I had an appt with the Vulva specialist I had been waiting to see for about three months now.
I swear I have the worst F%$@@! Luck with Doctors- today was no different. Dr was running behind so his assistant did the intake. This was very frustrating because I really felt like there were parts of my history that might have made some sense out of all of this, but most importantly key facts about my current symptoms were missed. I was sidetracked by the assistances sharp replies to me and asking me to go way back to the very beginning...we never did get to talking about my current symptoms.
I also felt like I was viewed as a spy of sorts since I had been a patient of another Dr for so many years...someone in the same city... (Kinda got the why are you here to see us vibe) was even asked what my plans were - to stay with them or to return to the other practice because while there was an overlap in treatment protocols- they did differ in some aspects. I dunno I felt like an outsider looking in.
Overall I would give the appt a C. I mean if you wait three months to see the Dr you want to spend all the time with the DOCTOR. period. not some assistant.
Positives- I was able to tolerate a speculum- with hardly any discomfort
q-tip test didnt cause that much burning...
I have come such a long way since the start of all of this ... and for that I am proud of myself= proud for never giving up
He dx me with Vestibilitis- same as the other practitioner.
I tried asking some questions after my appointment but was cut short with a 'we want you to try this cream..you have had this for a few years now we cant possibly figure out all the details in your history' I wasnt asking for that- just trying to grasp why he felt this cream would be good for treating the symptoms that I currently have.
The answer I got to that question left a lot to be desired- basically something that was presented at a conference a few years ago. ...and he trusted those Dr... couldnt explain why a muscle relaxer applied to the vulva works though... I guess I will call one of the pharmacists and ask them.
I have tried a few creams- one cream that he doesnt feel works for patients DID indeed give me the most relief- so see this is why I had questions- questions that had no answers. If I saw results with that cream and others didnt....why would this cream Rx today help me???
sigh- the reality is no one knows how to treat the three amigos... and I finally had a Dr today admit that to me.
I liked that about him he was honest, gentle, and while rushed- I guess he tried.
My PFD is flaring now- my symptoms seem to be more PFD related..than anything else... he of course doesnt treat the PFD aspect to this. ..so I will continue with the PT paying out of pocket.
I hate getting my hopes up and then have things not turn out like I had hoped - like today. Tired of all these creams.... tired of being told this gushing discharge at ovulation is normal... and I just have more than most women... no explanation for why it burns.
Im trying my best to just live with what symptoms I wake up with everyday... but it is so difficult trying not to figure out why.... why.
It's so hard to deal with these doctor appointments that you anticipate for so long and are about such a difficult topic to then not get the kind of medical care that you expect. It's really discouraging and I know how you feel. However, the one specialist that I waited three months to see was very different. He gave me about 2 hours of his undivided attention. I can't say whether he has fixed me or not because it's still a work in progress, but just based on the quality of appointment, if you are ever looking for a new doctor you might try Dr. Goldstein in D.C, New York, or Annapolis. Some say that he is harsh, but that was not my experience. He is straight forward about what's wrong, but he's also kind and supportive. Good luck. I only have one amigo and I really admire your strength in dealing with three.
ReplyDeleteI am just seeing this comment now as I took a break from blogging- was feeling better.
ReplyDeleteI have heard mixed reviews on Dr G- I saw on your blog that he put you on T cream. Did you have pain only at the bottom of the vestibule?
THanks for your support- your comment about only having one amigo, for some reason made me laugh.
I did have an appt with the Dr in the above post next week, but I canceled due to having my period...and I just need a break from doctors.
thanks again