U of Chicago PCOS doctors

Snuffleupagus · 12-28-2008, 06:45 PM

I am tying to find someone who has been to one of these doctors and learn of their experience. I am wanting to go to them myself but since it would be a drive I'm wondering if it's worth it. Also, since I am currently uninsured I would be interested if they are more expensive to get an appointment with then say an endo out in the burbs. I am mainly looking for an endo that knows hair loss is a symptom and will acknowledge it as well as prescribe spiro. Any one that can help me out I would greatly appreciate it. Thanks.

octx2 · 01-07-2009, 11:51 PM

I have been trying to get a hold of this clinic for weeks now. I cannot get through to anyone. I have left messages and called every day. I also would have a drive a head of me but feel like I will do anything to get proper treatment. I would say not being insured would get pretty pricey. I would think the would need to run tests, etc.

I will let you know if I ever get in there how it goes. I'm curious to see if anyone else has experience with him.

Snuffleupagus · 01-08-2009, 12:56 AM

Thanks for responding. I can't seem to get a hold of anyone either. I just tried an e-mail but if phone calls don't work I don't have much hope for that. I'm out in the NW burbs of Chicago so if I got an appointment there I was just going to take the train down there, makes it easier. Still gonna try though as I only have one month left of my meds so I gotta get in somewhere.

I thought there was one girl who went to them a few months ago but she never came back to post on how they were.

Anyway, I will also let ya know if I ever hear from them.

octx2 · 01-08-2009, 07:45 PM

I remember that post from a few months ago and she never came back a posted. Hmmm...

Well the girl (Abby) called me back today but of course I was at work and I'm a teacher so obviously I did not get the call. So I called her back and voicemail again!!! UGH!

I'll keep you posted!

octx2 · 01-13-2009, 10:34 AM

I have an appointment Feb 11. He is pretty limited in available times. It sounds like he is only in the clinic Tues & Wed. I have to take a day off of work to go. I'm coming from the southwest burbs.

Snuffleupagus · 01-13-2009, 07:09 PM

I just got my call back from them today and was making the appointment when I discovered they only take insured patients. Which is understandable but having just been laid off I'm currently up that creek without a paddle. Sucks though as from talking to Abby, it sounded like my Spiro would be continued which I what I'm searching for doctors for. Anyway, good luck with your appointment and still let me know how it goes if ya can. Someday I hope to get in there.

femmemoi · 01-27-2009, 05:35 PM

Hi Ladies,

I have actually been to the PCOS Research Center at U of C and the doctor that saw me was horrible. He had horrible bedside manner, his nurse never returned my phones calls, and after leaving several messages with his assistant, the doctor finally called me back and was incredibly rude to me (including the fact that he raised his voice). I would never recommend him to anyone. His staff's service is poor, and his attitude is even worse.

I have yet to find another doctor in Chicago that specializes in pcos, my expereince with obgyn's havent been so great. Most of the obgyn's I've seen don't seem to take pcos seriously. If any can has any suggestions I'm all ears

Snuffleupagus · 01-28-2009, 03:45 AM

Wow, I'm sorry you had such a rotten experience with them. I would have thought they would be the best place to go but I guess you never know until you hear from someone who's already been.

I wish I could help you out on the doctors but I don't know how far you are willing to travel. My obgyn was a wonderful doctor and treated me for PCOS, though I'm not sure what kinda of specialized care you are looking for. Anyway his office is out in Elgin so it's a bit of a drive from Chicago but if you want his name let me know and I will e-mail it to you.

octx2 · 01-28-2009, 03:37 PM

Wow! This really bums me out. I have been anxiously waiting for my appointment for a month now in hopes that I will finally find someone to treat me appropriately. Was is Dr. Ehrmann you saw? When I talked to the girl on the phone (after trying to reach her for weeks!) she said he is very opinionated. She mentioned that Northwestern has a lady that also specializes. However, when I looked her up it seemed she was just a professor that ran research studies and did not necessarily just see patients.

Did he do anything for you??

I'm still going to go and try it out I guess I'm just not nearly as excited...

femmemoi · 02-04-2009, 04:48 PM

The doctor I was referring too was indeed Dr. Ehrmann. He prescribed me Metformin and Spiro (that seems to be his MO), yet I only took the Metformin for a short period of time due to the side effects.

Although my expereince was horible, it doesnt mean yours will be so dont be bummed out

I hope it works out for you. I have an appointment with an RE at Northwestern Memorial, so hopefully it will turn out well.

I'd definetly like to know how your experience goes, so report back after your appointment

Quote:

Originally Posted by octx2

Wow! This really bums me out. I have been anxiously waiting for my appointment for a month now in hopes that I will finally find someone to treat me appropriately. Was is Dr. Ehrmann you saw? When I talked to the girl on the phone (after trying to reach her for weeks!) she said he is very opinionated. She mentioned that Northwestern has a lady that also specializes. However, when I looked her up it seemed she was just a professor that ran research studies and did not necessarily just see patients.

Did he do anything for you??

I'm still going to go and try it out I guess I'm just not nearly as excited...

octx2 · 02-05-2009, 11:32 AM

femmemoi,
I'm sorry for all the questions I tried to send you a PM, but I don't have enough posts. Did he prescribe the met and spiro on your first visit or did he do bloodwork etc and make you come back? I'm traveling for the south burbs and taking a day off of work and I don't want to have to do it many times.

I would be curious to hear about your appointment at Northwestern as well. I'm not sure where you are located or if you are TTC or not, but when I got PG with my daughter I was seeing Dr.Randy Morris in Naperville and he was really good.

Thanks for all your help!!

Jade2008 · 02-05-2009, 12:48 PM

I'm in Chicago as well. Not sure if you guys are ttc or just want diagnosis and treatment for PCOS. I started going to my OB at Northwestern 3 years ago when I wasnt ttc. She re- diagnosed my PCOS (I had an earlier diagnosis from years ago but wanted to confirm) via b/w and u/s. I dont have any external signs of pcos like hair in unwanted places or fallling out and acne. My main thing was irregular periods and annovulation but she still took me very serious and worked with me. She was willing to listen and treat me. She rx'd Met 2 years ago but I only took it for a month and got tired..lol.. Anyway when we started ttc, she was also awesome. Did 4 rounds of clomid and then recommended 2 good REs - one more aggresive. we chose the more aggresive one and a cycle of injections later, we had a BFP. Let me know if any of you would like more details or either the OB or the RE. Both in Chicago

zra · 02-05-2009, 06:54 PM

Snuffleupagus--I recently moved to Batavia, and have been looking for a doctor out here in the far western burbs. I tried to private message you, but I don't have enough posts. Would you mind sending me your doctor's name? Thanks!

Snuffleupagus · 02-06-2009, 02:57 AM

Not at all. He is a very nice doctor and came highly recommended from the nurses at my normal docs practice. Here is his contact info. Only thing is he tends to be busy so getting in may take up to a month if you wanted a Sat. appointment.

Dr. CHRISTOPHER S MICHAEL, M.D.
SUBURBAN WOMEN'S
HEALTH SPECIALISTS
2350 ROYAL BLVD
ELGIN, IL 60123 (847) 931-4747

Calantha · 02-06-2009, 04:14 AM

Wow, I just stumbled on this thread and I'm shocked that anyone had an experience like that with Dr. Ehrmann. I've been seeing him for 8 years now and I *LOVE* him. Seriously, best doctor I've ever had. He DID give me the met, but when I complained of the side effects he switched me to actos, which worked MUCH better for me. Spiro was never pushed on me, but when I asked for it he was happy to give it. He's pretty much always been willing to let me guide my treatment. His bedside manner has been astounding. Not only does he patiently listen to me, but he REMEMBERS what I tell him, which even my family doctor can't seem to accomplish. Dr. Ehrmann has also helped me get into several research studies for PCOS when he knew I was strapped for money, especially during our adoption processes. Aside from being a great doctor, he's a great guy too. When I forgot my purse at home, he paid for my parking so my DH wouldn't have to leave work to come retreive me and our vehicle. When I brought my daughter home from China he offered to help in any way we might need, specifically asking if we needed clothing, furniture, money, etc. Of course I wouldn't feel right TAKING his money and I politely turned down the offer, but that really sticks with me as an example of how much he really cares about his patients.