OB/GYN Discussion Thread

Honestly, I’ve never actually stepped foot in a gynecologist's office before , so I’m trying to wrap my head around what a typical exam entails. To be specific, I need to see someone because my period situation has become quite a mess—the bleeding is heavy, the cramps are absolutely brutal, and even Spasmex Forte, which I've been relying on, isn't touching the pain anymore; I'm taking it every three hours at this point. My cycles are irregular, usually lagging about two weeks behind, and my last one was three and a half months ago. Then, yesterday, it finally showed up again, but things feel significantly worse. I can barely move from the pain, the medication is useless, and unlike usual, the bleeding isn't heavy—instead, the discharge is this strange brown-black color, which has never happened to me before. So, I'm wondering: what should I expect during this first visit? (By the way, I haven't had any sexual intercourse yet.)

I managed to book an appointment with Dr. Tihana Mazalin over at the Eljuga clinic. Does anyone here happen to know anything about her? Specifically regarding her expertise, how long the appointment usually takes, or the general pricing...

p.s. I don't have socialized gynecological insurance, so I'm looking for recommendations. Ideally, I'd love to find someone where I won't be pressured into extra tests or anything, and who isn't going to be difficult about referrals. Since I'm a college student, does anyone know if there's someone available at the campus health center? I already have a primary doctor there, so that might be easier.

Thanks a lot.....

Quote:

darkmaker says: I've never actually been to a gynecologist before u>, so I’m trying to wrap my head around what this whole exam entails... specifically, I have to see someone because my periods are a complete disaster (the bleeding is intense, the cramps are absolutely brutal, and Spasmex Forte—which I've been relying on—isn't doing a damn thing anymore; I'm taking it every three hours).... my cycles are irregular, usually running about two weeks late..... my last one was three and a half months ago..... then yesterday, it finally showed up again, but things are even worse than usual—I can barely move from the pain, the medication is useless, and unlike my previous cycles, I'm hardly bleeding at all; instead, there’s this strange brown-black discharge (something I've never dealt with before).... so now I'm wondering: what should I expect during this first visit? (By the way, I haven't had sex yet) I've scheduled an appointment with Dr. Tihana Mazalin over at the Eljuga Clinic.... does anyone know anything about her? Like, how experienced is she, how long do these appointments typically run, and what kind of pricing are we looking at? p.s. I don't have any socialized gynecological coverage, so I'm wondering who you'd recommend.... I’d love to find someone where I won't be hassled for tests or anything, and since I'm a college student, is there anyone at the campus health center worth seeing? I already have a primary doctor there. thanks.....

hey👋
The first visit is definitely going to include a manual palpation—which is normally done vaginally, but since you're a virgin, they'll perform it rectally—followed by a Pap smear and an ultrasound. Given the absolute chaos of your menstrual cycle, there's a very real chance they'll send you off for hormone blood work and vaginal swabs too.
Honestly, it would be a smart move to find a provider covered by your insurance/socialized care, because otherwise, you're stuck paying out of pocket for every single prescription they give you (since your general practitioner isn't allowed to write gyno-related scripts or referrals anymore)😢)
Based on what you described, it could be cysts on your ovaries, but you won't know for sure until they actually run the tests during the exam.
As for the costs—well, it varies depending on where you go—but just to give you a ballpark figure, an ultrasound might run $67, a Pap smear is around $150-$67, and the exam itself is likely $150-$200.... so you're probably looking at a total bill somewhere around $600, though that can fluctuate quite a bit these days.

shadowdriver11 said:I’m not sure if this has come up yet—didn't bother reading everything—but does anyone know a good gynecologist in Seattle?

Ugh, me too. I'm looking for someone in Seattle who takes Medicaid.
I know Dr. Rozalija Sokolic-Marusic over on 2nd Ave.
Also Stefanija Zatezalo on Pine St, and the Marija OB-GYN clinic, also on Pine.

William Rodriguez30 said:Man, I’m also looking for someone in town who takes insurance.
I know Dr. Rozalija Sokolic-Marusic at 2 Moshe Albahari Ave.
Also Stefania Zatezalo at 24 Strossmayer St., and the Marija OB/GYN clinic, also on Strossmayer.

What’s the word on the people actually going to them? Are they any good?
I’ve heard about this one doctor, Skunca, that everyone seems to go to, but half the people say she’s amazing and the other half say she’s totally unreliable...

About ten days ago, I scheduled an appointment with Dr. Alemka Brncic, a specialist in OB-GYN. Her office is located right across from the main entrance of the University Hospital in Rijeka, just past that little deli on the corner.
Since I was only seeing her using a referral, I don't actually know much about her practice yet—other than the fact that she seems very kind and approachable at first glance.🙂
Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with her?

Roger Sullivan5 said:I signed up with Dr. Alemka Brncic, an OB-GYN, about ten days ago. Her office is right across from the main entrance of the University Hospital in [City Name], just past that little corner shop...
I’ve only seen her once via a referral, so I don't really know what she's like yet (other than being nice and approachable at first glance).🙂
Does anyone have any experience with her?

Word on the street is she's fine.
I had her number once but managed to lose it—mind sharing if you have it?
So, does that mean she's actually taking new patients right now?

shadowdriver11 said:So what about the people actually seeing them? Are they any good?
I know of this one specialist out in the suburbs where everyone seems to go, but half the crowd swears she's amazing while the other half says she’s completely unreliable..

Look, I checked the official provider list, so I found them there.
Honestly, I don't personally know anyone who uses any of them.

That dog is too full; I don't think she'll take it. Brnčička will, though... It worked fine for me.

Since I’m also from the OS area, I was wondering if anyone knows much about Dr. Leko. I’d heard she was quite good, but honestly, when I finally sat down with her, she seemed so incredibly confused. I’ve only been to see her twice, but during my last visit, I went through a failed pregnancy and she referred me for a D&C. The way she handled everything felt so rushed—it should have been a straightforward procedure, but instead, it felt like it was over before I could even catch my breath. I didn't even get a chance to ask her a single question before she was ushering me out. Eventually, I ended up seeing Dr. Laušinka, and her staff were wonderful; they walked me through every little detail and really helped calm my nerves, as much as anyone could in a situation like that, while giving me some solid advice for moving forward.

Roger Sullivan5 said:About ten days ago, I signed up with Dr. Alemka Brncic, a specialist in OB/GYN. Her office is right across from the entrance of the main hospital in San Diego, just past that deli on the corner..
I only went to her once using a referral, so I don't actually know what she's like (other than being friendly and approachable at first glance)🙂
Does anyone have any experience with her?

I also ended up choosing Dr. Alemka Brncic Fischer after a long and unsuccessful search for a good gynecologist in San Diego...
My primary care physician referred me, though I suspect it was mainly because Dr. Brncic Fischer is new and currently taking on new patients.
I've been to her clinic three times. The first time to register and schedule an appointment, the second to reschedule, and the third for the actual exam.
The nurse, Sonja Vlahovic, treats everyone very casually and, in my opinion, is far too informal. For instance, she’ll ask you to go grab her a sandwich, tell you to close the door behind you, or hand you forms to fill out yourself... Some people might find that charming, but personally, I prefer a more professional environment.

By the way, during my first visit, she was very helpful and didn't give me any trouble regarding scheduling (even though I needed an urgent appointment). However, during my third visit—after the exam—I feel she was being intentionally manipulative with basic information. First, she asked for a co-pay ($10) without checking if I had already paid for the month. This is a common issue I've run into with other nurses before. Second, when I asked how soon I should book my next follow-up or how long the wait would be, she told me it would be two months. That can't be right, considering new regulations state you shouldn't have to wait more than a month for a specialist.

As for Dr. Alemka Brncic Fischer herself, much to my disappointment, I had a very unpleasant experience. It primarily concerns the pelvic exam, which was extremely rough. I was so shocked by it that I'm seriously considering my next steps, because I can't imagine letting her perform another swab. I experienced some bleeding for two days following the exam, which has never happened to me before. She was also incredibly rough while palpating my abdomen. I truly never expected such bluntness from a young, female (!) gynecologist.
Because the experience was so traumatic, I can't really judge her theoretical medical knowledge; I just wanted to get out of the office as quickly as possible, so I didn't ask all the questions I wanted to. All I can say is that given the nature of my issues, she didn't suggest any next steps or propose a follow-up exam.
Her guidance was non-existent, which is exactly what I needed most, leaving everything entirely up to my own initiative.

It feels like this choice only solved the basic problem of getting prescriptions and referrals, but I still haven't found a real gynecologist...

PS Just one more thing—even if you have a scheduled appointment, expect potential delays here. The nurse schedules multiple people for the same slot, and there's always an "emergency" that pops up (which was my situation as well).

I just wanted to say that Dr. Danka Mirić-Tešanić at the University Hospital in Chicago is wonderful. But having a complete moron for an assistant... I’m honestly considering filing a formal complaint with the Department of Health. You rarely run into a jerk like that.
Em, she can't even find a medical file. If you're bleeding or it's an emergency and they are legally required to see you, she makes you sit there for hours in pain from some unknown cause, only to tell you to leave because SHE won't see you. SHE refuses.
They made someone wait two and a half hours just for a referral for a pregnant woman.
She refused to take a girl who arrived thirty minutes before the deadline for submitting booklets. NO, she just picked up her little box and decided she couldn't help. When the girl asked what the cutoff time was, the jerk just pointed to the sign on the door. The girl explained she had arrived thirty minutes early, so when exactly was the limit? The jerk, visibly annoyed, said he didn't know. The girl asked who would know if he didn't. Well, if he doesn't know, idiot. It's just "yeah," like... she can't, she doesn't know. You end up having to argue and fight just to handle basic things... it takes so much unnecessary effort.
I'd pass a law banning people like that. Their very existence...
It's like she was born without a brain. How can anyone work in healthcare?
She can't stamp a paper, can't schedule an appointment, can't manage a filing system. And she acts all sweet... with that soft voice and "dear" tone...🙂every single time she screws you over.
👎
It's such a shame that such a kind, attentive, and thorough doctor has such pathetic help.

I just moved over to Dr. Miller’s practice and I’ve already had my first run-in with that sister 🙂

I doubt the doctor finds her charming either; maybe she could look into requesting a transfer 😉

Anthony Wells55 said:My sister's name is Sonja Vlahovic, and she treats everyone with such familiarity; in my opinion, she’s far too informal. For instance, she might ask you to go grab her a sandwich, request that you close the door behind her, or have you fill out forms yourself... While some people might find that charming, I personally value a more professional relationship.

I completely agree... I noticed this myself during my fairly brief first appointment with her.
She had me pull up a little stool next to her and asked me to help fold some cardboard boxes.😬
Honestly, that part wouldn't have bothered me as much if it weren't for the fact that while she was writing my hospital referral, she tossed out a few comments regarding my CIN II results. It felt quite unprofessional, though I was hoping that at least the doctor would be competent.

Anthony Wells55 said:Regarding Dr. Alemka Brncic Fioscher herself, much to my disappointment, I have to say I had a very unpleasant experience with her. This primarily concerns the gynecological exam, which was extremely rough. I was so shocked by it that I'm seriously considering what to do next, as I can't imagine having to undergo another swab with her. I experienced some bleeding for two days after the exam, which has never happened to me before. She was also incredibly blunt when palpating my abdomen. I truly never expected such roughness from a young, female (!) gynecologist.
Because the experience was so traumatic, I can't really judge her theoretical knowledge; I just wanted to get out of the office as quickly as possible, so I didn't ask all the questions I intended to. All I can say is that given the nature of the issue, she failed to mention any next steps or suggest a follow-up appointment.
Her guidance, which was exactly what I needed, was missing, leaving everything entirely up to my own initiative.

It feels like I've only solved the basic problem of getting prescriptions and referrals written, but I still haven't found a real gynecologist...

😲
It looks like I'll be sticking with her just for the paperwork and prescriptions for the time being too... ugh.
Since I've already been in and out of clinics three times this year for various exams and I've had quite enough of it, I really don't need someone else coming in to manhandle me.

No, thanks for the info.😘

Dana Brooks3 said:I would merely add that Dr. Danka Mirić-Tešanić, teaching over at the University of Chicago, is truly wonderful.

Linda Harris5 said:I have officially relocated to Mirić Tešanic.

I don't actually have a primary OB-GYN, though I really ought to have one on file just to handle the paperwork—you know, for issuing referrals, prescriptions, and those other administrative headaches. Since I see my specialist privately anyway, I suppose I only need someone to manage the bureaucracy. For this particular situation... I suppose I should mention the Mirić - Tešanić matter, though there isn't much to say that hasn't already been whispered in the hallways. It’s one of those situations where the more you look at the details, the less sense they seem to make, leaving one to wonder if we were all simply looking in the wrong direction to begin with. I've heard nothing but glowing reviews, so I’m curious to know if there’s still availability and what the exact process entails. My doctor is actually at the same university clinic—do I need to get a referral from her, or how does that work?

You don't need a referral from your primary care doctor. General practitioners and specialists operate on totally different tracks.
Just head up to the fourth floor and prepare to test your patience. When someone walks out, catch the nurse and ask if you can switch over to their practice, then politely request that transfer form to open a new file. After that, it’s basically luck of the draw. You should probably plan on waiting a while, assuming they even decide to see you. Last year, my doctor told me they weren't taking new patients and turned me away entirely. I came back this year and barely managed to get in; she gave me this whole speech about how I wouldn't be happy there because the wait times are a nightmare and they're stretched too thin... but I wasn't having it! 😎

Does anyone here have any firsthand experience with Dr. Kvaternik-Ledinski, the OB-GYN based out of downtown Chicago?

darkmaker said:I don't have a social gynecologist, but I need one just to issue referrals, prescriptions, and stuff since I go to a private doctor anyway... I've heard nothing but praise for Dr. Mirić-Tešanić so I'm wondering if there's still space and what exactly I need to do... my doctor is also my student health provider, so do I need her referral or what?

Linda Harris explained it nicely for you. You need to register her as your gynecologist, grab the paperwork from Mile and the lovely Nurse Marine, head down to the Social Security office, and follow the usual drill... you know how it goes.
There’s definitely room, 100%. And sure, the nurse will probably try to discourage you, but just ignore whatever she’s rambling about. There aren't any appointments left this year—that's just the backlog (which wouldn't be such an issue if she actually knew how to do her job). But for referrals, it doesn't matter. The booklets used just for referrals and prescriptions are separate, so you don't even need to book anything for that.
Yeah, I waited over 1.5 hours for that specific form myself 🙂

@Linda Harris, no, I don't think she even likes it, though she keeps herself polite enough to stay quiet. The doctor is truly patient; she'll step in to find files or fix things when everything gets messy, staying calm and without criticism... just ignoring the chaos. But you could tell by her face that she isn't happy when she's left without tools, for example...

Ladies, I could really use some help here. Does anyone know of a solid gynecologist practicing in downtown Chicago, specifically near the Northwestern Memorial area?
Thanks so much for any leads you can give me.

Dr. Brnčićka was alright, though her exam felt a bit rough (just something to deal with)
She listened to my panic attack story without missing a beat and actually helped calm me down.
I’ve known her since I worked at the University Hospital, and honestly, she seems way more experienced than these other doctors who jump straight from residency to primary care. She might be one of those types you have to grill with a million questions just to get the full story out of her, but hey, I guess that's just how she is...

Look, that's just my take on things. I'm not forcing my opinion on anyone.🙂