From a patient's perspective

[lazure]

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I have been diagnosed with a "strong suspicion of endometriosis" and am currently looking for a doctor to do the lap. I am very concerned about the relationship between endo and infertility. My question is basically how can I tell that the doctor is experienced in treating endometriosis with laps and pharmacology? Would a regular OB/GYN suffice or should I be looking for a Reproductive Endocrinologist? What questions should I ask to assess his/her experience and ability?
I just tried calling my local college of physicians and they don't provide the names of doctors specializing in a given disorder.
Thanks in advance...

 

[DrBuzzLightYear]

I have been diagnosed with a "strong suspicion of endometriosis" and am currently looking for a doctor to do the lap. I am very concerned about the relationship between endo and infertility. My question is basically how can I tell that the doctor is experienced in treating endometriosis with laps and pharmacology? Would a regular OB/GYN suffice or should I be looking for a Reproductive Endocrinologist? What questions should I ask to assess his/her experience and ability?
I just tried calling my local college of physicians and they don't provide the names of doctors specializing in a given disorder.
Thanks in advance...

endometriosis is pretty bread and butter for any obgyn. the lap is easy, and the basic pharm txs are also straightforward. the REI might be useful if you fail to respond to the inital txs. you just need a smart OBGYN, and theres no way to tell that besides meeting with the dr. there are plenty of ******ed drs from great schools and vice versa.

 

[Wednesday]

I have been diagnosed with a "strong suspicion of endometriosis" and am currently looking for a doctor to do the lap. I am very concerned about the relationship between endo and infertility. My question is basically how can I tell that the doctor is experienced in treating endometriosis with laps and pharmacology? Would a regular OB/GYN suffice or should I be looking for a Reproductive Endocrinologist? What questions should I ask to assess his/her experience and ability?
I just tried calling my local college of physicians and they don't provide the names of doctors specializing in a given disorder.
Thanks in advance...

Hi,

I would advise you to talk to a reproductive endocrinologist. Endometriosis is bread and butter stuff for them and they will be able to council you about infertility as well. The good thing about REIs is that they are used to doing surgery while keeping in mind future fertility (ie they can be a tad gentler with their choice of instruments), at least that's the rumor at my institution. As far as questions to ask, I suppose you could ask if they see a lot of endometriosis and how they treat it, etc. Or you could ask whoever diagnosed you with possible endometriosis who they recommend.

 

[mustangsally65]

I think trust is important, as well as how concerned the doctor is about your questions and worries when you go to see her or him. I had a diagnosis of suspected endo in 2002, and haven't had a lap yet. I don't like the GYN my family physician sent me to because he was very unprofessional (despite being about 60 years old) and I just didn't feel like he was trying to earn my trust and respect.

On the other hand, I have seen a general surgeon several times since high school, and he is great. I like the way he makes sure I feel comfortable with whatever is going on, and always takes extra time with me if it is needed.

I'm not trying to recommend you go see a general surgeon, but I wanted to let you know that your confidence in a surgeon is important. If someone has all the credentials in the world but makes you feel uncared for or insignificant, then probably this person is not for you.

or maybe it's just me, I have a really great relationship with my family doctor and most of my other physicians (allergist, general surgeon etc.) so maybe I'm spoiled. But I have put off having a lap to diagnose/treat my symptoms because I'd rather not go see the local GYN and I live in a very small town so my choices right now are limited.

Anyway, make sure you feel comfortable with whomever you choose, so you won't have concerns on top of ones about your fertility and sympoms. And remember that you are not alone: many women have gone through what you are going through. Good luck!

 

[lazure]

The good thing about REIs is that they are used to doing surgery while keeping in mind future fertility (ie they can be a tad gentler with their choice of instruments), at least that's the rumor at my institution.

I am aware of the above rumor and I was wondering about how valid it is? Are there studies or is this a medical myth ?