I was referred to Dr. Ross in 1999 by a Dr. I saw at a clinic, who said she was a friend of his girlfriend's from med school. She examined me and said she would let me know the results of my tests in 2-3 weeks.
Two weeks later I got a call and her nurse told me over the phone that there was something wrong with my pap smear, that I had moderated displasia and that it could become cancerous. I think this should have been my first tipoff to the level of professionalism of this office - generally when the doctor has "bad news" in the past I've been advised to make an appointment to discuss the results - not just told over the phone. I had no experience at all with an abnormal pap smear, so to me it occurred that I was being told I might have cancer - in a phone call.
I was told to make an appointment for a biopsy. Another "cancer" word!!! And I still haven't spoken to the doctor yet. So I didn't know what to say, so I asked if I could talk to the Dr. After a few moments they put Dr. Ross on the phone. She told me I needed to come in for a biopsy, so I did.
Once she finished with the biopsy, she told me that they would call with the results, again. This time Dr. Ross herself called and said they didn't get it all when they did the biopsy and that they would have to do the LEEP procedure. I asked if it was painful and she said, "No, we will inject your cervix with a painkiller." I freaked at the thought of someone sticking a needle into my cervix.
Instead of saying something reassuring (as my next Dr did), she just interrupted my sobs and said, firmly, "If you want, I can prescribe you a Valium to take before you get here." I've never taken a Valium so I didn't know what to say. I was also a bit shocked that her voice and words did not convey any compassion. I was still in a daze, not sure whether I had cancer or not & not able to get a straight answer, when chose to switch Drs before having the LEEP performed by Dr. Ross.
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