Bloomington, Il

[HollyHall]

I am thinking ahead since we are not TTC yet, but I would feel so much more comfortable if I had an established relationship with an OB-GYN who works with HG patients before we decide to have another baby. I did not receive the answers and attention I needed from my last OB-GYN. If anyone can help I would be so appreciative. Bloomington is near Peoria, IL.

[MamaLily]

Holly -

I think you are so smart to look now (before TTC) for a great doctor to help you through this next pregnancy. There is a sticky in this folder about tips on finding a good doctor. Basically, I think it's wise to find a Maternal/Fetal Medicine (MFM) specialist/Perinatologist. MFM doctors are more knowledgable about complications of pregnancy in general, and usu about HG specifically.

A great way to find a doctor is to figure out what hospital you prefer, and then visit their website to find a doctor. Most hospital websites have a list of doctors by specialty - choose "Maternal/Fetal Medicine" or "Perinatology." Some hospitals also have a phone number you can call for a referral.

I looked on http://www.perinatology.com/perinatologists.htm and found a list of 3 MFM doctors in Peoria. Here are their names.

CHARLES EGLEY M.D.
REGULAR (MFM) MEMBER
221 NE GLEN OAK
PEORIA, IL

THOMAS GROSS M.D.
REGULAR (MFM) MEMBER
4911 EXECUTIVE DRIVE
PEORIA, IL 61614
luann.s.bent@osfhealthcare.org

MICHAEL LEONARDI M.D.
REGULAR (MFM) MEMBER
OSF/ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER
OSF/ST. FRANCIS MEDICAL CENTER
MATERNAL-FETAL DIAGNOSTIC CENTER
4911 EXECUTIVE DRIVE, SUITE 200
PEORIA, IL 61614
mleo@mtco.com
www.childrenshospitalofil.org

Maybe you could contact them, explain your history of HG, and then ask about their experiences with HG patients. Even if they aren't the right fit for you, they could hopefully refer you to someone who would be.

Something I recently discovered by looking for a new doctor myself is that any doctor with knowledge about HG will be happy to see you before you TTC. I had a "pre-conception consultation" with my new perinatologist and was so encouraged by her knowledge about HG and by her plan for proactive and aggressive care. I took my own strategy plan with me but didn't need it because she had the same ideas on her own. It was great!

Please keep us posted on your progress. I hope you'll read through the Sticky in this folder about finding a doctor...there are other ideas that may be helpful to you.

Good luck!

- Anna