ton of questions. Your new doctor does not sound up to par. I would ask my friends, family and co-workers if they have a good GYN. A lot of people like their GYN, but they have never had any female problems. You need someone who has/had female problems and their doctor took them seriously and was able to solve their problem.

Do you have a major teaching university medical center near you? I find that these doctors are more thorough. You have a resident examine you first, who then leaves to go discuss your situation with the doctor and then they both come in and discuss their findings with you. Two heads are better than one!

So go back to the new doctor and get your records and look for a better, caring concerned doctor who will take the time to listen to your needs. This has happened to so many other people, so you are not alone. I hope you find a good doctor soon.

I have to look for a new GYN too, as mine moved out of state.

Quakes99 · 03-11-2006, 10:34 PM

When I asked, so i can find another opinion and I asked friends, i asked them if they felt they were a problem solver. If they said yes with out any hesitation, i called. Then I asked their nurse, they know them best. Remember hesitation is a no.

Most of the time anyways.

If you like your doctor, annoy her with your pain phone calls, the more you call the more you ask. Write your pain on a scale on a calender and make a copy and show it to them.

jules1 · 03-14-2006, 09:40 PM

I'm going to go to my next appt, my annual, and push her on the issue more. If she treats me the same way she did last time, I'm going to ask for my records and then hope I can find a new gyn.
Should I follow up with the IC with a gyn, or go to a regular dr? I would prefer to have other things ruled out, since changing my eating habits for something I "might" have (even though my only symptom is pain!!!) isn't worth it to me if its not something they know for sure.
I signed up for an endo website, and they have a pain diary, so i'm going to print it out and start it. I've also been having horrible migraines lately, so I'm having to track that too. Going through all of this, on top of missing class because of these problems, is really stressing me out. And I can't afford migraine meds

Oh well.