UCLA Pelvic Pain Clinic & Dr. Andrea Rapkin

[Emily B]

I am in such desperate pain.

I'm thinking about going to the UCLA Pelvic Pain Clinic headed by Dr. Andrea Rapkin. Anyone have any experiences with her? I'm interested in hearing about it, good or bad.

I saw Dr. Rapkin way back in 2001 when my PN pain first started. There wasn't much info about PN back then and I didn't know that's what I had. After I saw her, I had unnecessary pelvic and vulvar surgery by another unscrupulous doctor. I was told the surgeries would relieve my PN pain. Instead, I was left with lower abdominal and pelvic pain that I never had before the surgery, plus increased vulvar pain.

Now I'm having a hard time finding a doctor that can help me. I'd appreciate hearing anyone's experience with the UCLA Pelvic Pain Clinic or Dr. Rapkin.

Thanks,

Emily B.

[Karyn]

Hi Emily,
Sorry, but I'm not familiar with Dr. Rapkin or the UCLA Pelvic Pain Clinic. How horrible about your extra symptoms after the pelvic and vulvar surgery!
What was your impression of Dr. Rapkin when you saw her in 2001? Did she recommend the surgery you had? Did you only see her that one time?

I was left with lower abdominal and pelvic pain that I never had before the surgery, plus increased vulvar pain.

Sounds like ilioinguinal, iliohypogastric and/or genitofemoral neuralgia. Has the surgeon who did your surgery have any comments about the abdominal and vulva pain?
Hugs,
Karyn

[Emily B]

I only saw Dr. Rapkin once. She never mentioned surgery. I just remember her wanting me to try meds I'd already tried before. I was hoping someone here on the board has seen her for pelvic pain and could tell me what she's like. I barely remember seeing her because it was so many years ago.

Emily B.

[Karyn]

I'm sorry I couldn't be more helpful, Emily. Do you live in CA?

[Pain Free in 2012]

I am currently being treated by Dr. Rapkin for vulvar pain that I am experiencing after being diagnosed with Interstitial Cystits. I highly recommend Dr. Rapkin. I saw four doctors (including another gyno) before I found Dr. Rapkin. The doctors I saw before Dr. Rapkin told me the pain was "in my head" and that I needed to just relax. Nonsense, of course. Dr. Rapkin listened to me and made me realize that I am not crazy, that the pain I have is real. While the pain hasn't gone away, I do feel like I have made some (small) progress. Dr. Rapkin gave me hope. I don't know what I would have done if I hadn't found her. One thing to note is that she doesn't have fantastic bed-side manner but she knows what she is doing, and what she is talking about. I highly recommend her and I hope she is able to help you. It typically takes about 3 months to get an appointment with her, FYI.

[merrie]

I had seen Dr Rapkin approximately 4-5 times in 2009-2010 timeframe. I have adenomyosis, issues with heavy bleeding/clotting as well as PNE.

I agree she does not have the best bedside manner. She is known more for her research. She is VERY clinical.

In the end she was not able to help me and her last recommendation to me was to consult with Dr Filler for surgery! I did not go back to see her again after that.

If you live in the Los Angeles area it can't hurt to see her but I would not recommend traveling far to see her and I would not expect any miracles.

Are you going to see her just for PNE or do you have other gyn / pelvic pain probs as well?

Merrie

[doggicam]

I saw Dr. Rapkin(UCLA) for pelvic pain. She sent me to Dr John McDonald from UCLA. He did a vaginal pudendal nerve block unguided by ultrasound and severly injured me. A very large hematoma in my pelvis. I was unable to work or care for my young child for months and it told 2 years for the hematoma to go away. Dr. Rapkin acted like this was no big deal and obviously is friends with Dr. McDonald and even said I should cut him a break because his wife had just left him the morning I was injured?! Please stay away from both of them. Both of these doctors lied to me about the seriousness of my injury and luckily I was able to find a caring doctor to get me through this injury. My new doctor could not believe that Dr. Rapkin and Dr. McDonald would be doing such a dangerous experimental procedure. I have suffered from pelvic pain and several surgeries but the pain I felt from the nerve block was the worst pain ever. Now I look back and realize that I wanted to be well so badly that I didn't do my homework. Get a second opinion.

[penney]

After 18 months of excruciating pain numerous doctors and medications I met with Dr Rapkin yesterday 08/23/2012. I also met with Dr McDonald at Dr Rapkin's recommendation. I am 200 miles away from UCLA so I cannot begin to tell you how pleased I was to have a Dr take such a proactive approach. They began treatments immediately. They were very clear this would be a process and improve over time. It would also require future visits. They were both extremely professional and pleasant. There was no doubt in my mind I was at the right place. Do your homework ask questions and come to your own conclusions. My experience so far has been exceptional.

[doggicam]

Good luck Penney. I have the medical records, photos and bills to prove the pain dr McDonald and dr Rapkin caused. Anyone that would like to see them is welcome to contact me. I really do hope that they help you. But I am scared for anyone that gets a vaginal pudendal nerve block from these doctors.

[Aunteemom]

Doggiecam,
Who do you see a new doctor? Can you share he name?