Would you change OB's?

smileychic10986

   The OB I go to now was recommended by my MIL, so when I got pregnant the 1st time, I started going there.  He seems like a good guy, but I always feel rushed when I go there for my appointments.  I know they are a very busy, popular practice, but it always seems like he's ready to run out the door from the minute he comes in to see me...

     And now the past 2 appointments I have asked him to give me a lab req. to have DH go get tested for being a cystic fibrosis carrier, and he won't just give me a lab req. he wants us to go in for genetic counseling appointment.  We have to pay $285 OOP to go in for the genetic counseling, and that's before we even know if DH is a carrier also or not.  Chances are on our side that DH is not even a carrier of the gene, and then we will have just wasted all of that money on an appt that we didn't even need.

      Then  when I was having the conversation with him trying to give me the lab paper he said that we have to do the genetic counseling because after we find out if DH is a carrier or not, if he is we will have to decide if we want to terminate the pregnancy or not.  I told him, well we have already talked about that and we have know we would not terminate the pregnancy just because there is a 1:4 chance our child could have CF.  He then said, well you shouldn't decide that until after you know the results.

     So I am mad that he won't give me a simple lab requisite when that is all he needs to do, and that even after I told him we would not consider terminating the pregnancy he made it sound like I don't know what I am talking about and we shouldn't decide that yet.  

      With these issues with an OB would you consider leaving that practice and finding someone new, or would you stay there with him being this far in my pregnancy?  I don't know what to do about this.  I just know I am not too happy with my doctor...

CrysBo79

I probably would, I also see my OB in a very busy practice, but I have never felt rushed.  In my long experience with doctors, if it's not a love match find a new one!  GL to you!  Do you have a primary care doc that would give you the scrip for your hubby to get tested?

Aa+C

If you're un-happy with him overall, I'd switch. I feel like this is really something you should go with your gut on, I mean this is the person your trusting to bring your baby into the world, I'd want to be as comfortable with them as possible! GL!!

VampyAuthor

For CF, I was tested to see if I was a carrier. Only if I was would DH be tested from there. Which if he was then we'd have to go into genetic counseling and such. But, DH's testing was all covered.

 You should never feel rushed at your appts. You're just as important as everyone else. And, to be honest if I felt that I would switch. I switched my first OB. She was terrible. Not a people person. No bedside manner. She didn't smile. And, she caught me in the most vulnerable position she could to push a flu shot on me. (Naked, on the table in that gown)

You shouldn't keep him as your doctor if you're not happy. Maybe research and interview OB's. It's never too late to switch and be happy with the person bringing you're baby into this world.

smilejenn

It's a personal decision, but I would probably ask around for a good OB recommendation and make the switch. Yes, you are almost half way through the pregnancy, but you only have a few appointments under your belt so I don't think a switch to a new OB would be that bad. They would still have plenty of time to get to know you, your hubby, and your medical history.

With my first pregnancy I had to switch OBs at 24 weeks when my original OB had her baby. Switching doctors didn't bother me, although they were both in the same practice.

Dreamsicle23

I wouldn't stay if I was uncomfortable for any reason.

MrsDCruz

Your DR should be listening to you... I would get a new OB.

kayteatrudeau

I have had two OB's since gettin gpregnant only because we moved.

 I'm not impressed with my current OB because she talked me out of getting the NT scan because I wouldn't follow-up with an amnio if something was wrong. I'm only with her for another three months when we move for my husbands job so I'm just going to stay with her but request a quad screen is done. If no is the answer then I'm changing Dr's.

I'm not finding out to terminate the pregnancy by any means....just so we are prepared if need be. I'm 37...they should give me te test with no stress if I want it.

Same goes for your doctor. It's your future.

rlscheck

The feeling rushed part is not something I think should be a deciding factor in changing, but I think maybe with the whole genetic counseling I would.  It seems really odd that he wants you to start there instead of doing a simple blood test that will most likely be covered by insurance, while the genetic counselor is not.

Pearl723

I definitely would consider based on what you wrote. I have two very good friends who changed doctors in their late 2nd trimester (one went to another doc, one went to a midwife) and they had similar experiences. It's just like anything else--if you don't feel as though you are getting the service that you need and pay for, then why stick around? It might seem like a scary proposition to change in the middle of a pregnancy but you still have plenty of time. Good luck to you!

smileychic10986

CrysBo79:

I probably would, I also see my OB in a very busy practice, but I have never felt rushed.  In my long experience with doctors, if it's not a love match find a new one!  GL to you!  Do you have a primary care doc that would give you the scrip for your hubby to get tested?

Having my primary care doctor get us a script is a good idea.  Now I wonder if my doctor would be able to give me one for DH, even though she isn't his doctor, since his doctor's office recently closed...  Thanks for that thought!  I'll give them a call today when they come back fro lunch break.

rhabel

Do you have suspicions that he might be a carrier (i.e., a family member with CF)? My husband has a first cousin with CF and we had to do the genetic counseling prior to the blood test.  They actually went through both of our family histories and looked at any condition that may be genetic other than CF and it was really helpful.  In the end, it turned out he wasn't a carrier so I wasn't tested.  We did this prior to trying to conceive so we'd know what our chances were when we did start trying.  IT wouldn't have changed our outcome either way. 

It seems like genetic counseling is something that is standard of care when someone has a concern of a genetic disorder.  My question for you is this- if the results wouldn't change the outcome of your pregnancy, why go through with the testing? Even if he was a carrier and you weren't, your chances of having a child with CF are 1 in 256.  Just a thought...

aknjcp

I would probably switch. You shouldn't have to feel rushed, and doctors shouldn't push anything you don't want. If you don't want counseling, you shouldn't essentially be forced into it.

mrs.w0706

I'm sorry you're going through that. If it were me I would change. Your OB needs to be your advocate he had to make his argument but if he still won't give it to you I'd switch. You wouldn't want him being pushy with something else when you're in labor. GL

smileychic10986

rhabel:

Do you have suspicions that he might be a carrier (i.e., a family member with CF)? My husband has a first cousin with CF and we had to do the genetic counseling prior to the blood test.  They actually went through both of our family histories and looked at any condition that may be genetic other than CF and it was really helpful.  In the end, it turned out he wasn't a carrier so I wasn't tested.  We did this prior to trying to conceive so we'd know what our chances were when we did start trying.  IT wouldn't have changed our outcome either way. 

It seems like genetic counseling is something that is standard of care when someone has a concern of a genetic disorder.  My question for you is this- if the results wouldn't change the outcome of your pregnancy, why go through with the testing? Even if he was a carrier and you weren't, your chances of having a child with CF are 1 in 256.  Just a thought...

I have already been tested, and I am a carrier.  No one in his family has any genetic disorders, including CF.  I am guessing that he is not a carrier, but we're supposed to have him tested just to be sure.  I have no problem doing the blood test for him, I just don't want to sit down for genetic counseling for this when there may be no reason to do it if DH is not a carrier.  I would rather find out his blood test results first...

jmrussell03

As far as the genetic testing is concerned, it might be a protocol thing to require the counseling. It may sound funny, but the genetic counselors might not see as many people (i.e. make as much money) if the MD's were just ordering all the lab tests for them.

Also, DH is not your OB's patient. He probably can't order the test for him. They can actually get disciplined for stuff like that. Esp when a doctor who only treats females orders labs for a male.

From my experience, my OB had me see a genetic counselor before getting pg because my DH has SMA in his family. The counselor was so knowledgeable and helpful. Luckily, I was negative, but if positive, they would be a great resource for info and support.

That all said, if you are uncomfortable with you OB. Switch it. You should never feel rushed or that you are not being listened too. Women are still changing OB's on 3rd tri. Do what makes you and your DH happy!