What’s the freaking point?
June 29, 2010 at 4:24 am 5 comments
Seriously…sometimes I wonder what the freaking point is. Why would I be coming to a doctors appointment every week and having my cervix checked if there wasnt a reason for it? Why would every single OTHER high risk OB think that it is necessary to check my cervix weekly (especially since it is rapidly decreasing in size now) but NewDoc decides that its not needed?
Needless to say my appointment yesterday was less than fabulous. It took us longer to find parking then it did to see the doctor. I usually joke that my doctor is “always late, but worth the wait”, well this NewDoc was a pathetic waste of my time. Yes, that’s right….It wasted MY time. Im annoyed.
Last week Dr.Fabulous was concerned about the contractions I was having in conjunction with my newly shortened cervix (last week sitting around 2.1cm-2.5cm). We have checked my cervical length via ultrasound weekly for 10 weeks. Since Dr. Fabulous is on vacation I was forced to see NewDoc. He is a cocky bastard.
NewDoc explained that he didnt see a point to checking my cervical length because there was no intervention that they could do if it was shortened. His rationale is that there is no point to doing a test if there is no solution. WTF?? I understand that, but if Im contracting and have 0.5cm cervix left it would be nice to know so that if I suddenly start having sharp pain I know if I just ripped through my F*cking cervix.
And yet, I was so shocked that he was not going to do anything that I couldnt even find the words to express my discontent with this new change of my plan of care. I didnt ADVOCATE for myself. Shit. And I only have myself to blame.
He measured my bump, mumbled something about it being “right on”. Then commented about how he is very impressed with my lack of weight gain. Reminded me to repeat the dreaded 3 hour glucose test, again (This will be my third time this pregnancy, for those not keeping track) before the end of the week, and commented about my BP now being low (98/54).
He took out the doptone and listened for a heart beat for all of 2 seconds. I counted 5 beats before he turned it off. He didnt even wait to hear it accelerate or decelerate (which he SHOULD). He didnt verbalize a rate, and I dont see how he even got one, so if he documents one then it was fabricated (I will be asking for a copy of this visit summary, for sure).
And the most stunning part…he said that in 3 weeks (at week 32) he intends on releasing me from “couchrest” and allowing me to resume normal activity. Hmmmm….Im pretty sure that my conservative Dr.Fabulous is gonna have a fit about that statement. And since Dr.Fabulous has kept me pregnant thus far, I will be following his advice exclusively.
I have to see NewDoc yet again next week, and I have a feeling that the visit will go very very differently. In the mean time, I am trying to have faith and thinking that my cervix is still sitting at a comfortable 2cm at least.
Why do you love your doctor?
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1.
michelehaytko | June 29, 2010 at 6:28 am
I loved that Dr Bailey loved my kids almost as much as I did and put his job on the line to keep me pregnant. He’s like family.
2.
Katie | June 29, 2010 at 1:58 pm
So funny that you post this so soon after my last appointment went so badly with DifferentOB. I think that what I love about my beloved Dr. S is that he never makes me feel dumb for asking a (probably very dumb) question. He always takes the time to let me really LISTEN to the HB. He is compassionate and kind without being condescending. He pays attention to Will and includes him in the process. He was very kind to me following my D&C (this sounds as if it should be obvious and that every OB would be kind in such a situation, but unfortunately, it’s not the case).
I think a lot of times, some doctors have a hard time seeing us as individuals. We are a chart, a number, another gown to peek under. I know that they are pushed to the limits in many ways, especially as the face of medicine changes so drastically. But I love a doctor who can leave those frustrations at the door and still treat me like a human being. The thing is that there are so many doctors for a reason. There are a lot of different patients, people who would be perfectly happy with 5 beats and getting off of restrictions as soon as possible. So, different strokes for different folks, you know? But me, I’ll take our fabulous OBs any day!!
3.
AKD | June 29, 2010 at 3:34 pm
I love that my doctor is so reassuring and capable – he sounds a lot like your Dr. Fabulous, but the OPPOSITE of this doctor. I’m so sorry, hon – you deserve much better than that. Is there anyone else you can go see?
4.
Jessica | June 29, 2010 at 4:07 pm
What an inconsiderate, uneducated, self-important d-bag. My doctor didn’t check my cervix at all after 24 weeks and I sure would have liked to have known that I was headed into labor-town before that surprising day. He used the same rationale but I really think that he just didn’t want the hassle of bringing a nurse into the room so that he could work “down there” without getting sued. I wish I had advocated more for myself so you give that Dr. a piece of your mind next visit and know that this preemie Mom has your back!
5.
Amy | July 7, 2010 at 8:28 am
This is what I don’t understand, about your visit and mine yesterday: how is it that there’s nothing they can do? Shortening cervical length is indicative of possible preterm labor, so shouldn’t they administer steroids (the 1 thing my dr said they would do) and prepare to stop labor? Tocolytics, p17, mag sulfate, etc? Or is it that they only treat “active” labor (like regular contractions) but can’t do anything to stop you from getting to that point? Either way, I know I often have contractions I ignore, but if I knew the indication for ptl was there I wouldn’t be so quick to dismiss them. Ugh. Maybe I am missing something?