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480331 tn?1310403529

Be ProActive--Become your own Advocate!!

I just wanted to extend this thought to you.  I have read many posts on here from women who seem confused, angry and uninformed after leaving their doctors office for either a routine visit or a complicated procedure.  We have got to become more proactive with our own medical care, but more important, become our own advocate.  Noone else will do it for you.  How many times have you left a Drs office feeling uninformed, rushed and completely confused from the visit?  Most Doctors look at you as a number and a dollar sign...health care has become so impersonable and insensitive.  Most people think doctors are immortal beings, because they cure the sick!  They are not, they are human and they make mistakes, and if you don't call them on their mistakes, believe me they will push it under a carpet as fast as you can say lawsuit.  I guess what I'm saying is...if something doesn't gel with you that your doctor tells you or finds after an exam...ask him, question him, if he can't explain it to you, tell him to find out, if he can't...find another doctor!!  He or She WORKS for YOU!!  Don't feel that you'll offend him if you question or have doubts about his opinion or results...Who cares!!  You have to take care of you!!!  If you want an ultrasound to make sure you have a viable/developing embryo...ASK FOR ONE!  If your Dr says you need an Amnio immediately after finding 1 marker from an ultrasound, ask him WHY?  Did you know each time your OB refers you to a perinatologist or any specialist for a level II ultrasound or an amnio, he's getting a kickback of hundreds of dollars for his referral????  Remember, it's your body...you are the only one that has control what goes in and what comes out of it, so speak up and be heard!!   My name is Pam and I approved this message!! : )  Sorry, girls sometimes I feel a need to express my opinion!
11 Responses
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693804 tn?1304720474
Thanks Pam! I'm sorry to say that up until now I was one of those that always listened but never asked. You are right, they work for us. From now on I'm going to speak up.
Again, Thanks!

                 Lori
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
Dear Pamela,
Thank you for emphasizing this oh so important point.  Alas, because of Dr. shortages, many of us do not have the luxury of finding another Dr:(

I tend to ask a lot of questions of many professionals and I'm always prepared to be transparent and accountable in my own work.  But I'm astonished at how many people - whether they are doctors or contractors or financial planners - are genuinely surprised when I do ask those questions.  Too many of us are afraid or intimidated to ask about implications....thanks for reminding me to assert myself this afternoon.
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
With so many newcomers, a whole bunch of BFP's and a few of us undergoing various tests, etc.  I started thinking about this post.  I know my new OB is night and day from my old one, and I can't believe how much better I feel dealing with her.  I thought I should "bump" this post back to the top.  I know I needed the reminder!!

Have a great day everyone.

Amanda
Helpful - 0
399393 tn?1257513081
Thanks for your comment. I feel better knowing that you think he's on the right track. I got a call from him today saying my blood work for progesterone (?) is fine, but my hubby's semen analysis is abnormal (something about not many live sperms and not able to move much). I'm going to post another question about this.
Thanks again,
Mary
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480331 tn?1310403529
From what you've said, it sounds like your new OB/GYN is on top of things.  If you are 35+ and have been TTC for a year, and no pregnancy, then it sounds to me that he is offering you the routine tests that you should have done to check your levels.  I have never seen an RE, but alot of women on this forum have, and could probably respond more precisely to your concerns.  But, he does sound like he's advising you correctly to what you need to have checked out!  Good Luck!
Helpful - 0
399393 tn?1257513081
Speaking of which, I felt confused after leaving my new ob/gyn office recently. I visited him the first time and told him that I've been trying for a year, so he offered me this: 1) progesterone test 2) semen analysis 3) HSG. My old ob/gyn thought I should try for 6 more months naturally just b/c I didn't have any issue with my son who is 3 now. I had #1 and #2 done with no result yet. He said once he has the results in we'll schedule #3. We went over my history. He examined me. I guess my cervix is ok then. When he talked about HSG, it was above my head. I had to go back to this forum and read about it. He gave me prescription for antibiotic and told me to take pain med also for HSG. Do you feel he's ok? I thought only RE does this kind of thing. I didn't expect these many things to do after the first visit. He also mentioned if HSG doesn't help, the next thing will be Clomiq. I do ovulate every month, and my cycles are regular unless I'm sick or stressed. I'm not sure if I'm on the right track or not. I do want to try for #2 but feel overwhelmed with all this. Thanks Ladies!
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480331 tn?1310403529
That is a fact!!
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121828 tn?1333464491
True, they are working for you! My dr. said it best I think...
He said, do you want your tubes tied? I said,  NO! Gosh, do you want to tie them?
He said, "No, that's bad for business"!
Helpful - 0
480331 tn?1310403529
Thank you for your comments!  I have no reservations asking or posing questions to anyone when I am doubtful or feel skeptical, especially when it comes to my health and well-being...But, alot of women do.  And just because a doctor is "nice" to you, or has a reputation in the community as being "the best" or "most experienced" remember...one size doesn't fit all, and that's with everything in life!  Anyway, as Lisa said, "Follow your Instincts"  Thanks for listening to me ba-ba-ba-babble!
Helpful - 0
384150 tn?1399904816
Thanks Pam!
Thank you for speaking out.
I had and old fashion Obgyn all of my adult life.  About 25 up to 41.
he was  a nice older man with funny hair.  He was the type that would say " don't worry dear".
When I finally met a man at age 40, my husband, who really loved me and wanted to marry me  I approached my nice Obgyn for an annual and asked if I would be able to have children when I was 43, he said " oh sure honey, I deliver many babies for women age 44!!".  I was 40 and didn't want to have a baby ASAP because I had a new partnership in my business and " yadda, yadda, yadda" anyway, after my husband proposed I went off the pill because I figured it would take a while to get Pg. I got Pg 2 weeks later and we got married 4 months later.  I now have a wonderful; 3 year old. ( and husband).    
Follow your instincts and always question your Dr.  They are not God.  They are mechanics of the human body.  
If I had waited until 43 like I wanted - I would have only 2 m/c.  My new Obgyn answers all my questions and told me if I feel somethings not right then somethings not right and I should listen to my body.  She orders tests.
Lisa
Helpful - 0
377493 tn?1356502149
Well said Pam.  You are so right, its incredibly important.  Too many of us just walk away without getting the information we needed!!  A reminder like the one you just gave is so very important!!  Thanks for taking the time to post this.

Amanda
Helpful - 0
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