How do I find the best doc?

Hello, ladies -

I'm new here and have been reading lots of very good information here. What a terrific site!

I'm scheduled for TAH on Tuesday, 4/27, but I'm so freaked out by some of the things my doc said in answer to some of my questions that I'm postponing until I can find a different doc. Question is -- how exactly do I do that? I know exactly two women who've had hysterectomies.

I understand we're not to post doctors' names here, but please e-mail me privately if you can point me toward a good doc in Nashville.

Thanks.

Inaminit

I can't help with the doc.--I'm not near you, but what kinds of things did your dr. say that freaked you out?

Do you have a family doctor or any other dr.s that could provide a recommendation?

Welcome to hystersisters!

If it were me, I'd call the hospital that I want the surgery to be done and ask to speak with one of the GYN nurses. Then I'd ask if they have anyone that they feel is a good person to recommend to you. You could even voice your specific needs...and they see the doctors all the time so they get to know who'd they recommend.

Hope that helps...and please make yourself at home here. You'll find a wealth of information and support.

Hugs,

Rita

The things that most disturbed me regarding my doc's replies were:

1) She willd not do the surgery without removal of my cervix (I've never had a questionable Pap) and says docs haven't done this in about 50 years -- makes me wonder how on top of things she really is.

2) She would "try" do go through my old existing bikini line scar (C-section), but wasn't sure it was possible (how can you remove a baby through this opening and not be able to remove a uterus?) My uterus is the size of a 20-week pregnancy.

3) She agrees, reluctantly, to leave my ovaries if "they look normal" and doesn't understand why I would want to keep them since I'm 52 and the average age of menopause is 53. Obviously, if they are malignant they'll go.

Maybe I'm overreacting, but my antennae are up.

Just for info -- Are staples still being used for exterior closure, or has something better come along for long incisions? It's been 21 years since I had any abdominal surgery.

Inaminit

Sounds like you are making the right decison. Your GYN sounds out of touch. Either that or she is a control freak and afraid to be flexible for her patients. This is not a "procedure". This is a big deal and you have to have confidence that your doctor is keeping your best interests at heart.

	Quote:
1) She willd not do the surgery without removal of my cervix (I've never had a questionable Pap) and says docs haven't done this in about 50 years -- makes me wonder how on top of things she really is.

My GYN who did my hyster had no problem leaving in the cervix if it was healthy. I still have mine. It's a reasonable request to keep it.

	Quote:
2) She would "try" do go through my old existing bikini line scar (C-section), but wasn't sure it was possible (how can you remove a baby through this opening and not be able to remove a uterus?) My uterus is the size of a 20-week pregnancy.

The only reason I could think of would be adhesions...but that still doesn't seem right to me.

	Quote:
3) She agrees, reluctantly, to leave my ovaries if "they look normal" and doesn't understand why I would want to keep them since I'm 52 and the average age of menopause is 53. Obviously, if they are malignant they'll go.

This one bothers me because she doesn't seem to be aware of the difference between surgical and natural menopause. Surgical menopause is usually harsher than natural...and the ovaries, even after menopause, still secrete a small amount of estrogen. Removing healthy organs, when no health history indications of future risks are valid, in my opinion is not good advice.

	Quote:
Maybe I'm overreacting, but my antennae are up.

You're not over-reacting...remember, TRUST YOUR INSTINCTS. We all have instincts about what sounds right to us...this is one of those times. Trust your instincts.

When I had my hysterectomy I had disolvable stitches, no staples. Some (((sisters)) do have staples used, so if you have a preference be sure to talk with your doctor.

I think it would be good for you to just seek out another option from a doctor and perhaps find one that you feel more comfortable with. Just from the info you've provided here I wouldn't feel comfortable with the doctor you are seeing now.

And never be afraid to speak up...this is major surgery and you have the right to say what is going to happen to your own body. You are doing an excellent job asking questions!

Hugs,

Rita

I did call the hospital where my surgery is scheduled, and asked to speak to one of the GYN nurses (as Rita suggested). The nurse I got was extremely nice, but said they were not allowed to recommend docs to anyone.

I'm trusting my instincts. How did I forget how important that is?

I hate the thought of having to wade through docs yet again. But, that's exactly what I'm going to do.

Thanks to all for making me feel less paranoid.

Inaminit

you might want to try asking friends or coworkers in genreal if they have a good gyn, not necessarily one who has done a hyst.

My doctor is the best, and when I went to him it was not for a hyst. I was new in town and simply started asking the women I worked with who they went to. A couple raved about their doctor and he's the one I went to and stayed with through all my surgeries.

I was astounded at how many women I found out had hysterectomies once I announced I was having mine. At least 1/3 of the women on my teaching staff had had one, and the rest knew plenty of others who had as well. Just start asking around. Let folks know what you're looking for and what are the important issues for you. You'll find what you're looking for, and I'll bet it doesn't take any time at all.
Good luck!

Hi,

I really empathize. I was not satified with my regular gyno's attitude. First she suggested that I wait 6 weeks to see if the solid "cyst" on my ovary would shrink. Based on the info I read about these cysts at my age (54) that was unlikely. I asked her about that and she replied that she would have her nurse schedule immediate surgery to remove "everything". A complete turn around in a 3 minute conversation! Do trust your instincts. My internist suggestested a gynological oncologyst who is wonderful and my surgery is now scheduled with him.

Is there a teaching hospital in your area? Or a not for profit community hospital? That is where I would start. If so, find their web site. Look for docs with the speciality that you need. Most states have web sites that list professionals, like doctors. In my state, I was able to see where my surgeon went to school, etc. Also board certification is important. My only other suggestion is to try to find a local support group & ask the women there. I hope this helps and good luck.