advice needed

[wrwatch]

I am concerned about my doctor and wondering if I should look for another doctor. I feel like I am caught between a rock and a hard place, because I am at 30 weeks and really don't want to start all over. I am pretty sure my doctor is competent, but I think she is exhausted. I like her,but she has missed telling me some important stuff. An example being that at 20 weeks I was diagnosed with placenta previa. All she told me was that I had it and we needed to have another ultra sound in 8weeks. I had my follow up ulta-sound and at that visit she told me I could resume sexual intercourse and moderate exercise. She never told me not to do these things when I was first diagnosed. Another thing that has me conerned is that I take thyroid medication and she hasn't had my levels checked once since my initial visit even though I have mentioned it to her twice. I know she has a baby about a year old, and I can't imagine how tired she gets. I am also her last appointment everytime I go in because I am trying to avoid missing work as much as possible. Everything has worked out alright, I don't think there is anything wrong with my thyroid levels because my weight gain is right on and has been gradual, but on the other hand,is God just looking out for me, inspite of my doctors undersights. ( I know the word is oversight, but this word just seems to apply here.) Do you think I should just try and see another doctor ( that old saying "out of the frying pan into the fire" is ringing in my ears) or should I just talk to her honestly about my concerns? I really think I should just talk to her, but don't know exactly how to go about it. I would appreciate your thoughtful advice. I really feel like I need to make a decision about this pretty soon. Thanks, Paula

 

[Cathe Friedrich]

Hi Paula! It sounds to me that, in your heart, you really don't want to switch doctors. I can understand that being a concern to you at this stage in your pregnancy too. I agree with your decision to talk to your doctor about your concerns. My advice would be to address her at your next visit. You can kindly tell her that now that you are entering the final stage of your pregnancy, you are feeling a little more anxious and will probably start asking many more questions. Sweetly point out that your thyroid condition is a concern of yours and you want to be sure that your levels are ok. Ask her how often she thinks that your levels need to be checked. By asking her this, you'll not only help to remind her of your condition, but you'll also know the schedule and be able to remind her if she happens to forget.

You can also nicely express to her that you got a little nervous about something she told you last visit(or whenever it was). Mention that you were shocked about not knowing that you were suppose to refrain from sexual and physical activity while you had placenta previa. Tell her that you honestly don't remember her telling you this and it made you realize that you would just feel better if you started asking more questions from now on.

I'm sure you'll find your own way of saying things but I thought maybe I would just help get your thought process started.

Good luck with everything.

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

[wrwatch]

Thanks for your advice. You validated a lot of things I have been thinking. I think it is normal to get anxious about things as the big day gets closer. I picked this doctor because she is a woman, my age, and just had a baby herself. I figured she would be very understanding, and I knew her nurse. I really think she is suffering herself from fatigue. There are other competent doctors at the same clinic so I guess if it gets the better of her I won't be totally starting over. I am going to talk to her. Nicely!!! Thanks for the tips! Paula