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Angel77
04-18-2004, 02:12 PM
I made an appointment to see a different urologist before my last appointment with the one I had been seeing, because I was frustrated with him (and intimidated, too.) Now I'm feeling guilty about it.

I've been told that my only option, since the detrol and ditropan didn't work for me, is physical therapy. He never said the words pelvic floor dysfuction to me, but this is what he marked off on the physical therapy recommendation. I'm just nervous that the diagnosis was made with no testing or examination of any kind. He never once examined me or tested for anything except the stones. Shouldn't other things be ruled out just in case it's something else?

I also read that pfd and ic tend to occur together, so I figure if I have one, I may likely have the other as well. I guess it's a good thing if i have pfd but no ic, but I just want to make sure, especially since what I've read here and other places tend to say that they go together, and I even read somewhere that pfd might actually cause ic.

Even if it is simply pfd, aren't there other things that might help? Especially since it'll be a few weeks before I can start the therapy. Maybe there's something that'll help me out a little before the therapy starts to help? I'm getting very little sleep, and I'm soooo tired, there must be SOMETHING to help me at least sleep better in the meantime? Or what if it doesn't help at all? With my luck, I'd fall into the category of the 30% of people it doesn't help.

Is it okay that I want to see another urologist just to make sure? Is this typically diagnosed without any testing or examination at all? That's what makes me nervous. I don't want to find out later that it's something else just because my doctor wasn't careful diagnosing. I'm feeling really guilty about it, though. Some doctors really take offense to their patients seeking a second opinion, but I'm also really uncomfortable talking to the urologist I've been seeing since I don't feel listened to, and I feel like he's more interested in getting me out the door as quickly as possible than he is in figuring out the problem and how to fix it. Is it smart to get a second opinion, even though I feel so guilty? I'm just not sure what is right. Somebody please talk to me.

Sarojini
04-18-2004, 02:44 PM
:grouphug:

I'm sorry you are feeling this way.

But... if you think about it, it is YOUR body -- the only one you get, and the only thing you will own no matter what. You need to take care of it. You need to listen to what it is telling you...if it says, by making you uncomfortable and intimidated, that you need a second opinion, then that is what you need to do!! Who cares what your current urologist thinks!?!?!?!?!?! If he's offended, he's not a very compassionate person, and I'd have serious doubts about whether he was the right doc ... but really, whether or not he is offended should NOT factor in your decisions about your healthcare at all. You need to live your life for you!!!

Good luck with the new guy.... I hope he is your IC/PFD knight in shining armor! :)

Jen
:cat:

ICNDonna
04-18-2004, 03:29 PM
No competent, ethical physician would ever object to any patient seeking a second opinion. You have absolutely no reason to feel guilty about it. And you should feel free to ask your current physician to send records of any tests for your second opinion visit.

And if you should decide you prefer your current physician, that's okay too.

At the time I was being diagnosed, my uro did send me to a second urologist for a second opinion. The two agreed that my diagnosis is IC.

Sending an encouraging hug,
Donna

vm
04-18-2004, 03:39 PM
If you have a gut feeling you need a second opinion then you go for it. You have every right to do so and to do so guilt free. :) I think it will help you a lot to get more input.

Iris
04-18-2004, 03:43 PM
Hi, I agree with all the gals posts, and like Jen said in her post, it is your body, and you should be able to do as you wish, to find the best health care for you, and not feel guilty about it. I know I was not satisfied with my first urologist, so I switched and am a much happier patient, than I was before. Let us know how you are doing and I would definitely get a second opinion, if I were in your position. Hugs Iris.:hi: :flower:

Sarojini
04-18-2004, 05:42 PM
Yes... just wanted to add that, like Iris, I got dissatisfied with the first uro I was seeing for various reasons, and switched. Was the best move I ever made!! :)

Jen

felineperson3
04-18-2004, 05:58 PM
I had the same experience as Iris and Jen. I did not like my first uro's egotistical manner and I switched uro's, too. I'm very glad I did as this one has followed the protocol that is standard now for diagnosing IC and the treatment plans that seem to be proving most effective for IC patients.

It is important for you to have confidence and trust in the physician you choose for your care so if you lack that in the one you're seeing now--SWITCH--You're the one in the pain and you're the one paying the $$$$.

Hugs & blessings to you--:cat: