I don't know my doctor

Is that strange to have only met your doctor one time?

Insurance, or the lack thereof at times, has made it so I have never formed a relationship with any gynecologist. So every time I've been to a gynecologist it's been to a different doctor.

Eventually I gave up on gyncology appointments entirely since a) I've never had any problems, b) I've been young all these years, c) I could never get an apointment sooner than 6 months away, and d) I didn't need birth control. So surprise surprise when after several years of neglect here I am getting surgery.

The gyno is my second opinion. My GP was the first. Rather than see yet another doctor who I don't know I figured this guy probably knows his stuff, so let's go for it.

Is this weird? Did anybody else ever get surgery from a doctor they never knew before? Am I crazy? (Not for getting the surgery--I'm going to do it no matter what--but for having a doctor I never met before do it.)

Just my opinion.... but, I could not let a doctor that I don't know perform a surgery on me. I have had many surgeries with my doctor but I have also known him for 15 years. I trust him enough that I think if I needed brain surgery.. I would let him do it. I would try to find out as much info on him before you have the surgery done.

I had a doctor do my surgery that I had only met one time, but this was a surgeon who came highly recommended who actually was more experienced in the types of extensive problems I had. My dh and I met with her for about an hour on a Sunday so she could thoroughly go over everyting with me, and she did an extensive exam and also spoke with my regular gyn about my situation. I still have my regular gyn, whom I had for years but he didn't feel comfortable, even though it became medically necessary to do my surgery because of some complicated situations in regards to my hysterectomy, and he has been doing hysterctomies for over 25 years,and I was glad he was honest enought to tell me.

sometimes it could be necessary to have another surgeon do the surgery depending on the situation. I didn't go into it blindly however I met with the doctor, did research into background, etc. and was very impressed with her and actually was in touch with her up until my surgery(she even gave me her cell#) and even now for follow up, she was highly skilled and I would recommend her to anyone, also she did a wonderful job considering what all needed to be done. She is also so considerate that she squedules her hysterectomy post op patients on different days than her regular obstetric patients.

I let my current orthopedist do surgery on my ankle after only meeting him one time. He was my third opinion and I had researched him. Turns out, I made a great choice because I needed a lot of fixing. We now have a great relationship and I think very highly of his skills. My current OB is new to me also but she is with the group that I have used for years. I have met with her 3 times so far and feel pretty comfortable with her.

good luck
missy

I haven't known my gyn. all that long. I was actually referred to one of his associates, but she didn't do ablations which is what I originally wanted to try. This gyn. isn't real good with his "bedside" manners, but I think does a good job surgery-wise. I have to be assertive with him on what I want though.

Interesting question...I don't know my GYN that well. I have only been going to her for regular exams for a few years. My daughter uses her as well. I like her though. My GP recommended a hyst, after saying I did not need to worry about the fibroids, they would go away on their own. He changed his tune when he saw me and read over the report with me. I went to the GYN to see what she would say. She thought a hyst or Lupron would be the best methods to deal with the fibroids. I am now wondering if I ought to research her abilities more. I am running out of time to do that in. The other surgeon who will be repairing my umbilical hernia I have only met once. I had a great repoire with him almost instantly. Of course, a hernia repair is not as big a deal as the hyst.... I think I am not going to worry about it. I am going to pray the doctor has a great night's sleep, and is in top form that morning.... I just don't want to drive myself crazy over it, or borrow trouble.

Hi. Me personally, I would want to know the doc better than just having met him/her one time. Once isn't even enough to ask all of the questions that you will probably have!

I suggest scheduling a pre-pre-op visit. Someone else on this site did it and so did I. Bring a list of your questions and if you can bring someone else with you.

Some women don't feel it's necessary, but I think you can be overhemled with info and I think someone coming with you is a good idea. I brought my husband and he was able to remember things that I didn't and spoke up I was too shy. Also, he asked new questions as the surgery conversation became more detailed.

Talk frankly with the doc about how nervous you are. Tell him/her what your fears are and if they're a good doctor, they will be able put you at ease. It's all about trust and the better you get to know your doc, the more trust you will be able to have in their ability. If you don't like what you hear and see, seek out another doctor.

Best wishes.

Well, I did call him to ask some questions one time since. Then I made my appointment. I will see him once more before the surgery.

I get a lot of information here so I don't feel any need to ask him tons of questions. How would he know some of these things you all share about, not being a woman and all? I'm not talking about medical information, but the emotional and physical experience stuff.

I did! My family doc (whom I have seen for many years and trust very much) referred me to her (a gyn-oncologist) who I met one time before my surgery. He said she was the best!

And, upon meeting her, I really liked her, her manner, her experience and her bedside manner. She took a lot of time, answered all my questions, said to call her at any time if I had more questions, etc. I had my pre-op that day and surgery 3 weeks later - so there really wasn't time to get to know her much better.

But, she was just wonderful and all went extremely well. She made it a point to be in the recovery room when I woke up and was just great. I saw her once more and, since I did not have cancer (thank God) won't see her again, I hope, I hope.

All experiences are different - use your best judgement. But, in my experience, ust seeing a dr. once does not mean your outcome will not be good.

Hi,

I saw my current GYN for the first time in January. The OB/GYN that I had for 18 years had retired. My previous Dr. was a part of a large group of OB/GYN's They are some of the most respected Dr.s in the area. So I felt comfortable chosing one of the other Dr. s in the group to continue with my care.

During my first visit with this new Dr. he mentioned my prolapse---my previous Dr. never said anything. The new Dr. said the changes might have been slight over the years. He only noticed because he'd never seen me before.

So maybe a new Dr. is not such a bad thing. If in your heart you feel you can trust this Dr. then you probably can. Listen to your instincts....that's why they call them "survival instincts"!!


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