Question re:Doctor

[bluejudy]

Doctor,
I was diagnosed with rectocele and cystocele by gynecologist who referred me to a urogynecologist (I apprecaited his honesty that it was "too complicated").  I have seen her and am scheduled for surgery in November.  In the meantime she has me on vaginal estrogen (had total hysterectomy) and PT.  I am comfortable with her but am wondering as with any surgery, should I get a second opinion?  She came very highly recommended (Dr. Martina Mutone, Indianapolis).  Please advise!
Thank you in advance,
Judy

[Lennox Hoyte, M.D.]

I cannot comment on specific physicians here. However, you are looking for a fellowship trained specialist in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery (also known as Urogynecology) These are Urologists or Gynecologists, who have taken extra training beyond residency (usually 2 or 3 years of fellowship). You need to ask about your surgeon's training in urogynecology, that is where they trained, and for how long (2-3 years is normal). Their answers need to be satisfactory to you. Additionally, you can look on the website for the Society of Gynecologic Surgeons (sgsonline.org) or the American Urogynecologic Society (augs.org). In both of those organizations, you can put in your zip code, and you will see information about society members, who practice our specialty in your area. Your doctor needs to be on one or both of these lists.

The most important thing for you is to be comfortable with your surgeon, and also that you understand what they plan to do surgically to you. You should also ask how they feel about using foreign grafts in your repair. If they plan to use a foreign graft, you need to ask about their experience in using grafts in patients like yourself.

Dr. Hoyte

[bluejudy]

Thank you so much.  As my gyno said the same thing and Dr. M has glowing credentials I am good with it.  It's just that you start thinking of questions you didn't ask, etc.  There are also a lot of horror stories out there re: surgery and recovery.  I think I will stay the course.

I wish you the best and hope that you get squared away.  I am in the same position (sex, etc) and empathize with you.

[loveleigh]

I am seeing her also, for a cystocele, rectocele prolapsed vaginal vault and uterus. Just be glad she is giving you the surgery option. I am overweight and she will "fix me" till I lose 40 lbs. I understand her reasoning but many overweight people with far worse health then I go in for surgery all the time. She seems very caring and has many credentials, I just wish she understand the pain and level of stress all of this is causing being I can't have intercourse, have a normal BM or lift anything. She gave me nothing but did offer a pessary, I declined I find it a repulsive alternative. She also said you can opt to do nothing, I'm only 29, what 29 y/o would opt to not have sex again. I would have laughed if I wasn't already crying. I'd get a second opinion if you are uncomfortable with the idea of surgery. My mother had this surgery 10 years ago and had very good results. Good Luck!