Friday night...(a long post. With poll) - Update 2.23.06

I spent a few hours in the ER of Good Samaritan in Suffern. I called my OB & cardiologist on Friday afternoon after two days of really swollen ankles, a tightness in my chest, and I was short of breath a little. They did not want to take any chances and so I went. All of the tests came back fine and the baby and I are OK, thank God.

This really scared me into thinking that maybe me being adamant about delivering at NSUH at Manhasset is really not smart. I looooovvvveee my OB and I don't want to change, but realistically he is too far. He is an hour and 15 minutes from my house (without traffic). I have an appointment with a cardiologist there next week, just to cover the bases.

Then, there is the option of delivering and switching my Ob to one that is in Columbia Presbyterian. My cardiologist is there. I would need to switch OB's and schelp into Manhattan every week in my third trimester...NOT what I want to do.

My cardiologist told me on Friday night that I should maybe consider delivering at Good Sam in Suffern and he has worked with 4 cardiologists there and he said they all are very good. He feels confident that if something God forbid did go wrong during delivery with me, they would handle it no problem. I would need to switch OB's but this would be the OB I would see after I deliver anyway. On Friday night the nurse I had was 6 months PG too and she said that her OB is out of that hospital and gave me his name. Believe it or not, her OB is in my town, 5 minutes from me! He also specializes in high risk pregnancies.

Here are my questions because I am so confused: What would you do if you really loved your OB and trusted him but he was too far away? Would you switch OB's with only three months to go? I really need advice here. Thanks girls!


UPDATE 2.23.06 - Thanks for all of the advice ladies, it really helped me out.
Last night DH & I had a long talk with my OB and expressed our concerns. We have decided to stay with my OB on LI and deliver at NSUH at Manhasset. I am seeing a cardiologist there on Tuesday. Since my Cardiologist at Columbia lives in Great Neck, he said he would be willing to assist in an emergency if I had any problems. I will probably be induced at 38 or 39 weeks, which I am happy about.
Good Sam in Suffern will be our back up hospital in case I go into early labor.
Thanks agin for all the advice and well wishes. You are all the best!

Message edited 2/23/2006 10:42:29 AM.

Re: Friday night...(a long post)

Im 40 minutes away from north shore manhasset and would MUCH rather drive there because I love my doctor and hospital and they have a NIC unit.
However.. if you have a medical issues and would possibly need to get to a hospital RIGHT AWAY.,.. then obviously the closer one is your better choice.

Ask your obgyn since you trust him so much to maybe refer you to somene who works out of Good Sam?
You could still get to know someone a bit in 3months..

Re: Friday night...(a long post)

Good Samaritan in Suffern has a NICU as well as a brand new birthing center.

Re: Friday night...(a long post)

I think I'd make the switch. If your cardiologist is confident that they can well handle your condition, I'd go to Good Sam, otherwise Columbia.

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

I delivered at NSUH and it was worth the drive! It didn't take too long to get there, and I also had difficulties with my last pregnancy (I was put on bedrest for premature labor), and it wasn't that bad. I would have much rather gone there than another hospital.

ETA: I live over an hour away also.

Message edited 2/19/2006 1:57:41 PM.

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

When we got pregnant we found a midwife near us even though I was very happy with the OBGYN I had been seeing in Nassau County for many years. Over an hour each way just seemed too far for us and we felt more comfortable being closer to home. Best of luck to you!

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

ug, what a tough call!

when choosing my OB i made sure the group delivered at the hospital nearby because it will be more convenient for me and DH. i initially was going to a practice closer to work (40 minutes away), but knew i was going to switch once a pregnancy was confirmed...

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

Thanks for your opinions ladies, I really appreciate the feedback.

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

This is hard....

You gotta do what you are most comfortable with...

I loved my gyn- but he was quite a hike, and so was the hospital he was affiliated with... When I found out I was pg. I switched to another DR. who was closer...For me- I was more comfortable with being able to get there asap...

I had a few issues at the end of m y pg. and it was great to be able to walk outta work on my lunch break, or run out the door at night, and just makes sure everything was ok...

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll)

Would you want to be sitting in bridge traffic if you went into labor????

To me- no brainer- go to Good Sam.

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll) - Update 2.23.06

See update in my first post.

Re: Friday night...(a long post. With poll) - Update 2.23.06

I'm glad you were able to make a decision that seems less stressful than your other options. I think the average labor is 12+ hours, plenty of time. Kudos to your doctor for helping out!

Message edited 2/23/2006 12:04:55 PM.