I don't like my Dr.!! AND I have NO other options! A Little O.T.

[LauraB78]

Hi guys,

I have decided after my appointmemt last Friday that I really don't care for my Dr. He isn't an Ob/Gyn. Actually, there is NO Ob/Gyn on island (keep in mind I live on an island). I could fly over for Dr. appointments and hope to find a Dr. I like on the mainland.. BUT just getting there is a huge expense and hassle (missed time from work w/ no vaca. or sick time remaining and a minimum of $100.00 in travel expenses per trip).. How important do you ladies think it is to like your doctor? I asked him questions and he made me feel like I was a nuisance.. I am like "Uggh.. I haven't had a baby before!!" Then when I asked for a much more detailed explanantion of the placenta previa I was diagnosed with a few days prior he said..." I have NEVER in my 30 years seen that diagnosed this early in pregnancy... I wouldn't worry about it.." His tone was almost undermining the ER doctor.. (who I happened to really like..) And advice would be great! Thanks..

Laura

[LauraB78]

Unfortunately, there are (2) choices, and I have heard horror stories about both (small town..uggh!) The one I am going to, or the other option is a Dr. who took on a partner, the partner decided he hates the island (it happens ALL the time here) so he is leaving in September which will leave the burden of ALL the patients of 2 physicians down to one... Again, no thanks.. I did just talk to a "friend of a friend.." on my lunch break and she said she heard there is a new OB that is going to be visiting the island twice per month.. She was going to try and get more information for me. Keep your fingers crossed! =)

Thanks!

[mami1323]

Unfortunately, you will need to have a doctor that you can see pretty regularly.  The further along you get, the more frequent appointments you need.  By the end you're going once every 2 weeks and then by the last month you are going once a week.  You can't seem to fly once a week.  I think it's very, very important to like your doctor.  You want someone who will understand you and take the time to go over everything with you.  Do you know other women on the Island that gave birth to a child?  Maybe they can recommend someone.

[ovaz129]

Nantucket is beautiful!  What a great place to raise a child!  I would check with your insurance company like nikko said.  They will be able to help you find someone close to where you live.

[LauraB78]

There is no city here.. I literally live on an island that is 7 miles wide by 14 miles long. There is no clinic in the hospital. I have a HMO and the only Dr. I can see is the one I am seeing right now.. I know you would think there are tons of options (most places have many!) I just don't have those types of resources where I live.

I looked in the phonebook and there 1 midwife listed.. I called her and she doesn't speak english very well...... Ummm...  No thanks! Plus I am more of the type of person that wants to see an actual Dr.. You know?

[nikko*ttc]

Check with your insurance company, they will be able to help you find one covered and in your area.

[betty12]

is there a local hospital like in your city??? i know at my local hospital they have an ob clinic most hospitals have them and they can actully see you there if you just tell them that your not comfortable with your doctor and traveling is not gonna work for you because of the cost.

[nikko*ttc]

What about a midwife? Have you looked into that option? Surely there are a few on the island?

[LauraB78]

Yes, there is a hospital. Boston is a 1 hour flight and $250.00 round trip minimum for me. Out of the question.. Uggh.. But thank you! I am thinking I need to start seriously trying to come up with other options. I live on Nantucket Island and most people who live here can afford the travel expenses and I would "guesstimate" that about 70% of women go off island.. I just dont think I can afford that luxury.

[ovaz129]

Well, I have not been able to have a successful pregancy to term, but I have gone through 2 miscarriages.  With both of those experiences, I had a wonderful group of female doctors and nurses that were extremely caring and attentive.  So, I think that it is really important to have a good relationship with your doctor where you can ask anything and not feel like you are "stupid" for asking the question.  

Where in MA do you live?  My brother is at Tufts Medical School in the city and I know that there are TONS of doctors there.  I don't know how far Boston is from where you are... but that might be a try?  It sounds like you might have to travel to get the proper medical attention.  Is there a hospital where you live?