Mary A Vijjeswarapu, MD

I am not usually someone who has had a lot of health issues in the last, but life circumstances took a very hard shift in a short period of time, which is what brought my to the office of “Doctor V.” I can’t express how grateful I have been to her and the whole staff for treating me with the highest level of care and compassion— it was clear from all my interactions that she truly cared for my long term well being and for that I am truly grateful!

I had an awful experience with Dr. Vijjeswarapu. She had been referred to me by multiple physicians as the best pain management doctor for endometriosis. I first had a consult with her fellow, who had difficulty comprehending that endo pain varies in severity (depending on hormonal fluctuations), and location (when you have stage 4 adhesions all over your abdomen, the pain is not concentrated in one area). He seemed to be looking for me to point out a specific vertebrae or something that hurt, which clearly I am not able to do. When I finally was able to speak to Dr. V, before letting me speak, she told me which medications she will not prescribe to patients with endometriosis. I understand ruling out drug seekers, but recent revised CDC guidance specifies that pain management should be a “individualized approach.” Lumping all individuals with the same condition into one assumption is not an individualized approach, especially with a condition such as endometriosis, where the nature of… the pain can vary so much between patient to patient (again, I had be told Dr. V was THE endo pain specialist). Then, she told me she wanted to perscribe me a medication in a class of medications that I have already tried several of without receiving any relief. She told me we would go through every single medication in this class that does not work for me before moving on to the next steps. What about my liver and kidney health? These aren’t placebos without side effects. Why take these risks with medications the patient has already expressed to you are not effective, and are not backed up by clinical research? Not to mention the costs of this trialing. Finally, we discussed nerve block injections. I agreed to scheduling this. Then, as I was about to get off the call, I was told I’d need to arrange a ride home for my next visit. Why was that not stated up front? I don’t have a reliable ride home living near me. I would have asked to alter our treatment approach had I know this was required. This appointment left me in tears for days after, and for months I have been afraid to even book another appointment with a pain specialist, as this experience was so traumatic. I encourage Dr. V to watch “Below the Belt” so she can learn more about endometriosis and the medical gaslighting of individuals with this condition.

First, I don't like these ratings sites that don't ensure the accuracy or completeness of facts about doctors. Dr Vijjeswarapu was a Doctor and Chief Resident at Harvard Medical, which of course is not stated here. She knows her stuff and is to the point.