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Consultation only: Disgusted - Australia

ORIGINAL POST

Only those in a similar situation will understand...

rubus2014
Only those in a similar situation will understand how frustrating and emotionally exhausting the process and wait for a breast reduction truly is! At 18, I decided I was fed up with my G cup breasts. Insecurities were extreme, I suffered bursitis in both my shoulders and prolonged back issues. After my initial consultation with Dr Lawrence in early 2013, I knew immediately after meeting her that things would not go well. The lack of eye contact and her abrupt nature was very off putting, but, in so much pain, I agreed to be placed on her waiting list. A year and a half later, and in the wait for my health insurance waiting times to wave, I receive a call from her receptionist telling me I had "reached the top of the list and dr Lawrence was ready to operate." Of course, I got my hopes up. After canceling my shift, having my sister extend her trip to Adelaide to attend the appointment with me, and a 45 minute drive, I was ridiculed, embarrassed and absolutely devastated by the end of my 3 minute consultation. Dr Lawrence showed NO compassion, professionalism or courtesy for my situation. I was told she "only had times in May 2015" and was quite blatantly told that if it interfered with my studies that I should look else where. It didn't end there. After trying to negotiate with the doctor, she took me out to the waiting room, where patients, reception staff and others were all very aware of what my procedure was and how I wouldn't be able to attend at that time. So unprofessional. I have been in a medical course for only a year and know better than that. It was the end of the line for me when she said "you can call and cancel it if it doesn't work", she slammed her pen on the desk, and closed her office door on my face.
I was absolutely disgusted. I even felt sorry for the receptionists who could tell that the service provided was NOT of a professional standard. All I could think was "how did this woman even pass the UMAT, the medical interview and how does she practice in a job she clearly hates?"
There is no way in hell that I would let that woman lay hands on me. Especially after being told that my breasts "would probably still be asymmetrical after my surgery." Isn't that the reason we have the surgery? To eliminate all these issues that are causing us pain and insecurity? How this Dr handles patients with much more severe cases -breast cancer survivors etc- actually unsettles me. I will never return to this Dr, nor will I allow any of my family or friends to the belittled in the hands of someone who is meant to help you.

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Replies (5)

February 17, 2015
thats so strange as i have had two surgeries with this doctor and did not encounter any thing like you have written. i was happy with my treatment and even happier with my surgery outcome. remember you want a good surgeon not friendly butcher.
March 10, 2015
But you also want to feel safe going in to the surgery if you're going to be "butchered"
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July 3, 2015
I have also found her to be quite abrupt, at times. Unfortunately, I suspect it makes a difference as to whether you are a public or a private patient. I find that quite strange for a supposedly "female-friendly" practice, so I hope I am wrong. Perhaps she's just not good at hiding her feelings when she's having a bad day!
July 10, 2015
I'm disappointed but also not shocked to hear that she treated you similarly being on the public waiting list. I ended up going private with another Dr, and the care was incomparable.
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March 13, 2015
Hi, you have every right to be disappointed and disgusted with attitude like that. In my own recent experience, my Doctor recommended her and the APSA (Adelaide Plastic Surgeon Associates. It was like 'chalk and cheese' in attitude after an initial discussion with each PS. In a blink after talking to my APSA Surgeon, he gave me such confidence with what could realistically achieved, the risks, the recovery process and didn't pull any punches. His staff took initial photos to add to my file, and was told to think about the whole process and contact him again if I wanted to go ahead and have a detailed discussion about surgery , costs, medical history etc. I was so excited that after making my decision, I couldn't wait to see him again. Now after my last surgery last week, (read my review), I am so elated that I fear I will drop my clothes the minute someone says 'How are you'. It has been life changing stuff. Don't let this bad experience put you off, there are about 8 top PS in this practice (Google them) and start afresh with a positive attitude. At your age, you should expect a great result. If you would like a private chat - send me a message, this is important to you and you should not be dismissed in that manner.