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lovin3
08-23-2008, 08:39 AM
So, I need to take a minute to vent about my appointment. Sorry if this gets longwinded...

Yesterday, I was supposed to have my 36 week appointment. When I arrived at the office (a 30 minute drive) I found out that my OB had just called in- she was stuck at the hospital for a delivery and was cancelling her last couple of appointments for the day. Generally, this wouldn't have phased me (I understand the situation), but... I needed to see my OB. Life has been frustrating. Baby is breech (maybe? still? atleast, he was) and living under my ribcage (hasn't dropped at all and my lungs and ribs don't appreciate this position). Need to be prepared for a c-section and deciding if my husband is going to postpone going back to school (I don't want him gone literally all day for class and work twice a week plus two more 10+ hour work days when I'm having to recoup from a c-section with a newborn, 16mo, and a 3yo at home- we need to make the decision now). I'm measuring small (although an ultrasound a couple of weeks ago came back that he was measuring normal for size, just on the low side of normal for amniotic fluid). Chipped a tooth and need atleast a crown, so I need to find out about x-rays and anesthesia while pregnant or breastfeeding (never bottle fed my first two, even expressed milk).

The problem is that my OB is on vacation all next week, so my appointment for the week (week 37) was with a nurse. Again, this normally wouldn't have been an issue, and they would have moved my appointment up a couple of days if I didn't want to wait the week. But, this is just a nurse and she can't necessarily make the call on decisions related to my care, especially if the baby is still breech. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound Sept. 2, and, if he was still breech, my OB would schedule me to get him turned on that Friday morning, the 5th. My next scheduled appointment (for week 38) with her is now Friday, Sept. 5 in the afternoon, assuming he has turned.

Long story short, the solution is for me to see the on-call doc on Monday and for him to make the call regarding my ultrasound and care. Problem is that the doc I'll be seeing is a male that I've never even met (only ever seen my female OB for visits and delivery, not 100% comfortable with the idea of a male OB given I'll get a pelvic exam at the appointment), although I've heard he's a great doctor. I know that everything will be okay and that he'll be able to make the decisions needed for me and baby, but the timing of this seems like it couldn't be worse. Oh, and I'll have to find a babysitter because my husband has to work.

Again, just needed to vent. Pregnancy life has me a little frustrated right now. Thanks for listening. Oh, I'm open to anyones thoughts if you've got 'em. :)

lena241
08-23-2008, 09:14 PM
Im sorry this is happening. It is sooo frustrating when we need to talk to the doctor, and he isnt there. However, think of the poor woman who was still in labor, still trying to push the baby out, that caused your appointment to be pushed back. Also, try to think of all the times your doctor has been there for you. This might ease some frustration.

It might be a good idea for you to meet the other doctor, in the practice. You never know what could happen at delivery time. You may have to be delived by this (male) doctor, you just never know. Its always good for them to have at least heard of your situation before walking into it head first. At the OB I went to with my 1st child, we were required to rotate doctors the last trimester.

I am now pregnant with my 2nd child. My New OB (We recently moved) is a male but came highly recommended. His office only has (2) doctors and you are just dont see the other doctor. If my OB is out on a delivery, I also have to reschedule my appointments. I live around the block from the office and it literly takes me 2 minutes to get there, so I dont feel so bad when this happens. I am now 18 weeks and so far, this has only happened 1x.

Good luck and relax. You should enjoy these last weeks of your pregnancy. It will be over before you know it and you'll have screaming bundle of joy to contend with, along with the pediatrician (who always seems overbooked or on vacation)

lovin3
08-24-2008, 03:06 PM
Lena241- Thanks for your thoughts. I understand the situation and am not frustrated with my OB or the practice itself, just at the situation. It is hard to want answers and not be able to get them. Hopefully, I'll get the good news that he is head down on Monday and that will be the end of all of this craziness. It is just no fun to have another ultrasound and possible c-section hanging over my head, but I know it will all work out in the end. :)

lovin3
08-26-2008, 02:49 PM
After another cancelled appointment, I've finally been seen by a doctor. I ended up going in this morning and seeing a different doctor. He was a male, but I actually wasn't too uncomfortable. I got the good news that baby is head down. Although he still likes my ribcage, he's low enough that the doc doesn't think I have to worry about him becoming breech before delivery. Yea! No c-section! I'm not thinned out or dialated yet, but this is definite progress. I was even able to cancel my other appointment for this week and my ultrasound for next week. A pain to have the cancelled appointments, but I understand the situation and I'm actually a little more comfortable with the idea of someone other than my primary OB delivering (through 2 pregnancies, all of my appointments and both deliveries were with my primary).

myboysmom
08-27-2008, 03:44 PM
lovin3-Hooray! I was so happy for you when I read this last post. I was hoping he would turn on his own, but we know how stubborn boys can be, huh? :) I'm glad that everything is on the right track. Can't wait to hear when you have the baby!

lovin3
08-27-2008, 10:18 PM
Thanks! The countdown is on- 22 days from tomorrow (hopefully a few less)!