Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

Hi all- not quite ready to join you...but I thought I'd ask the pros.

I moved to a new area recently and started going to a new gyno. We're TTCing now and I want to choose an OBGYN. My friend recommended an office, and she says her doc doesn't have the greatest bedside manner- which is really important to me. So she recommended a different doctor.

She's a DO - Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. I've read up on the difference but I'm just curious - is your experience that much different with a DO? Have any of you chosen a DO for specific reasons?

I'd love input- thanks!

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

For me, I chose a DO because I have low back problem. A doctor of Osteopathy is much more familiar with the bones and joints of your body than an MD because they have specialized training.

That said, I don't think there's a huge difference between the two if you are seeing them for regular PCP stuff.

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

I have a lower back problem too so maybe this is the right choice for me. Thanks so much!

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

Can I ask the nature of your back problems? I only ask because I want to save anyone I can from the hell and torture that I'm enduring with this pregnancy. I've had problems with my L5/S1 disc for the past few years, and I just prayed that it wouldn't give me problems during pregnancy. Well, it has, and now I'm facing possibly surgery while pregnant.

Don't want to scare you, but please don't do like I did and assume that it will all be fine. Try to do as much as you can preventatively BEFORE you get pregnant.

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

I've never had anything diagnosed, my lower back just seems to be very weak. I'm not living with pain constantly, but when I do certain exercises it can be extremely uncomfortable to the point that I have to stop. It usually goes away though.

I'm sorry you're going through so much pain. I hope everything goes well for you, especially if you need surgery.

Message edited 9/7/2008 6:50:55 PM.

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

One of the doctors in my practice is a DO and she seems just as competent as the rest of them. I think it all depends on the doctor- you can have a terrible MD or a great DO. I wouldn't rely too much on the degree!

Re: Does anyone have a DO rather than an MD?

My OBGYN who I saw before I moved is a DO. I didn't notice much difference except that she never really pushed medicine if something was wrong. I was very happy with her.