Some of you may remember that I wrote a little about my medical history and some of the many things that I've been through. Well, a new development has presented itself. We recently found out that I'm pregnant again! Surprise, surprise! (I'll try to make this story quick so just try to stick with me for a minute.)
During my Urogynecology appointment my doctor said that my uterus feels bigger than my dates. I had already talked to her and told her I felt "fuller" to be only eight weeks (as of this coming Friday). She said at least 10-12 weeks and that was about two weeks ago when I was six weeks along.
She scheduled me for an ultrasound for dating (which is tomorrow). Oh, by the way, the other option is that I could be pregnant with twins. An-t-way, she called today to tell me that I still had mild dysplasia (forgive me for misspelling) and wanted to know if I'd made an appointment yet with an OB. Although she wasn't panicky, the message was to see someone as soon as possible.
Well, my primary care and my Urogynecology neither do OB. Although I have three children, my last OB was the urogynecologist who doesn't deliver babies any longer. So I have to find another OB.
No one will give an appointment within less than three weeks. One recommended doctor only had appointments in December. Even after I explained my situation and the necessity to be seen by someone as soon as possible, I still couldn't get a sooner appointment.
The scheduling receptionist at the last OB's office said that they only give "emergency" appointments for established patients and not new patients. So I outright asked her that if I was recommended by my doctor to be seen as soon as possible then what should I do. Her response was basically, "Oh well!"
She said I could try calling around to a bunch of others to see if anyone happens to have appointments. A trusted source told me that doctors – particularly OBs – don't want to see new patients first because they don't want to have to do the paperwork. If they have midwives or nurse practitioners on staff then you may be able to get in sooner.
I'm so angered by the fact that providers care more about other issues then the care of someone that I'm sick to my stomach. What if some type of action needs to be taken immediately to help me and my growing baby (or babies!)? Now I'm stuck with waiting for my Nov. 28<sup>th</sup> appointment to roll around. As if I didn't have enough to worry about!
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Comments: 9
my last 2 babies were 10 lb babies and the stomach size was always bigger than should be.. but nothing was wrong.. they were just big babies....
good luck
However any urgent condition can be delt with in the ER, others can wait, its preferable if they will be seen sooner but because of the long waiting list they have to wait, & this is true for almost any speciality.
I know the doctors has specific days for new patients & other days for old patients(follow up visit) but I don't thtink they don't want to see new patinets just because of the associated paper works.
Other doctors are fee for service & they have the right to see or not to see a new patient, they are already overwhelmed & paid enough by the exisying patient load.
If I am to recpommend then I prefer if the specialist have a look at the letter from the referring physician & then he will decide how urgent is the condition (urgent does not only mean life threatening but also other factors eg. Pain, anxiety...etc).
By the way, any new news about yor myeloma like condition?
Beth: You're right! That's the first thing I should have done, but I was so frustrated that all I could do was cry.
Mary: You're right. Thanks!
Canada: Not really. With the pregnancy, I can't tell the difference as far as the exhaustion is concerned. The pain has eased a lot and my blood work is normal, which is good!! Thanks for asking.
Linda: Yeah, I'm very close to my UGYN (we're actually working on a project together). I used her name and her recommendations several times to no avail. Maybe if she gives me something in writing.