MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

so nobody called me back the first day or night ...I went two full days of second guessing any food and portion sizes I ate (and literally re-hearing the dr.'s comments replaying in my head the whole time as hard as I tried not to let them) ....

well, yesterday while I was at work (its a camp and I don't answer my cell phone just have it for emergencies!) I saw a # I didn't know on the caller id; but certainly wasn't going to answer it b/c I thought it might have been the dr calling me back and I don't feel its professional or responsible to take the call when there's kids around and I knew I would probably be upset talking about it...so I checked the message when I got off work and.... it was (ironically!) the same woman who works there who made the first hurtful comment before the Dr. calling me back to see "what I wanted to talk to Dr. X about exactly so she could tell her before passing along my msg"! She asked me to call back before 4 since they close by that time..of course, I got it after 4.....so it was pointless, but my original msg explicitly stated I had some concerns about my appt the night before and wanted to speak DIRECTLY with the Dr about them - um, doesn't that mean I don't want to have to always tell someone else the whole story before I can talk to the Dr (this happened once before when I had questions about cpc's - I had to explain the whole thing to the person who answered the call!)....it was mortifying and depressing enough that I had to endure it between the Dr, my dh and myself in the exam rm and now I have to tell this woman how I felt and relive it too before the Dr will even attempt to call me back??? (I know some girls have wonderful exp. here with her but mine is not so "much" one of them anymore!!! )

At my dh's insistence I called the woman who ran our childbirth class, because she made a big pt of telling us she was always there for us if we needed her or had questions and would love to help if she could, so we took her up on it....I thought maybe I would be able to leave a msg but she answered so I explained that I had a situation and we thought maybe she could help us or shed insight into it since she has been in the delivery rm for years! (and we, in thinking about it now, also realized she had all these complimentary things to say about all the drs of the people in the class but ours at the class...initially we thought nothing of it but then dh said "what if its b/c of stuff like this? she would see it and know..", plus I figured she could offer some insight since this is our first pregnancy and we don't know any better...)

so she talked to me for about a half hr...and she is so caring and wonderful...in not so many words, she said she has definitely seen what I meant and went through happen and that if I had concerns (and she thought they were more than valid) she might recommend changing at this pt - she recommended a few people who deliver at the same hospital and reminded me that I should be reveling in my pregnancy not upset since its not good for me or our lil ...I was so glad I spoke to her b/c it really lifted my spirits...she made my weekend and I smiled for the first real time in two days (not counting at work where the kids were cute and helped me somewhat keep my mind off it!)...and when I smiled I meant it...I wished I could have jumped through the phone and hugged her!

She also explained while she isn't a Dr. she thought that since I work outside and try to keep as hydrated as possible (which knock on wood has not been a prob at all!) even though I haven't swelled up at all I could be retaining water still and that since it was a one time thing and not a repeated pattern, it happens to everyone at diff pts. so I shouldn't be too concerned about the weight gain

dh was so glad b/c in his words "it was so nice to have me back and happy" - I should add he also had come home with a dozen roses to cheer me up (I do love him so much!!!! )

so on Monday we will begin calling some of the recc's that we got (we like on in particular having heard of him before) and they should be able to help us in figuring out how we switch...it will be awkward for me still if I ever run into my old Dr. but I think its for the best for us right now.....

thank you from the bottom of my (and dh's) hearts for all your kind words and support and fms! sorry to have written so much!!!

Message edited 7/15/2006 10:07:14 AM.

Re: so an update from my last dr's visit issues...

Glad you are feel better, good luck in your search!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

I don't know where you live but my Dr's are Personal Women's Care in Smithtown. There are two male Dr's they are both older and I went through a MC with them and they have helped me a lot. I never wanted to go to a man before but I swear after having an internal there i wondered why? It was probably the least uncomfortable physically I have ever felt during that procedure.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

thanks....I am going to look at two that a little closer and associated with St Charles first, but its good to have in mind!!! I am so glad you were able to have a supportive dr help you....I always thought I wanted a woman b/c she would be more "sensitive" and I would be more comfy....guess the jokes on me kinda!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

I'm sorry for the crap you had to deal with. I see a really great Dr. in Pt. Jeff who is affiliated with St. Charles. I delivered my DS there and will be again in Dec. If you want any info, FM me. I absolutely love the Dr., PA and nurse practioner there. After 5 years, I have NO complaints at all. Good luck!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

I'm sorry that you went through all that, but I'm glad that you made the decision to switch. You need to feel comfortable with both your doctor and the staff at the office. Let us know how everything works out with the switch!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

I am so glad you are switching for many reasons-
The receptionist has no need to know about your business- you made it very clear that you wanted to speak to the doctor. Hello, doesn't she understand confidentiality?????

Even if you had a real weight issue( which you DO NOT) he did not handle it appropriately. I don't think you can learn bedside manner.

I know the switch may be time consuming but definately in your best interests. And don't worry about it being awkward- I would LOVE to run into my old doctor and tell her exactly why I left her care. It would make my day.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

I also think its a good idea that you are switching. You shouldnt be made to feel like that durning your pregnancy. Good luck with your search.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

Glad to hear you're happier Deirdre!!!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

Glad to hear you are doing better and I think finding a new dr. is best for you.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

good luck in your dr search!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

Let me know if you need any help!! Good Luck.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

In my opinion doctors should be doing everything in thier power to attend to the needs of pregnant women -- so I understand your switching. Good luck in your search!

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

Posted by CkGm

I am so glad you are switching for many reasons-
The receptionist has no need to know about your business- you made it very clear that you wanted to speak to the doctor. Hello, doesn't she understand confidentiality?????

Even if you had a real weight issue( which you DO NOT) he did not handle it appropriately. I don't think you can learn bedside manner.

I know the switch may be time consuming but definately in your best interests. And don't worry about it being awkward- I would LOVE to run into my old doctor and tell her exactly why I left her care. It would make my day.

Re: MY UPDATE (from my last dr's visit issues...)

Best of luck to you. . The woman was right, this should be the happiest time for you, not full of sadness.