Worried - called back for another appt.

lillybelle30 · August 2013

My OB referred me to to a maternal fetal specialist because I am 40 and had high blood pressure readings. I saw the specialist on Monday. I was there four hours! It was a long appointment. I met with the genetic counselor to discuss all the age-related risks. They also confirmed that I have high blood pressure, discussed all the concerns about that. And they did the NT scan. She said the results looked good from the scan. Since I had already done the blood work for the chromosomal testing last week, they also called the lab to find out if the results were in (they wen't). Appointment was concluded with a referral to a cardiologist for baseline screening, a urine test with the lab, orders to take my blood pressure twice a day and a follow up appointment in three weeks.

Now, three days later, they called me back and said they want me to come in a week from Monday for a follow up appointment, even though I already have an appointment for three weeks. I asked if there was a reason--particularly anything I should be concerned about. She said no, just that because they are specialist, they have to be particularly careful about my high-blood pressure and therefore need to see me sooner than the three weeks that was planed.

Here's my concern. What changed between Monday and today? Why was a three week follow up okay on Monday but now suddenly they need to see me sooner? My husband and I can't help but worry that it's because they received the results from the chromosome testing and they don't want to give us the news in person and not over the phone. Has this type of thing happened to anyone else? If you receive negative results of any kind, would they make you wait more than a week for the results? Our minds can't help but assume the worst--I just can't figure out why else they would change their minds about when to see me if nothing changed in the interim.

KariB509 · August 2013

I've not experienced this but I would assume if there was something important they wanted to discuss with you, that they would ask you to come in sooner than a week. I also don't think they would tell you that there was no particular reason for a sooner visit. I think if something were wrong they would at least say that they wanted to discuss the results of your tests. I'm sure they're just wanting to monitor your blood pressure more closely. GL!

Jennaweigel · August 2013

I would call tomorrow and ask if they have received the chromosome blood work results yet.

Hrose7091 · August 2013

Those blood tests have high instances of false positives. Don't worry too much.

my1stbabyat23 · August 2013

They called me when I had to go in for my third visit and told me the doc wanted to see me sooner ! I went in and when I had the chance to ask him I asked him why he wanted to see me sooner! Guess what? He had no idea about that lol! I guess they just moved me up because they had empty space! Anyhow I hope this is your case and nothing is wrong ! Good luck to you and your LO

VineyardMel · August 2013

Hrose7091 said:

Those blood tests have high instances of false positives. Don't worry too much.

@Hrose7091The chromosome (free cell DNA) tests are highly accurate (almost the same as an amnio), but even the more traditional screening blood work doesn't give a positive or negative, they give odds of risk.

OP--I hope it's nothing at all, but I know the circumstances feel ominous. Has it been 2 full weeks since your blood draw? It took about that long to get my results They told me they would call with the results good or bad, so at least some practices don't hesitate to tell you over the phone even if it's not good news. If it's been 2wks, I agree with PP that I would call and ask for the results. I would hope that if that's why they want you in sooner they would have been more direct. Try not to freak out or worry too much until you know there's something to worry about.

bunniekrissy · August 2013

It's normal to be seen every 2 weeks when you have blood pressure concerns. Perhaps it was just a scheduling error when they told you to come back in 3 weeks the first time?

lillybelle30 · August 2013

Thank you for your responses. I feel reassured knowing that it's typical to be seen every two weeks when there are blood pressure concerns. It's been 10 days since my test so I'm going to call the doctor today to see if the results are in. My poor husband has himself so stressed about it that even knowing that the results are NOT in would be a relief for him.

ceh789 · August 2013

I would absolutely call and explain that you're feeling a great deal of anxiety about the change and ask to have them explain what to expect to be covered at the appointment. Explain that you are concerned about the anxiety negatively impacting your hypertension (this is a real concern). Leave a message for the counselor to call you back if necessary - they shouldn't leave you hanging all week wondering.

katykatykaty · August 2013

I was seen weekly in my last pregnancy because of high blood pressure, so try not to worry!

craftiemommie · August 2013

I worked in a doctor's office for many years, and we had to keep that schedule FULL. I mean, if there was a cancellation we would have to call every single person with an appointment that month and try to move them into it, and then find someone to take THAT spot we moved them from. Basically a never-ending scheduling nightmare. So maybe that's all it is! (I know this won't totally calm your nerves, but hopefully just give you an argument to fall back on when you really start getting worked up, like I do, about everything! )