Susan, office nurse, took my weight and led me to an examination room to take my blood pressure. She congratulated me and we had some small talk. The nurse proceeded to ask me questions about my miscarriages to input the data into her laptop. I was told that they didn't receive my file from my RE because Gloria didn't call them back. First, my paperwork wasn't mailed to me and now they don't have my history! This place is disorganized. Ugh! She wanted dates and I didn't have any to share because I had blocked it out. I told her the ones that were the most recent and she had to figure out what to input for the rest.
I forgot how it feels to update new and old docs about your status because it brings up old hurts. It would've been better if I received the new patient packet in the mail to complete in the comforts of my own home and if they had reviewed my history before my arrival. Midway through my appointment, the office received my records from my RE, but it was too late because my blood pressure was already up. Once the questioning was over, I had to change into a blue robe.
Phyllis, NP, came in and asked me about my meds and family history. Looking at my last u/s, P said I was 5 weeks and 5 days, putting my delivery date at October 30. P said I was 9 weeks today and I was confused because I'm 9 weeks on Thursday. P explained that looking at the u/s picture and the baby's size, she's able to determine my DD. It's only a 2 day discrepancy, so I'm going to continue on with my ivf time line. Either way, only about one baby in 20 is born on the actual due date. Did your baby came on his or her predicted day? Phyllis proceeded with a breast exam and pap test. She said I may spot and said I would bleed due to the pap. I cringed the entire time and she said, "See!" (the blood) and I said, "ok." I felt P was trying to reassure me and say that everything's ok. Thankfully, I didn't spot for the rest of the day.
Susan returned and did some BW (blood work). I asked S if she could try my right arm first since I my left was poked yesterday to check my TSH (thyroid stimulating hormone) yesterday at Quest. S complied and tried my right arm first, but the vein didn't cooperate. My left had to be poked again and she got her 5 viles filled. Thankfully, I won't need BW again until I'm @ 26-27 weeks. Before leaving, I had to provide a urine sample.
I spent an hour and half at my first appointment. I'm hoping future appointments won't take so long and they'll be more efficient. I meet with one of the 5 doctors, Dr. G, in 4 weeks on Friday, April 27. In the meantime, I have to schedule my 1st and 2nd u/s, and reconnect with Dr. M because the OB's office policy is to check TSH levels 1X/trimester and I believe Dr. M would like it checked 1X/month.
I'm adjusting to the new practice. Dr. M spoiled me by providing consults, bw, and ultrasounds all in one place and within one appointment. Plus, I felt at ease when I had regular check in's with my RE to make sure things were OK. With the OB, I meet with them less frequently and my ultrasounds are scheduled in different locations. My level of care has changed and I'm slowly getting to know the OB team in my new practice. Bottom line: I'm learning to trust new people again and it's going to take time.
On my way out, I had some insurance issues to figure out and needed to make some calls. It got sorted out and things are OK. My first appointment taught me that I need to ask specific questions about the appointment beforehand so I know what to expect and follow up when it can help matters.
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