Need to vent-Very worried to leave RE

starlightgator

I just need to vent because I am so frustrated and worried about leaving my RE. I'm 7 weeks, 3 days with twins today. I have one last ultrasound with my RE's office next Thursday. They told me that I need to schedule an appointment for my 10 week ultrasound with my OBGYN. I've only been to this OBGYN once before, but my RE highly recommends him. 

So, I called to make an appointment and spoke to the most ignorant, insensitive office staff member. I told her I was a previous patient of the doctor, explained being referred back from my RE, and was 7 weeks PG and needed to make a 10 week appointment. She said a bunch of ums, and then said she can make the appointment. She asked me when I delivered! WTF?! Really! I explained again that I was 7 weeks PG and was referred from the RE (IVF is in the office name). Then she asked me how I knew I was pregnant. OMG. Lost my patience. Explained it all again…IVF #2…HCG tests, ultrasounds. Finally got an appointment and realized that she probably didn't even schedule the ultrasound, just an office visit. Don't even get me started about trying to give her my new insurance info. Why are inconsiderate incompetent people allowed to work in doctor's offices? My blood pressure is so high right now and I have to figure out how to calm down before I take my temperer out on my next class.

southernyankeegirl

Wow that sucks. How was your experience with them pre-RE?

I would honestly suggest considering another Obgyn whose office is more sensitive to PAIF. For at least the first trimester, PAIFers really need to be handled with kid gloves because our experience is usually very stressful and anxiety-ridden.

Perhaps go to the appointment, and if the Ob isn't more sensitive, find a new one.

My RE (who totally lacked in bedside manner) wrote a letter transferring my medical records to my OB and requesting an ultrasound at my first appointment as well as consideration of the additional care he suggested for IUI/IVF patients (like knowing about procedure they've done to get to that point, for starters).

kmc84

Ditto to Ducky!!

I have been pretty happy with my OB office. The when I was pg with A, I had some similarly frustrating moments, but it really was only with the reception staff. Things got much better and this time around it was a very smooth transition.

mrs.willie

Like PPs said while it's really frustrating dealing with that, especially after all we've already gone through, most of the staff at the OB offices don't really deal with most of this and seem to have no clue. I've spoken with A LOT of different nurses and staff at my OB's office during the 4 years I've been with them and I feel like only TWO of them have a clue what I'm talking about and they were most recent nurses. I really love the OB's there though and they fully understand it all and are awesome if I need any extra appointments or have any special requests. If you liked the OB before, I would keep the appointment and call to make sure they scheduled an u/s.

missvolvo

I agree that office staff are not always the best.  But if you RE recommends the doctor and you like the doctor it might be worth sticking with them.  I was also released from my RE at 7 weeks with twins, but didn't have an ultrasound scheduled with OB until 12 weeks.  Around 9 weeks I really freaked out and got worried so I called the nurse at my OBs and she was so insensitive, telling me I was just hormonal and to not worry, but she would let my doctor know I called.  She called back in 10 minutes, telling me that my doctor ordered an ultrasound for the next morning just to put my mind at ease.  And I have really been happy with my OB ever since.  Hopefully it all works out for you!

gsancho

I'm sorry - that is very annoying!  I had a similar experience.  I even had to explain to the girl at the front desk what an RE is...seriously?!?!  But the OB was great and completely knowleadgable of everything I'd been through and very understanding of IF brain and worries.  I'd wait to see the OB again before deciding to move on or not.

xc1148

Sorry you are dealing with that. I know it's impossible to believe at this stage, but at some point soon you are going to be a normal healthy pregnant lady. The office staff (and doctors) at OBs deal with 100 patients a day, 1 of whom may be "special"...and a lot of times it's not going to be you. It's going to be someone who got pregnant the "normal" way and now has GD or high blood pressure etc etc. Seriously about 98% of people past 10 weeks that have seen the heartbeat deliver a healthy baby, so it's not that they mean to be rude, it's just that pregnancy is an everyday non-event for them.

I will say if you don't like the doctor/nurses, you might want to look into switching. You are going to be dealing with them A LOT. But don't let one phone call sway you...my first call was the same thing. They probably get one call a year from someone coming from an RE....99% of the calls are probably "I think I'm pregnant but I don't know how far along..."

Good luck! :)

ksgsmu

So sorry you are dealing with this.  I think most doctors offices are notorious for not so helpful front desk people. I would meet with the OB and see how you feel after that.  You might also politely tell the doctor about the confusion.  Also congrats on twins.. twin pregnancy is a crazy ride!  I can't remember if you are on the check in over on the mulitples board if you are not come join us over there! 

At your OB appointment ask about if you will be seeing an MFM in conjunction etc...

Good luck!

hopeby2015

Sorry to hear you had a bad experience with the front desk! I too had a moment when I mentioned an RE and got a blank stare. So I just started to keep things simple with them. Doc wants me to do x, y, and z. My OB is pretty great and the front desk is not as bad as it used to be anymore. Maybe because I don't bother explaining things anymore.

Good luck! Hope your OB is worth the hassle! If not, I'd definitely go somewhere else!

MKateG

Wow sorry you had to deal with that! I had a similar experience when I was being monitored by my OB after our first round of ivf, long story short the idiot that answered the phone AFTER I just told her I needed to speak with the nurse and was currently going a miscarriage, stated, "are you pregnant?" Umm didn't I just tell you I'm having a miscarriage that's really something that I want to say again. I don't know what is wrong with ppl sometimes, she obviously wasnt listening to me to begin with. I came really close to complaining to someone about her but I was so emotionally drained I didn't want anything else to deal with at the time.

daydreamernyc

When I called to set up my appt, I had a similar conversation. I wanted to set it up later, at over 8 weeks and she insisted I need to come earlier. I explained that this was IVF so then she transferred me to the nurse who then helped me set up the appt. perhaps you can request to talk to the nurse? Also, you need to bring along all you medical records as well.

starlightgator

@daydreamernyc‌ Thanks for the helpful reminder about medical records. I'm going to my RE for my final appointment this Thursday and totally would have forgotten.

WA1215

Oh wow, that's really annoying! Did you get the person's name? I would call back and speak to someone else and confirm all your info with them for your appointment. I had a horrible experience at my first OB appointment (never been there before) after graduating from my RE and he highly recommended them as well but this OB office I went to just wasn't a good fit for me, so I asked around and found a new office to go to. Remember, if your first visit there isn't good, move on to a different OB! Good luck!

starlightgator

Thank you all so much. Yes, I did get a call back from the doctor's medical assistant. She was much more educated and kind. She also told me that the other girl was new and they had 4 other desk staff members who were experienced. She also corrected the appointment and got me referred to the perinatologist for the next ultrasound. Unfortunately, when they called, they couldn't fit me in for a 10 week appointment and want me to wait until 12. WTF?! Doesn't high risk for age and IF and twins mean anything?

starlightgator

I'm going to try. But, it's so hard making and receiving doctor calls when I'm working. I was publicly reprimanded at work today for taking a doctor phone during class. I had to excuse myself and step out to answer it.