Endometriosis & Doctors

Basic Stuff to Keep in Mind:

1. NEVER visit a doctor for the first time by getting into the stirrups.  Insist on a meeting in their office so that you can ask him/her questions, get a feel for his/her ethics, and ultimately decide you if are comfortable & compatible with him/her.
2. Always ask for a copy of every single thing done to you.  This is a MUST.  You need a copy of your records for your own reference - plus it's easier to take them all with you, rather than to order them all from every single doctor you've seen.
3. Keep in mind that your doctor is not a deity.  He/she has no control over everything and there is no cure for Endometriosis.  
4. If a doctor claims to have a cure for Endometriosis - get a second opinion as fast as you can!  At present; there is NO cure for Endometriosis.
5. Remember that your doctor works for you...you are paying him/her - therefore; he/she works for you.  Just because they have a zillion years of medical school and practice under their belts mean nothing when it comes to YOU and YOUR body.  You know you the best and if you are having a problem, issues, or concern - speak opening and honestly about it with your doctor.  If your doctor is unwilling to take your opinions, feelings, and concerns into consideration - then find a doctor who will.
6. Do NOT accept any medication treatment (especially with powerful hormone injections such as Lupron, Depot Provera, and Danzanol) without FIRST obtaining a formal diagnoses of Endometriosis.  The ONLY way to diagnose Endometriosis is via a Laparoscope.  If you agree to go on any hormone medications BEFORE this formal diagnoses; you are basically receiving a VERY potent hormone injection based on only an assumption or guess on the part of your doctor.  As I've said elsewhere; this would be no different than your dentist telling you that he's going to pull a tooth - without even looking at it first!
7. If a doctor suggests that a hysterectomy is the only way to go - get a second or a third opinion!  Research everything you can get your hands on before agreeing to something so drastic and final.  If I would have gotten a hysterectomy when I was 21 (when the doctor told me he wanted to do one), I would not now have my son, Sean.  I chose to follow my own intuition - which basically said that I was only 21 years old and not settled in life and that since (at that time) the pain was not THAT severe on MOST days to consider a hysterectomy.
8. If you've been seeing a family practitioner or a regular OB/GYN; it's probably time that you got a referral to a Reproductive Endocrinologist - or at least a GYN who specializes in Endometriosis and Laparoscopic surgery.  These people specialize in Endometriosis and are better trained to treat patients who suffer from the disease.
9. Most doctors do not allow other people to be into the examining room with you; except for maybe the nurse.  I feel that an examine should not have to be so clinical for the patient and that we are entitled to feel more relaxed and sometimes that happens by way of support from a family member, friend, or loved one being in the same room with us while we are examined.  I DEMAND that my guy be there with me.
10. Remember that doctors are people, too!  They have feelings and emotions just as we do.  And they aren't perfect; just as nobody is perfect.  Be as respectful towards them as you would expect in return!

Questions to Ask Your Doctor:

• Is this an emergency or do we have time to talk?
• What would be the benefits of doing this?
• What would be the risks of doing this?
• If we do this, what other procedures or treatments might we end up needing as a result?
• What else could we try first or instead?
• What would happen if we waited an hour or two before doing it?
• What would happen if we didn't do it at all?

Ideas for your Doctor to Make Your Exam More Comfortable:

• Have the stirrups covered with socks. Keeps them from being too cold.
• Tape some interesting posters on the ceiling to concentrate on.
• PLEASE warm all metal instruments before using (a lamp will work nicely).
• NEVER say, "Spread your legs." Say instead, "Let your knees fall to the sides," or "Relax your knees to the sides."
• Please provide a little mirror for me in case I need to view placement from your angle, or wish to see the procedure.
• PLEASE explain what will be done before you do it (i.e. "I am going to touch your vagina now."), AND
• FIRST touch a non-private part of the body, such as the shin or the thigh, to get used to the sensation of contact.
• *NEVER* say "I am going to poke you with the needle now" (or during a pelvic exam, "I am going to insert the BLADE now.")

Pain Scale - might be helpful when talking to your doctor

Know Your Medical Rights

Improvement of Patient Comfort & Safety During Laparoscopy - with Dr. Hugo Verhoeven & Dr. Volker Jacobs

A Woman's Health Bill of Rights and Responsibilities

1.  I have the right to be treated as an equal human being.

2.  I have a right to be listened to and have my problems taken seriously.

3.  I have a right to an explanation that I can understand in my native language, using a translator if necessary, on any questions concerning my health care.

4.  I have a right to know the choices I will face in getting treated for any health problems, and to have possible side effects of any drugs or surgical treatments clearly explained.

5.  I have a right to choose the types of treatments I prefer from among options offered to me by my doctor.

6.  I have a right to normal events in my life, such as pregnancy and menopause, not to be treated as a disease requiring treatments. I am a person.

7.  I have a right to choose natural therapies and not to be ridiculed for doing so.

8.  I have a right to request a second opinion on any major surgery or healthcare decision.

9.  I have a right to refuse any drug or surgical treatment.

10.  I have a responsibility to become knowledgeable about my body and how it works.

11.  I have a responsibility to learn as much as possible about my health problems, so I can make informed choices.

12.  I have a responsibility to look after my diet, reduce stress, exercise, and to relax on a regular basis

13.  I have a responsibility to avoid pressuring my doctor into giving me drugs when I do not need them.

14.  I have a responsibility to prepare my questions for my doctor beforehand, and schedule adequate appointment time to discuss them.

15.  I am ultimately responsible for my own healthcare, using my doctor as a resource rather than an authority.

By: Dr. Carolyn Demarco "Take Charge of Your Body: Women's Health Advisor"