Pelvic Pain Nerve Doctors

I didn't intend for this blog to mention doctors by name but I now realize if you're facing a pelvic pain problem that is nerve related -- you're going to need help finding someone to treat/diagnose you.  I firmly believe there are many women suffering from pelvic pain and being simply told (as I was) that "many women just suffer from pelvic pain without a known cause and basically that's just the way it is."  Well, no, that's not good enough.  So before you pack up shop and invest in 364 days worth of flannel PJs, make sure you don't have a nerve problem because that seems to be the last area looked into.  So, on this blog I will start "naming names" so to speak when it comes to pelvic pain nerve doctors...since there seem to be almost none.  Do I need to go to medical school after this or what?    

Dr. Richard Marvel (an OB-GYN) in Baltimore is excellent.  Saw him Thursday and even asked if I could give him a good review online since that's how I got his name!  He has a Center for Pelvic Pain at the Greater Baltimore Medical Center.  He seems to really do a little of everything but since I've had everything ruled out, we spoke exclusively about nerves and he has great diagrams in a handy little book in his office that he shows to you while you speak.  If you come informed - he'll treat you so - it's much appreciated.  

To make an appointment you have to fill out a great deal of paperwork, fax it all back in, and then you'll get an appointment time.  I didn't have to wait too long.  I sent my records in advance with a cover letter explaining my problem and summary of my symptoms so he was familiar with things.  We sat in his office and discussed my case for awhile, at that point he seemed very certain my symptoms were a classic and very painful nerve problem - possibly even involving two nerves.  I got more information in that sit-down than I did during my two days in Houston meeting with 3 doctors to discuss the same nerve situation.  Dr. Marvel has a very matter-of-fact style, is approachable, down to earth and will absolutely answer your questions.  No avoidance tactics at work there.  

He does unguided nerve blocks in the office (this may be a problem to some).  I felt like I was in good hands so I let him do the unguided blocks on me - I had genitofemoral and pudendal.  He was very kind when I needed some time to figure out whether the nerve block they gave me was working or not.  Not a moment of impatience from him.  He does guided blocks as well (elsewhere at the hospital) but if you're going in for diagnostic things, be prepared that he may offer you an unguided block.  

I spent about 3 hours there.  I left with his thoughts on steps forward.  I still don't know what nerve is causing my pain but he had an actual plan of action (weekly injections) to try before doing something like a surgery which we discussed in detail.  This is the first real plan of action that I have received.  I highly recommend seeking Dr. Marvel's opinion.

And, when I called the office later to get a copy of my records, they did charge for them, but the faxed them to me the same day.