Andy J. Stafford, MD - Southern Indiana Physicians Women's Healt

I have been a patient of Dr. Stafford for exactly 21 years. I am now 53 years old. I found out about him through the grapevine when I found out I was pregnant and the first month had problems. I ended up delivering with a female doctor whom I will never go to again. He was the ONLY doctor that came to see me after my delivery.
I went to Dr. Stafford and he was caring and took his time with a thorough examination. I was diagnosed with endometriosis a few years after my daughter was born. I have been under his treatment for it as well as a few other medical issues. There is no cure unless you choose to have a hysterectomy that may lessen the pain, and an anti inflammatory along with birth control pills, that has worked for me. I choose to go to his office over my regular physician. I have never left his office wondering anything. He gave and continues to give me time to ask any questions I may have. He is a very kind and patient person as a doctor and as a human being. I would recommend him to anyone. I feel if you are a kind person and treat everyone kindly they will in return your kindness, in which I have found that to be the case with him. I have seen other patrons walk into the office and start barking at employees when there is no need for the rudeness. He as well as Dr. Wren have always treated people with kindness. I would recommend him to anyone. As far as the staff, they seem to have a big turnover, but they too have treated patrons with the utmost respect. Don't make your own judgement by what you read about from people you don't even know. Make an appointment and you be your own judge.

I was referred to Dr. Stafford indirectly in response to the results of a CT scan of my abdomen at the end of March 2019. I had been to the Aegis Women’s Clinic many years ago but had never seen Dr. Stafford.

One of the impressions from the reviewer of my CT scan was that I had an enlarged uterus with masses that were consistent with uterine fibroids. Dr. Stafford took the bull by the horns and ordered a colonoscopy and vaginal ultrasound(which you get to watch live on a big screen monitor as it’s happening).

The vaginal ultrasound revealed a very large uterus with 4 subserosal and 1 intramural fibroid. I also was diagnosed with a rectocele. Never had heard of either fibroids or a rectocele before. Dr Stafford played the devils advocate as to what my options were including a hysterectomy or just rechecking the size of my fibroids a few months later to see if they had shrunk at all.

Hysterectomies are considered an elective procedure AND major surgery which comes with other risks. My hormones were surging due to peri-menopause. A lot of times after menopause fibroids shrink. I ended up making an appointment a couple months down the road for another vaginal ultrasound to see if the size of my fibroids had changed at all. In addition, literature suggested getting a second opinion, which I did.

Frustratingly, the doctor who I went to see for a second opinion wouldn’t tell me what to do either. I finally just asked them to tell me what to do/what they would do if they were me. They said get the hysterectomy and rectocele repair. Both doctors concurred independently that my fibroids might not shrink after menopause plus the rectocele repair required surgery. Only silver lining was that the hysterectomy and rectocele repair could be performed as part of the same surgery.

The surgery would be laparoscopic, at the end of June 2019, and include removal of my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes and the rectocele repair. This all began at the end of March. I am 53 and am thinking that my period is going to stop at anytime. In May, I had a heavy period for 28 days straight. I got a 10 day break and 2 days before my surgery, it started again, heavy. I felt fortunate because I knew the problem was going to be remedied in a few days via the hysterectomy. I have read many other women’s experiences and it could have gone on for a lot longer and been a lot worse.

Dr. Stafford warned that the procedure could become abdominal depending on what he found via laparoscope once the procedure started and it did. The subserosal fibroids were protruding into my pelvic cavity in such a way that laparoscopic removal of my uterus could have damaged my ureter. So, I got half of what I wanted and that was to keep my ovaries. I would much rather have an abdominal scar than another medical issue and compromised body part to deal with. Dr. Stafford said the recovery period was 6 weeks. It was between 7-8 for me. The abdominal wound healed pretty quickly but the rectocele repair took longer based on my pain level.

Based on my experience, I found Dr. Stafford to be very competent. I am grateful and feel fortunate that he was my surgeon. I had numerous follow ups after the procedure to make sure my recovery was progressing as it should. The staff at Aegis were professional and Dr. Stafford’s nurse is a really sweet person and interesting to talk to. I also feel that the medical system actually came through for me when I needed it most.

The IU Health electronic records system is amazing too! The summary of my scans is available for my review as well as summaries of my medical procedures, what medications I am on, future appointments I have scheduled, ability to email your providers, bill pay, etc. Seems very comprehensive to me and is all accessible at the IU Health website with a username and password.

Thanks a million!!!

Many years, all 4 children, breast cancer, partial hysterectomy. Excellent physician. Very mindful of what you have to say. Stays focused. Practice used to have wonderful childbirth classs. I don't know if they still do. I didn't need much of anything. My kids were born with a midwife at the bedside in the hospital. And post menopausal care has been tops.

Typical practice. Indiana University did a hostel takeover bit on most healthcare in Bloomington. Small groups were hurt financially in the process. Odd demeaner of staff everywhere is typical of unskilled, low paid, high turnover workforce.

Concerning the negative reviews of support staff; I see it everywhere from this practice to the vet's office. You even see it at Burger King. My hubby and I used to joke about it. "Want to go grab a burger at 'Boy's Club'?" They seem to get great 'big me - little you' pride out of being particularly unhelpful. Downsizing.

Still it's a very good practice. And the nurse practitioners are amazing. So easy to get in for a quick Rx or check this mole or lump. Virtually no wait. I love that.

Great doctor! Super nice.