Recommended Doctor
Charles Frederick SHIPLEY MD
Obstetrics & Gynecology - South Carolina Columbia

Dr. Shipley was the last of many doctors I visited in regards to my reproductive health issues. As a 50 year old woman, I needed a doctor with experience in dealing with issues at the end of reproductive life and was fortunate to be referred to Dr. Shipley by my GP.

Dr. Shipley is direct but kind and very willing to discuss any questions that I had. He didn't waste time with multiple visits and extensive testing and made a diagnosis and suggested that I have a hysterectomy. My first visit included an intravaginal ultrasound, a pap smear and an endometrial biopsy. He was very reassuring when I had questions as to complications of endometriosis, or the need for a bladder sling and other possible problems that might arise.

Dr. Shipley performed the hysterectomy, removing the uterus and the cervix, leaving the ovaries. The hysterctomy was done abdominally for several reasons including my history of two C-sections and the size of the fibroids. The surgery went just as smoothly as Dr. Shipley had said it would, I had no endometriosis, no need for a bladder sling and, joyfully, no cancer. The incision was in the same place as my C-section incisions, and is just as invisible, only a thin pink line that is difficult to see.

On my third day, when I should have been released, Dr. Shipley told me that he was concerned about my kidney function, because I had no salt in my blood. He called in a nephrologist who ordered a kidney ultrasound and I was kept in the hospital three more days and put on a saline drip while my blood was monitored. I'm sure Dr. Shipley's proactive approach prevented me from going into kidney failure.

Dr. Shipley visited me every day I was in the hospital, checking the incision and answering all my questions. He has a very pleasant bedside manner and is thoroughly professional and caring. The nurses were particular to follow all his instructions and have his approval, which was reflected in the great care they gave to me. He talked to them everyday about me, making sure that I was up and walking, eating well and that the nurses were looking out for me.

Ovarall, Dr. Shipley is one of the best doctors I've ever had. He is experienced, pro-active, kind, and gentle during examinations, a big thing for an ob-gyn. He was dead-on with his quick analysis and treatment of my problems. I was a bit surprised that he recommended a hysterectomy at first, but ALL of my symptoms have disappeared and now I know that he was right- I needed a hysterectomy. My uterus was making me sick. I am only a few weeks recovered after the surgery, but already I feel so much better. Thank you, Dr. Shipley!