Expectations of my gynecologist

Hi Summergal,

I had a somewhat similar experience. My gyn sent me for a routine mammogram, I was called back for another look, then set up for biopsies. I called his office to ask about the BIRADS rating, and saying that I was scheduling biopsies, and he called me back leaving a message that there was no numerical rating on the report. I then arranged to pick up a copy of the report from the imaging center and saw the BIRADS 4 at the bottom of the report. In his message to me he also told me to go ahead with the biopsies (which I never intimated that I was considering not doing) and said that "even if they find something, they will just remove it and everything will be fine".  When the results of the biopsies came in, he never called me, even though he was the referring doctor, but left it to my primary physician (who got a copy of the results at my request) to call me with the news. I switched to a new gyn for my next annual visit....one who came highly recommended by my BS's office. It truly is difficult to continue to trust a doctor who has let you down when you needed them the most! 

As I was reading your post my thoughts were, you need a new OB-GYN - first of all she cannot guarantee you do not have cancer.  That was a dumb thing to say.  Secondly while we need to be our own best advocate, she failed you numerous times.  I would not trust her with a hang-nail at this point.  I think it's quite obvious she is incapable of managing your care properly.  Find someone you have complete confidence in and keep us posted. 

Amy

I'm so sorry you had this happen. I had a bad experience with my PS, so I totally understand how you feel. Once you feel like a doctor has let you down, I don't know if you can ever "go back". I would find a new doctor, especially if your gyno is supposed to be your point of contact. Good luck! ((hugs))

I'd had the same gyn for 20+ years. I felt like he wasn't really keeping up with things, so I switched right after my diagnosis. My MO recommended her obgyn who is in the same hospital network as all the rest of my docs. I felt like that was the way to go. The new gyno has been amazing.  Go for it!

Good for you - time to clean house indeed.  One thing that b/c has done for me is to make me realize that I need the best possible health care providers on my medical team, and that I am in charge of that team.  If someone doesn't measure up, then I remove them from the team and find someone who does measure up.  I too found myself "cleaning house".  I changed MO, PCP, and my gyn, and am SO happy I did.  I now have a great medical team - they're involved and responsive, and they aren't afraid or defensive when I ask questions or want to know more.  They're the kinds of doctors who welcome patient involvement in their own care.  

I'm very particular about who I put on my medical team now.  Last year I needed some minor surgery (non b/c related).  I went to the general surgeon recommended by the PA in my PCP's office, and was not happy at all.  This surgeon was your stereotypical surgeon arrogant jerk.  He never really explained his recommendations or planned treatment - he just told me that someone in his office would call to schedule the surgery.  When I asked a couple of questions, he got visibly irritated and basically said don't worry your pretty little head about all that medical stuff.  I called my PCP's office back to request another doctor, and spoke to the PA.  I told him exactly why I wasn't happy with the surgeon and requested another name.  The PA thanked very much for letting him know about my experience so they'd know for the future - he said no one ever gives them feedback about the doctors they refer, and he really appreciated that I'd called.  He gave me the name of another surgeon, and I'm very pleased with that surgeon.  

We have to be our own best advocates.  

When I took tamoxifen (for 5 years), I did have 2  pelvic ultrasounds, but that's because I had 'dysfunctional' vaginal bleeding.  I had uterine polyps every 1-2 years.  All were removed and were benign.  My gyn also did my vitamin D level.  

I felt comfortable about this, though some people recommend more frequent pelvic ultrasounds.  I found pelvic ultrasounds traumatic at the place I got them, because I couldn't hold my urine for the required amount of time.  They locked the door to the bathroom, and took another patient before my scheduled exam.   I don't want to go back to that place at least with that receptionist who held the key and had absolutely no sympathy.  If I had it now, I'm sure I'd have to use an incontinent pad or they'd have a very wet floor.

  There was a recent study that found

The incidence of endometrial cancer was 0.388% (153/39,411) in patients with tamoxifen treatment, while was 0.198% (69/34,869) in patients without tamoxifen treatment. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24563669

The risk factors were age >35 and tamoxifen use >3 years. So, while the incidence of endometrial cancer with tamoxifen was about twice as high as without tamoxifen, it was still <0.4% in this group.  Since this group included women 1997-2004, I don't know how many of these women took tamoxifen >5 years, and whether you would be a candidate to take tamoxifen for 10 years.

BTW, I don't think gynecologists are 'expert' on breast cancer.  They certainly can do breast exams and order screening mammograms, but once I had a higher risk condition, I was handed over to a breast surgeon or medical oncologist.

I also read a post by some women who got notices about getting their routine mammogram after having had bilateral mastectomies (they replied 'I got no mamms to gram'), or doctors asking how breastfeeding was going after they had bilateral mastectomies.

I also applaud your decision to get another gyn.  You will be going to a gyn for some time, and if you are going to have a relationship with a doctor for some time, their bedside manner is important.  You need to have someone you can trust.  Good for you!