Hospital Visit and Follow Up -- UPDATED

brookeasc · August 2014

Hey ladies! I've only posted a few times (an intro and I think three weeks worth of HDBD photos) so I'm sorry if this seems random but I'm a little concerned.

So yesterday around 1:00pm, DH took me to the hospital because I had been having contractions since around 10:00pm last night and they just kept getting closer together. I have a history of preterm labor (DD was born at 34 weeks 3 days) and this hospital has it all on file, and so does my OB. I get a 17P shot once a week which is supposed to keep me from going into labor, but this is the 4th hospital visit I've had since 24 weeks. So, they hooked me up to the monitors and found out I was contracting once every 3 to 5 minutes. The nurse immediately hooked me up to an IV and started giving me fluids. She checked my cervix and said I was about 1cm dilated and that that wasn't totally uncommon for someone who was almost 30 weeks pregnant (I'm 29 weeks and 6 days) and that my cervix was nice and thick. DH asked if they were planning on giving me a shot of terbutaline to stop the contractions, and the nurse immediately said "No, her OB doesn't want us to do that. I'll be right back, I'm going to call her and let her know how your exam went." At this point I was kind of worried because I had been contracting all night and normally they'll do something to help stop it.

About 30 minutes later, the nurse walked in kind of nervously with discharge papers and told me my doctor wanted to follow up with me in the office on Monday for an ultrasound for my cervical length. Before I could even say anything my husband was considerably upset because I was still contracting once every three to five minutes and it was clearly visible on the monitor. I told the nurse that I wasn't really comfortable with that, and that this is EXACTLY what happened the night I delivered DD (I was told everything was fine, 1cm dilated, contracting a few minutes apart, etc. and bam, within an hour I was back at the hospital and dilated to 5cm). So she sat the papers down and walked back out to call my doctor again. She came back a few minutes later and told me the doctor ordered a cervical length ultrasound. I asked if they were going to do anything to stop the contractions until the ultrasound tech came up to L&D, she said no. So I continued having steady contractions for an hour and a half (still on fluids at this point). The ultrasound showed my cervix was 2.9cm long, and the nurse told me that even though that was a normal length for this stage, that that is a whole centimeter shorter than my ultrasound showed a week ago and she was concerned. She did another cervical exam and found that I dilated another centimeter and my cervix was considerable thinner than when she checked it 2 and a half/3 hours prior. So she relayed the info to my doctor, who then ordered for me to be discharged and follow up with her today before noon. DH and I were pretty pissed because they sent me home contracting, and with a thinning cervix at 29 weeks and 6 days pregnant. Contractions continued, but when I called my OB (she was on call all night) she told me to wait until the morning.

I don't know if maybe I'm overreacting, but I'm pretty upset. I just feel like this isn't being taken as seriously as it should be, especially since I was sent home contracting and have been contracting all night. I'd like to think my doctor knows what she's doing, but I'm starting to question that and depending on how today goes, I'm debating changing OBs because I really do not want to have another preterm baby. Of course, that doesn't rely on my doctor, but if she isn't going to allow the hospital to stop contractions when my cervix is thinning and dilating, what the hell am I supposed to think?

So do you ladies think I'm overreacting? I really don't want to go into the office being a bitch but I'm extremely tempted to do so after the way she treated my situation.

lrobi13 · August 2014

That does sound scary and frustrating. I'm not sure how I would react if they treated me that way. It seems as if they should be doing everything they can to stop your labor from progressing. I really hope that the ob is planning on spending time with you today to explain what the game plan is for you.

Fx that it goes well.

golfingdarwinfish · August 2014

That's incredibly frustrating and scary.

I would see your doctor today, and request a copy of your chart from the hospital and your ob. This morning I would begin searching for a perinatologist (or another ob if you can't find a peri) for a second opinion based on your records.

Also, I would probably put myself on bed rest/reduced activity in the meantime.

raynes · August 2014

Holy hannah, hell's no you aren't overreacting. I would be upset too.

I think that @golfingdarwinfish has given some excellent advice.

MrsTinMKE · August 2014

I would be upset as well. I don't think your over reacting. I have been in L&D twice now for contractions, and the Dr. said he wasn't overly concerned since I wasn't dilating. His exact comments were, contractions we can stop, we can't reverse the dilation. I think you have every right to be upset especially since this isn't the first time you have experienced this.

brookeasc · August 2014

I'm at my OBs office now. She showed me the charts from the hospital, apparently the nurse didn't document everything the correct way and a lot of the information didn't end up getting to her at all. Luckily I had the strip the monitor prints out from last night still in my purse (the nurse at the hospital was going to throw it out since they have it all in the computer but I asked for it) and showed it to my doctor. She has me on the monitors here and gave me a prescription for procardia and has placed me on bed rest for the rest of my pregnancy. She checked my cervix and I am now 3cm dilated with a softened and thinned out cervix. For those of you that pray please keep me in your prayers. Thank you for the support ladies!

MrsL2B · August 2014

That sounds like it was a tough night. Good for you for being so assertive, even if it wasn't as effective as it should have been.

onelilroo · August 2014

Glad she's doing something for you now! Rest up! And hopefully baby will stay. I know a few people who were dilated to 3 or 4cm for the last few weeks of their pregnancy.

bumpuser10309732 · August 2014

T&P's for you and LO!

ANGnJON · August 2014

So sorry you're experience was so poor last night! Hopefully the bed rest & meds will help you! FX that LO keeps baking for a while! I will keep you & your family in my T&P!

yella726 · August 2014

So glad you went back in to talk to them! I definitely didn't think you were overreacting AT ALL! That said, sending thoughts and prayers your and your baby's way!!!

BreandMikewedding · August 2014

I would be pissed! Why didn't your doctor come see you while you were there? It is sad and scary that a nurse can just not relay info to your doctor that is that important. If you have to go back I would ask for the charge nurse before being discharged again. Good luck!

Sockgnome78 · August 2014

I would not just let that go from the OB. If she had any questions she should of come and checked herself. I would be totally angry still. You were checked at 3 cm and thinning out still. I would of asked about hospital bed rest. No matter who is at fault. Both should take blame and get you to a place where you can be at the right place at the right time.

brookeasc · August 2014

Update:

Friday after I left the doctors office I stopped by CVS to get my prescription filled. I didn't notice that there wasn't any milligram number next to the medicine name, but whenever we came back 45 minutes later to pick it up the pharmacy tech told us they couldn't get ahold of my doctor's
office until Monday morning. I felt stupid for not looking at the prescription other than glancing at
it of course but I was also a little upset that one of the OBs in the office (there's three and I spoke to all three that day before I left and none of then caught it either including the one who wrote the prescription, but I guess that's besides the point because ultimately it is my responsibility) didn't catch it either. So I called the on call number (they close at 12:00pm on Fridays) and was told by the operator "sweetie, before you connect to us, the answering message tells you not to call about prescriptions. This line is for serious matters ONLY. Feel free to come into the office Monday or call back when it's serious." Naturally my inner bitch came out and I asked for her name so I could speak to one of the OBs about that later on considering the medication WAS for an extremely serious matter.

I ended up going back to the hospital a few hours after, around 4:30-5:00 for contractions. They had like four deliveries and the on call doctor for my
practice was the only doctor there so
I spoke to my nurse about everything I was experiencing. Hooked me to the monitor and checked my cervix, I was 4cm dilated and contracting every two minutes. She immediately got the charge nurse and had the charge nurse run in and ask my doctor about
a magnesium sulfate drip which he okay'd. After about 30 minutes of being on it, he came in and spoke to me himself. I let him know what happened with the on call line and he apologized and told me to just tell them I needed to speak to the on call OB immediately if something like that happens again, and he checked my
contractions. They slowed to once every 10 or so minutes. He sent me down for ultrasound for another cervical length and fetal growth ultrasound. Still 2.9cm and the baby is 2.8lbs at 30 weeks. After about an hour, my contractions sped up again to 4-5 minutes apart and he got really worried. He informed me that the hospital we were at does not have the equipment to take care of a 30 weeker and at the rate I was contracting even with 6 grams of magnesium sulfate an hour he didn't think I'd last much longer. Sent for EMS and brought me to a hospital an hour or so away.

They were informed of everything and kept me on magnesium sulfate all throughout yesterday. Also took blood and found our I had a potassium level of 2.4. Started me on a potassium chloride drip, too.

At about noon my contractions stopped thankfully.
At around 6 I started experiencing abnormal side effects from the magnesium and the doctor here put
me on procardia and took me off the magnesium. Took me off the monitors for the night and took my blood again this morning. My potassium level was 2.8 so they decided on a few pills rather than a drip. The doctor checked me and my cervix is still at 4 but he does not feel comfortable sending me home given my history. Hospital bed
rest here until 34 weeks and then they will send for EMS to transport me back to the hospital I usually go to and let one of my usual three OBs decide what to do from there.
Through all this DH has been absolutely amazing and LO has been doing perfect on the inside minus the contractions. Our daughter has been staying with her grandparents and having a good time but of course
I miss her /:

Thanks everyone for your prayers & thoughts and I'll update when I get the chance if anything else happens! I apologize for being long winded by the way, feels good to vent after the past
few days! Hope everyone has had a good weekend!

AppleGrapeMSTK · August 2014

Thanks for keeping us updated! Hospital bed rest does not sound fun, but at least they are giving you the care you need! My thoughts are with you- keep that baby cooking!

Sockgnome78 · August 2014

Thanks for the uodate. T&P headed your way.

BeanNut · August 2014

Oh my goodness. I am late to this thread , but wanted to send you T&P 's that bed rest helps and baby stays in until at least 34 weeks!!

JessAnnJ · August 2014

I'm so sorry you are going through this. I can't believe given how far along you are in your pregnancy you didn't even see a doctor, any doctor, when you first went to the hospital and that they just sent you home. The prescription error is 100% not your fault. It is not your responsibility to make sure the prescription is filled out properly. Please don't blame yourself for that. I'm glad they were able to stop the contractions. Hang in there.

LightBright515 · August 2014

So many people in this situation need to be dealt with. But I'm glad they are giving you the attention you and your LO deserve!

lrobi13 · August 2014

Thanks for the update. I am so sorry that you got the run around at almost every turn. Fx that all the measures they have taken hold and you can keep you lo on the inside.

It is so hard to believe that you were not treated better by your health care providers.

megaddie · August 2014

I'm impressed by how you've handled this! You are a superstar and I'm sending you all the positive thoughts.

brookeasc · August 2014

Just out of curiosity, where would I send a complaint? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm just new to this end of. I didn't have these issues with my daughter because the OB office I go to had a different owner and a different set of doctors (minus one, one of the doctors is the same but I cannot stand her. She is the owner now) when I delivered my daughter last year but they all moved home to be around their families or retired. Thank you ladies for the support. I really,
really appreciate it!

persephonerose · August 2014

Glad you were able to get transferred to a hospital with a higher NICU rating. FX that your baby stays inside for a few more weeks!

JessAnnJ · August 2014

brookeasc said:
Just out of curiosity, where would I send a complaint? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm just new to this end of. I didn't have these issues with my daughter because the OB office I go to had a different owner and a different set of doctors (minus one, one of the doctors is the same but I cannot stand her. She is the owner now) when I delivered my daughter last year but they all moved home to be around their families or retired. Thank you ladies for the support. I really,
really appreciate it!

Physicians are licensed in each state. If I google my state and physician licensing it brings me to the website and there's a tab on the main page with instructions on filing a complaint. I've never filed a complaint so I'm not sure how that might affect things if you decide to stay with the practice and you file before your baby is born.

onelilroo · August 2014

Thx for the update! Positive "keep baby cooking" thoughts headed your way! Glad you are finally getting the care you need!

heathera1979 · August 2014

brookeasc said:
Just out of curiosity, where would I send a complaint? Sorry for the ignorance, I'm just new to this end of. I didn't have these issues with my daughter because the OB office I go to had a different owner and a different set of doctors (minus one, one of the doctors is the same but I cannot stand her. She is the owner now) when I delivered my daughter last year but they all moved home to be around their families or retired. Thank you ladies for the support. I really,
really appreciate it!

T&P baby stays in as long as possible. As far as where to send a complaint, it depends on which part you are referring to. If you want to complain at the hospital you initially each hospital should have a "patient advocate" line you can call. Just call the hospital operator and ask for the patient advocate line. If they don't have one for some reason, you can talk to the manager of the l&d unit. If you are wanting to complain about the Dr's on call operator person, your Dr would be the best person to go to.

ANGnJON · August 2014

So glad that you seem to be getting the proper care that is needed finally! I hope that you can keep your LO in there to bake for while longer! I am so sorry to hear about the drama & stress you've experienced! I hope that you continue to improve until it's time for your babies arrival! Hang in there! T&P to you & your LO!

nightowl1989 · August 2014

I'm really bad about coming on here regularly, so I just read through everything and the updates. So glad to see you're getting better care and doing better. FX that LO hangs in there a few more weeks. Sounds so scary and I'm praying for ya, girl.

wildflower75 · August 2014

I'm so sorry about everything you've been through and I pray that everything goes well from here on out!

raynes · August 2014

When I read that that damn nurse "sweetie'd" you, I was all "oh hells no!".

I'm glad your labour has stopped for now, but dang that all sucks. I hope the LO stays put and that your body cooperates for the next few weeks.

SkyeRN · August 2014

My blood boils for you on every level. First, your Dr should have come - or a resident if that hospital has them, someone with a medical degree. I am an RN, but we aren't doctors, it is so wrong that the Dr then tried to throw the RN under the bus when you were at the office. I bet your nurse did document properly, but the Dr was just trying to smoothe things over. Either way, if a Dr or an RN presents any sort of dissonance to a patient, it begins a path of distrust. They are to work as a team. This obviously bothers me. Also, to the receptionist on the after hours line, that prescription (and countless others) is time sensitive and required immediate reaction. It isn't your responsibility to know what dose they want you to take. I am so glad you advocated for yourself and that you seem to finally be getting the treatment and attention you so need! I am sending out a prayer for you and that sweet baby of yours that she stays put!

Maggie6424 · August 2014

Oh geez. I wouldn't have handled that near as well as you did.. T&P coming your way

BeckyH05 · August 2014

I'm so sorry you are going through all of this. You Have handled it much better than I could have. Many prayers for you that you're LO stays put for a few more weeks.

Ravenbaby · August 2014

Wow just wow. I can't believe all you have gone through. Sorry you had to go through. It's a valuable lesson to be your own advocate. But this is awful!

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