Am I overreacting?

mjones0721

I feel like my doctor is just brushing off my concerns. I just had to switch to this Dr for my last few appointments because my original doctor retired. I thought I'd come here to get you ladies' opinion because my family/friends will just tell me what they think I want to hear instead of the truth and I know you guys will tell me honestly if you think I'm overreacting. NOT asking for advice on the medical part. I've been having weak/dizzy spells for about 2 weeks that happen at least a few times a day everyday and last anywhere from a few minutes to an hour. Also since last Wednesday I have been having menstrual type cramps in my stomach and my back that last for several hours everyday. I've done what my doctor suggested (drink water, lay down, etc) and it does not always help. I had an appointment today and brought up my concerns and after she found out that I didn't have any preterm labor with my first pregnancy she basically just brushed it off. She said all my levels were fine from my last blood work and my BP was ok just to drink water. My problem with this is I haven't had any blood work done for 9 weeks and this has only been happening the last couple weeks so it seems like there's a chance something could have changed in that time. Then she also said my BP was low (contradicting herself). She spent less than 5 minutes talking to me and just kept telling me to drink water even after I told her I have been constantly drinking water all day everyday and it's not helping. I really feel like I want to change doctors but worry about switching again so late in the pregnancy. Also I'm afraid I'm just being hormonal and over reacting. What do you ladies think?

Really sorry this is so long!

Miz_Liz

I guess I am going to answer your question with a question....if you just swapped Dr's and you aren't happy, why are you opposed to swapping again and hopefully finding a Dr you are more comfortable with? I think a lot of people get into the mindset that once they pick a Dr, whether it is an OB, a pedi, or whatever that they are "trapped". I am not saying that to be rude, but to me it sounds like you do not have confidence in this new Dr, so why would you want them to be the one you are entrusting your health and the health of your baby in? Now I am not a Dr so I can't speak to if they see these symptoms all of the time and it is nothing or if they are being neglectful, but if it were me and I felt that upset/uncomfortable by my current OB, I would be switching, even if I was due tomorrow.

MouseMama817

I don't think you're overreacting. It's important that you feel heard by your doctor and if you truly feel that she's just brushing you off then I suggest either being more direct with her or requesting a new doctor. If she's going off of outdated blood test results ask her to take new ones. When she says contradicting things about your blood pressure, point it out to her and ask her to clarify.

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CaliforniaDream87

I mean, it sounds like she's taking the necessary precautions. What you're describing sounds like what I've been experiencing and my doctor has responded the same way. Do you want her to take more BW? If so, tell her. Yes, your voice should be heard but I also think you may be borrowing trouble here if your levels are fine and urine checks. To me, it sounds like she is doing her job.

If the issue with your doctor is that you don't feel comfortable then switch. I switched late in the game with my last pregnancy and things were great. It really is up to you.

Wering

I don't think you're overreacting. However, it might not even be pregnancy related. Weirdly, about two weeks ago I came down with a NASTY case of Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo (BPVV) that saw me sent to L&D, where they cleared me and baby OB-wise and then to the ER where they finally diagnosed me. My "balance crystals" (don't know the technical name) in my right ear came out of whack and started causing me to be dizzy. An ENT "fixed" me using the Epley maneuver.

However - these dizzy spells came on slow and steady over the course of two weeks. I would feel weak and tired (attributed to pregnancy) and then randomly get dizzy for 10 or 15 minutes at a time every so often. Finally, it hit a peak where I became dizzy (only way to describe it was "drunk") and it just wouldn't go away. I was dizzy 24+ hours through my L&D/ER experience and until I hit the ENT - then I was just "seasick" for another day. 

Definitely keep pushing, maybe even consider changing OBs. But the moral of my story is to know that it might not be OB-related.

emmacake08

A lot of people say once you are thinking about switching, then deep down that's your answer. However I also don't think that they're mishandling your care. I had premenstrual cramps that led to a preterm scare but my provider was fine with the cramping as long as it wasn't timeable contractions. It was only once I had some bleeding that combined they were worried. The cramping plus the bleeding revealed at the hospital that I had been dilating but they were able to stop my labor. If you're also concerned about pre-e why not just ask to do a 24 hour urine catch? Most providers won't talk you out of requested additional tests. If it would give you peace of mind and you feel like they aren't on top of it, just ask.

lifesabeach85

Miz_Liz said:

I guess I am going to answer your question with a question....if you just swapped Dr's and you aren't happy, why are you opposed to swapping again and hopefully finding a Dr you are more comfortable with? I think a lot of people get into the mindset that once they pick a Dr, whether it is an OB, a pedi, or whatever that they are "trapped". I am not saying that to be rude, but to me it sounds like you do not have confidence in this new Dr, so why would you want them to be the one you are entrusting your health and the health of your baby in? Now I am not a Dr so I can't speak to if they see these symptoms all of the time and it is nothing or if they are being neglectful, but if it were me and I felt that upset/uncomfortable by my current OB, I would be switching, even if I was due tomorrow.

Agreed.

mjones0721

Thank you all. I think I will switch to a different doctor and hopefully I'll find one I'm more comfortable with. I know that all of my concerns could be for nothing but I'd still prefer a doctor that didn't make me feel like they were just brushing me off.