Looking for a supportive Doctor in Brisbane

[snowie]

Hi Girls
I am looking for a supportive Dr in Brisbane - one who will listen to me! I plan on interviewing a number of doctors to find 'the one' He/she won't necessarily deliver baby, but will help me find answers as to why I have had 3 m/c in 10 months.
My current OB is Dr Ng at Sunnybank, and I have a fertility specialist Dr Clare Boothroyd at Greenslopes. These Drs have given me conflicting opinions about:

1. my hormone levels and the affect on carrying a baby, and
2. whether or not they believe in progesterone treatment to help stay pg next time (if there is a next time)

I had talked with FS about using IVF to fall pg but ended up pg 2 times since that chat. Not sure if we will go down the IVF path yet.

Looking for someone to check for reasons for recurrent miscarriage.

[kaib]

Hi Snowie

I've been TTC since April/May last year, and have had 2 early miscarriages in that time. Am now pregnant again - but only after deciding to try some natural therapies - this one stuck on my second cycle of acupuncture. My DH & I had set Feb 08 in our minds as the time to see a FS if we hadn't have fallen pg by then - so we haven't had to go down that path at this point in time.

Re doctors in Brisbane - I'm under OB Dr Terry Sheahan at NorthWest Medical Centre (Everton Park) - very lovely gentleman; he also has a very supportive and knowledgeable midwife. I've only been under him for a short time in the scheme of things (i.e. this current pg, and then for miscarriage in July), but my sister had 2 bubs under him and found him to be very good. I couldn't really tell you whether he's a FS though, and even whether he does IVF. I know two people who've seen Bob Watson (also NorthWest Medical Centre) for complex pregnancies and IVF & I believe he's very highly regarded in the OB field; however I also believe he's quite difficult to get in to see. I know Terry only delivers at NorthWest Private Hosp, not sure about Bob.

I know Hj has also been to see a FS in Bris somewhere and found him/her to be very responsive.

[snowie]

Kimnastics - thanks for the tip! much appreciated. Mater is close to me.

kaib - hmmm acupunture - I have been doing acu on and off for about 1 year. Pgs have only occurred since trying acu. We were trying for 16+ months prior to 1st pg. So I do believe in acu.
Do you see an Acupunturist who specialises in fertility? I'm keen to go back to acu, but wondering if someone who is experienced in treating fertility might be a better choice that the acupunturist I currently see.

[Lady_Penelope]

Snowie

If you are interested in acupuncture and herbs, etc - then SHEN THERAPIES in Middle Park, Brisbane - specialise in fertility issues. They have been featured on a few current affairs shows. The guy's name is Andrew Orr. GOOGLE them and you will find them.

Best of luck,
Tracy

[kaib]

Hi Snowie,

I would give Tracy's suggestion a try re specialist acupuncture (from previous post). I couldn't tell you whether the acupuncturist I go to could be considered a 'specialist' in fertility, although I do know that she sees a significant number of women for fertility issues, including women going through assistive treatments/IVF. I've been seeing her for a few years now, mainly for neck and back pain, and then fertility treatments for two cycles at the end of last year. I firmly believe that the acupuncture helped me, because my cycles were really out of whack following the two early m/c's last year - my luteal phase was all over the place, with the LP getting shorter each cycle. My GP had also expressed some concern over the varying LP length, and was wanting to watch it for a few more months before sending me to a FS. If you wanted to enquire about the acupuncturist I see, her name is Leanne and she is with Petrie's Cottage of Natural Therapies (Petrie, Northern Subs of Brisbane). They have a website page you could have a look at. I do think though that it's important to see someone who has the specialist knowledge in fertility, as there are too many acupuncture points that are contraindicated in pregnancy. I've never had any concerns about seeing Leanne; she is lovely.

I sincerely hope you can find a doctor in Brisbane who is responsive to your needs, and one who is prepared to do the tests and talk through the results honestly and openly with you. You may want to ask HJ about who she went to see as I believe she saw a FS who was very responsive to her questions and the concerns that she raised. I can't recall who that was though.

[kirsty_lee]

Hey darl, if you want a fantastic OB go to Dr. Meridith Arnold at the Jamboree Medical Centre at sumners park.. she is absolutely fantastic.. the surgery there is all women doctors bar one male who is also fantastic.. but my mother and I and my cousin go to see Dr Arnold and through my pregnancy have seen a lady there Called Dr. Robyn Shirlaw who is also fantastic.. if you would like the number feel free to pm me and i'll give it to you

[Lady_Penelope]

I can also commend Dr Robyn Shirlaw (GP) - have known of her personally through my DH (also medical). Robyn is quite hard to get into though - but if you do get in to see her, she has a great empathetic and holistic approach. She will not push you out the door.

Re SHEN THERAPIES again - yes, they def. DO specialise in fertility issues - and have some contacts with Ob/gyns and will make recommendations and suggestions, etc. The guy there (Andrew Orr) was originall trained in medicine at UQ but has branched into Chinese medicine. Brisbane Extra has featured this clinic several times and he has being heralded as "Brisbane's baby maker".

It is a hard and emotionally draining road.

I hope you are well,
Tracy

[kirsty_lee]

I can also commend Dr Robyn Shirlaw (GP) - have known of her personally through my DH (also medical). Robyn is quite hard to get into though - but if you do get in to see her, she has a great empathetic and holistic approach. She will not push you out the door.

She's actually been really good lately with appointments.. if you just make sure you book for a day she's on they will get you in... good luck

[Leemar]

OB- Brisbane

Dr Ross Turner at the Wesley is fantastic.

[hj1981]

ive had multiple MC and after seeing my FS at the mater - it was found that i have a low progesterone issues - now im 5wks preg and getting progesterone injections to support it! he is VERY helpful and so are his nurses!

[snowie]

Wow, you ladies are so wonderful!!
Thank you for all the feedback it is very much appreciated! I will let you know how it all goes!!

[snowie]

I managed to get into see FS. She seemed to be proactive and supportive. I have a bunch of blood tests that I need to have done. She thought I had had another chem as my GP had CC'd the HCG levels through to her. A week after D&C, my levels were 55. I let her know that no, there had been a confirmed viable pregnancy, we had seen the h/b.

She recommended a book to me which I have managed to purchase on line last night. She is going to monitor me this m/c cycle, I have a follie scan in two weeks, and said not to have a break, if I feel up for it, to keep trying. I was surprised by this as I have heard most Drs will recommend waiting for at least one period.

I asked about her treatment in case of further m/c - she wants to be textbook this time - but said she will do anything if there if another m/c. She also said that as soon as I fall pg again, that I should contact her and she will monitor me - there seems to be some study about women who have had recurrent m/c being monitored closely in early pg having more successful outcomes.

If I am not happy with her treatment, at least I will have had some of the basic blood tests completed before seeking treatment from another specialist. She always gives me a copy of the blood tests she has run.

As my FS doesn't deliver, I will be looking for a new OB and will certainly follow up on the recommendations given in the posts above. Thank you so much everyone for your opinions.

Best wishes
Snowie