Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Switching Drs.

I've had my current OB/Gyn since we moved here in 2008.  He's a nice guy, thorough and personable, but but something about his manner just didn't really click with me.  However, I only went in for my yearly, and it didn't seem like that big of a deal until we started thinking about trying for a baby.  I debated switching right away, but reasoned that it wasn't "fair" to switch when there wasn't anything specific I was unhappy about- I just wasn't happy either.

When we got our positive test, I called and scheduled our first ultrasound.  They scheduled it for 6 weeks, which I was very happy about (I'd heard most doctors don't have you in until 8 weeks).  I figured we'd go to our first appointment, and if I still wasn't comfortable, I would switch.  Of course, I never made it to that first appointment.  To make a long story short, the days after my miscarriage were full of waiting for calls back from the doctor's office, wondering what in the world we were supposed to do next, and being told conflicting info from what the ER doctor told us.  I didn't have a followup appointment, or much information about what to expect.

Once the fog lifted,  I had some questions about the process, and when we could start trying again, etc, so I called again, and finally heard back a few days later.  I was wondering about trying again this cycle, as my pregnancy had ended very early, and my HCG levels in the ER were already at 9.3.  Without asking any details of my specific situation, or explaining why, the nurse informed me that they recommend that every patient wait at least one cycle.

Now there's a chance this didn't make me happy because it wasn't what I wanted to hear, but I also wasn't happy because I felt like I was not getting personalized attention and treatment from my doctor.  I like attention- whether it's in the form of comments from readers, phone calls from my best friend, spontaneous dates with my husband- I think everyone likes to feel like they're being heard and having their words considered.  And, after something as devastating as the loss of a child, I wanted a bit of empathy from my doctor.  I wanted someone to take my hand and guide me through, and I was not getting it from them.

And so, I switched.  A few of the ladies in my small group at church all have the same doctor and HIGHLY recommended her, so that's who I called.  I have only spoken to the medical assistant so far, but they called me back quickly, and explained exactly what to expect and why.  She also said they ask patients to wait one cycle, to ensure that everything from the last pregnancy is gone, and you're starting fresh.  However, after asking the specific details of my miscarriage, she said if we were to get pregnant this cycle, it would be fine.

Then she discussed what they'd do when I get pregnant again.  Normal protocol is to have the patient come in for blood work when they get that first positive test, then not again until 8 weeks.  However, because of my miscarriage, she said they would order extra blood work in between those appointments to make sure my levels are increasing, just to give me peace of mind.  I could have cried I was so happy after that phone call.  I know that I did what was right for me, and a future pregnancy.

6 comments:

  1. Glad you found a new doctor and that you're already happy with the decision. Everyone deserves a doctor (and staff) that will make you feel comfortable and answer all of your questions. Glad that this new place sounds much better than your original!

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  2. sushimama~
    I know you have commented on my blog before and for the life of me I cannot remember if you have commented since your loss. But I read your comment on Leah's blog today and felt like I had to come and hunt you down. I am so SO sorry for your loss. As you said, the MC club is a sad one but you are not alone.

    Also, switching my OBs after this ordeal for me has been HIGHLY therapeutic for me and I'm glad you did the same. Lots of hugs go out to you!!
    Julia

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  3. Good for you! I hate dealing with doctors that are so busy just pushing people through that they don't take the time to listen or adequately acknowledge their patients.

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  4. I applaud you for switching doctors...you need to be comfortable at every step of the process (and after baby too). If they can't treat you like an individual, you can (and did!) find someone who will! Here's to new beginnings and a fresh start!

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  5. I am so sorry to hear that you had a miscarriage. I am a member of that club also! Until it happened to us I had no idea just how painful it was. I'm glad you found a new doctor and hopefully you will get the support you deserve!

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  6. I'm so glad that a switch brought some peace of mind. We went through the same thing after our first miscarriage and I was amazed at the difference in how my new doctor communicated with me. You have been in prayers!! Hope your heart is slowly healing.

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