Help. At a lost. Need a good gynae urgently.

[Candide]

Hi,

GP told me bad news this weekend that I need to see a specialist, gynae and may be gynae oncologist at RPA.

Please please if anyone can recommend their gynae. Am at a total lost as got so shocked by the news. Am trying to find a good gynae as the 2 GPs I went to see hardly want to give any information about my health condition. Am so worried as don't know the procedure and system here, how much the bills will amount to and would be comfortable seeing a South African specialist/gynae. Do I go private or public? Is RPA a good hospital to go to?

Would like to hear from anyone who had surgery in Australia and their experience.

Regards,

Candide

[Mara]

Candide, so sorry to hear, trust and pray all will go well with you. I live in Melbourne, so cannot give advice about gynae, but, I have seen a number of specialists and more or less they charge around $180 for the first visit and anything between $80 and $120 for subequent visits. I am guessing that their charges should be similar in Sydney.

With regard to going private or public? I guess it depends on how quickly you can get that appointment at RPA (which is a pretty well known hospital, even for someone from Melbourne!), if the doctors that you saw can get you in quickly, then go there, because if it is an oncologist gynae that you need to see, for treatment, it would in all probability take place at a government facility.

If you cannot get an appointment soon enough for your liking, then see if you can get an appointment with a private gynae.

[Ajay]

Sorry to hear you're having a health scare- it's so worrying. I go to Dr Jackie Greig, in Castle Hill. She's an ex SAffer from many years ago and I liked her style. Her number is 02 9894 0040. Not sure if she's taking new patients but worth a call if she's conveniently located?

Good luck, hope all goes well

Ajay

[rozellem]

The RPA is fantastic, you dont have to worry about the hospital. Sorry I cant help you with a gyne or oncologist, sure others will have suggestions. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.

[rozellem]

I got some good advice from a friend that went through something similar here in Sydney. I have sent Candide the full message and I'm posting relevant pieces of the original here for future reference.

"RPA is well placed for treatment as the Sydney Cancer Centre is located there. I went public (well it happened all very fast for me so didn't think of going private) and I can't recommend the staff at the Sydney Cancer Centre enough (this is now called the Life Centre inspired by Chris O'Brien so lots of funding is being poured in). My oncologist was brilliant (Dr Beale) and the Consultant Nurse (Kathryn Natress) was exceptional.

They also have the patient support centre for free counselling, information etc. They might be the best people to talk to for advice: http://www.sydneycancer.com.au/default.taf?pg=19 and http://lifehouserpa.org.au/index.aspx

The centre is located on level 3 of the Sydney Cancer Centre building at Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. Info-Line : 02 9515 6677. Barbara runs the centre. I volunteered at the support centre for 6 months talking to cancer patients in the wards. Most of the volunteers are ex patients and some are ex nurses or other medical staff so they are a great support base.

She can also call Cancer Helpline 13 11 20

She should definitely see another GP, but once you are sent to RPA you don't need to see your GP as they take over."

[Candide]

Hi,

Thank you for all your messages, PMs and help. Really touched and feeling so lost.

The first GP who gave the bad news didn't discuss my result of ultrasound, just gave a referral to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital and gave me a sealed envelope for the specialist.

Went to see another GP to get a copy of report and he shared some details and gave me another referral to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital.

Didn't know anything about the hospital and service and don't even know how good the gynae oncologists are and just freaked out.

Found out that initial consultation fees are AUD240-250 and medicare refund AUD68.75. The balance is out pocket and not covered by Medibank.

Medibank mentioned only pay post admission to hospital you are sent for tests but prior to that medicare and patient take care of bills, MRI etc unless on Smart Choice. MRI another AUD250.

Heard of Dr Jonathan Carter, Dr Selvan Patter (from Natal) and Dr Michael Cooper all gynae oncologists.

Thank you once again.

[sonnetjie]

Here are a list of OB’s at the SAN that come highly recommended

•Dr Bevan Brown

•Dr Gary Sykes

•Dr Booker

•Dr Rodney Kirsop - 9473 8655

Click on http://www.sah.org.au/index.php?pageNum_rs...;btnSubmit.y=10

[Riekie]

So sorry to hear about your bad news! Thinking of you! Hope you find the answers and the most effective care & treatment!

Can not recommend a gynae but from what I heard RPA is a fantastic hospital!

[Kangabok]

I have just been through the same (still going) scenario with regards to my one kidney and understand the anxiety, uncertainty and emotions etc; so sorry to hear about this. Cant give you advise on gynaes etc, just want to give you a big hug.

[Michele R]

Am thinking of you!

I hope you find a wonderful doctor, because I think that makes a huge difference.

If you need anything, a long distance hug, or just someone to vent to, please don't hesitate to contact me.

[Candide]

Hi everybody,

Thanx a lot for all the support.

Fetching some more blood tests and other results tonight. Keep fingers crossed they are normal.

Kangabok, I hope you came out right and recovering nicely.

Candide

[Candide]

Hi,

Blood test etc were normal.

Met with gynaecologist oncologist last Thurs who sent me for CT scan on Fri. Surgery is unavoidable.

Anyone been treated by Dr Selvan Pather, let me know.

MBChB (Natal) FCOG (SA) FRANZCOG CGO

Dr Pather was appointed Staff Specialist in Gynaecologic Oncology at the Royal Prince Alfred and Liverpool Hospital in 2005. He completed his undergraduate and postgraduate training at the King Edward VIII Hospital in South Africa. He then started the first Gynaecologic Oncology Unit at The King Edward VII Hospital and after 18 months as Head of Gynaecologic Oncology moved to New Zealand to take up an appointment as Senior Lecturer in Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the University of Otago. Dr Pather completed further Gynaecologic Oncology training in Australia between 2002 and 2004, successfully completing the Australian sub-specialty examinations (CGO) in 2004. His interests include laparoscopic surgery and the role of radiotherapy in Gynaecologic oncology.

Candide

[rozellem]

Candide,

Crossing all digits for your upcoming operation. I know you are single and without much support, please feel free to give me a shout if there is anything I can do for you (shopping? food?). Honestly, if you dont mind a baby in the car, I can fetch you at the hospital and take you home. Please dont take a taxi by yourself. Let me know, it will be no trouble at all.

[Candide]

Thank you all for ur feedback, support and help. My family came to help for my op and during recovery. Time flies. Recovering slowly and had to go back to work and study. Look forward to good health again.

A big thank you to all of you during this difficult time.

[GoldCoastGal]

Hi Candide

I had a hysterectomy before we came out here due to a cancerous growth in the uterus. Lucky for me they were able to leave my ovaries.

Firstly, don't stress too much. It's a difficult time but you're in good hands, and all the worrying in the world won't change anything. Keep a positive frame of mind.

Secondly, as my doctor said to me, breast and uterine cancers are among 'the best' as it's fairly simple to lop off a boob or a uterus. What is good is that the whole 'part' can be removed with little chance of it spreading. So if you're going to get the Big C, the boob or uterus is where you want it to be.

Thirdly, do not underestimate the trauma of the surgery. I am speaking for the 'full cut' (not laprascopic). I had 2 c-sections and I thought the hysterectomy would be a similar experience, but one forgets all the 'internal' work that is done. I'm talking serious pain for a good few weeks. My allusions of being back at work after 3 weeks were a joke, and I needed the full 6 weeks to recover (I am only 35, so fairly fit and fighting).

Join a support group if you feel it will help you, but otherwise, try and look on the bright side, do as you are told, and let the experts do their thing!

[Michele R]

Glad that the surgery went well. Totally agree with GoldCoastGal, take it easy and one day at a time.

Know that we're all here for you if you need any help, even some long distance hugs.

Hope your recovery goes well.