TMI- Rust colored discharge- Placenta Previa

[LauraB78]

Hi everyone,

As many of you know I was in the ER about a week and half ago b/c I was bleeding ( I am 12.5 weeks now) and I was diagnosed w/ placenta previa. They told me to rest that weekend, and I did, and the bleeding stopped. My doctor didn't seem too concerned at my follow up appointment 4 days later. Well, last night I started a second job (I am trying to save $$ for the baby b.c I am doing this solo) and it is bartending/serving. I didn't think I overdid it. The heaviest thing I lifted was seriously 10 pounds.. Well, I woke up this morning to this rust colored discharge and it has me worried. I tried to call my Dr. (whom I don't like anyway) and he is closed on Wednesdays.. Awesome. Just looking for advice/input. I feel ok, no cramping.......  P.S my ER deductible is $100.00.. I dont have that laying around to go to the ER again. If I have to, I will.. I just don't want to throw away money I don't have.. And I tried to call the ex, baby's father to ask what he thinks.. he won't call me back.. Any input on what I should do?

[aabarnett]

Okay and this is just my experience talking so you might be diff, just keep that in mind.  First off, if the blood is brown or rust colored that is a good indication that it is old blood.  New blood will be bright red like if you got a cut on your hand or something.  So, that is actually good news.  As for the prevera, your placenta might move up (mine did about 3 weeks ago - 22 wks).  With the prevera, your placenta might be rubbing against your cervix and causing it to bleed a little from where it is rubbing (this happened with me but I also have had other placental problems too).  If that is what is happening then in my case, if I was on my feet too much, I would bleed more but I was put on bed rest and the bleeding slowed down considerably.  You really do need to get a new doctor that will fit your needs.  Remember, you are paying him to do a job and if he doesn't do that job to your satisfaction, you should hire someone who will.  As far as getting some medical advice immediately without having to go to the ER, have you tried the health dept, or a planned pregnancy place, I know that both of these facilities would have at least a nurse working there who might be able to help. Does your doc have an answering service?  If so leave a message and keep leaving messages, he might check them and call you back.  I'd be calling him about every thirty min or so (the squeeky wheel get the oil) don't be afraid to annoy you doc, he is getting paid for it.  Maybe call around to the other docs around and see if someone can squeeze you in today, let them know what is going on and let them know you are scared, usually someone will fit you in.

[mami1323]

I'm sorry to hear you are going through this.  I would take it easy if I were you.  You have plenty of time left to save up money.  The first trimester is the toughest and is the scariest time as well.  I would say give up the second job for now and pick it back up when you are futher along in your pregnancy.  Or like Michele said get a second job where you can sit down.  I hope your stupid dr. calls you back.  Keep us posted.

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Well, if your doc is making you feel so paranoid, I don't understand why he doesn't think it is necessary to see you until July 22!!!  Uggh  I just don't get it.....I really don't......What a jerk!!!

You may have to let this 2nd job go.....At least for now.....I know you want to start saving for the baby and I don't blame you, but you may want to see if you can get a 2nd job sitting down.

[LauraB78]

I wasn't scheduled last night, but I am scheduled for tonight. I sent my boss there an email before 8 am letting him know I won't be working tonight...and still havent heard back. My (jerkface) Dr. is making me feel paranoid but I would rather be safe than sorry..

I know.. It's ironic.... I live in a community where the average (crappy) 2 bedroom home is considered a "steal" at $650,000 (even w/ current economy) and we have NO Ob/Gyn here.. Un- friggen-real!


I normally LOVE where I live.. Not lately. I couldn't be more stressed out and depressed if I tried. Uggh

[Michele, Katy, TX]

You def need a different doctor.  I can't believe they are not more attentive.  I would be on the horn looking for another one.  My doc would see me immediately; even if he had to fit me in.

Did you go to your 2nd job last night?

[LauraB78]

**Update**

I am still spotting, and I totally hate my Doctor. I am trying to get into a different Doctor. They can't see me until July 22..

I am soooooooooo stressed!

[LauraB78]

Thanks, I am still waiting to hear from my Dr. I am hoping I don't have to give up second job. Last night was my first night..

[sameerab]

yea you will be fine as long as your not lifting 50 pounds your brown blood will eventually stopped mines did but it took awhile just monitor it as long as you see no tissue and clots you and the baby will be fine...im 35 weeks and im still working..just try to get a rest when you can

[LauraB78]

don't know***


And Same - what about the waitressing/bartending.. Should I be just fine to continue doing that as a second job?

Thanks for the input ladies

[agomez333]

Yeah unfortunately working on yur feet puts more stress on everything growing down there which is why you need to rest and put yur feet up as much as possible especially in the begining.... Good luck... I know we have to do what we have to do and we can't always do what is good for us... Just try as much as possible to be taking it easy...

[sameerab]

i been through this at 13 weeks i was diagnosed with placenta previa..at 7 weeks i was in the hospital because of this brown blood that lasted for 2 weeks...at 12 and 13 weeks its impossible to really diagnose a previa because the fetus is so small that the placenta hasnt even fully developed yet.. so iw ouldnt worry too much about the previa as for the brown blood its just old blood unless you start to see clots coming out other then that you will be fine..at my 20 weeks ultrasound there was no more previa as the baby grows your placenta will move up you will be just fine dont stress yourself out i know its scary

[LauraB78]

Thanks. I actually just got ahold of an ER nurse and she basically said working a waitressing/bartending job is bad idea.. I dobt knwo what else to do though b/c I need the $$

[agomez333]

Why don't you call the hospital er and see if you can talk with an RN? Let them know you were there a few days ago and you are worried. Also let them know ur dr doesn't have an answering service... We have people call all the time and we try to help as much as we can... I'm sorry you are having such a difficult time!

[LauraB78]

Hi ladies..

Nope, no answering service.

And nope, I don't qualify for medicaid..I swear I am going to lose my S H I T. I am beyond stressed... I hate my life today. I am soo depressed as well

[agomez333]

I had something similar with my last pregnancy and I was placed on bed rest. I was bleeding and passing a little bit of tissue, but the dr called it placenta previa. If your dr didn't tell you to rest I wouldn't worry too much, but you need to call his answering service and have them contact him so yu can talk to him. He needs to know that your job requires you to be on your feet the whole time. I work in the er on my feet all night as well... I have had some brownish, rust colored discharge this time as well and I have been instructed to take it easy... No working for me. However I am married so atleast my husband is working. We are tight on money but  if you are doing this yourself I know not working really isn't an option for you... You really need to be taking it easy and sitting with your feet up as much as possible....
Good luck and I hope this helps... Your Dr. has to have an on call service that can reach him or another Dr. on call so call again and have the answering service page him... This is important!

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Gosh Laura, I wish I knew what to tell you.  Is there any way that you can get Medicaid?  I know that you have insurance, but it sounds like it might be better if you were on Medicaid so that if you need to go to the hospital, you won't have to worry about the cost.  Is there any way that you can stay off your feet today?  I know you just started a new job but that is what I would do until I could be seen by a doctor.

[LauraB78]

No. No emergency number. It just says go to the ER or call 911 if it's a "true" emergency... Whatever the f*&% that means.. I LOVE where I live.. But this pregnancy has been sooo stressful due to the total lack of resources to people that reside here that aren't millionaires..

[Michele, Katy, TX]

Wow.....Does your doctor have an emergency number you can call?  I would think that he/she does, so I would def call that number and see what the doc tells you to do.