Bad Sucky Doctors

clumsyatheart · August 2014

So. Can we bond over bad OB stories pretty please? (Sorry if this is a repeat post!) Mine is this circuit practice where you have no idea who you will see next, and at this point I am so bitter about their attitudes and care that I bitch to anyone who has ears, which means my cats have heard a little too much. I'm looking into switching, but the doctors around here are pretty bad, worse if you are on the Medicaid like me. But still trying.

So what about you ladies? Any awful OBs or midwives? Any good stories or advice? I FEEL SO ALOOOONE. (No offense to any medical professionals on the board

)

MarcyR92 · August 2014

O yes. My first 3 appt. were in a clinc like that as well and I hated it. Honestly to me it felt they wanted u in an out in10mins. There was no care in the world for them bout anything. They were rude an didn't answer any of my questions that I had. So I changed to an other clinic that's well known here where I live. It's a big clinic but but I love the most I can pick whoever I want to see, they dnt move u around like that other one. And the midwives there are so caring and they really take there time with you and go over everything and make sure that I understand everything that's happening. I m on Medicaid as well I kno it's hard to find good doctors period.

clumsyatheart · August 2014

@MarcyR92‌, i am so glad you found an awesome clinic with good care! I was telling my mom today that if you want to enjoy your healthcare, you can't be poor -_- idk if i'm just bitter, but i definitely feel that way now, especially in this area.

marajay6 · August 2014

My bad, sucky doctor story is about my now former GP, not OB/GYN.

I have had an underactive thyroid for a long time and, like many hypothyroid patients, I struggle with keeping excess weight off. Years ago, I found that I was gaining weight despite my best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly. When I had my regular check-up with my doctor I was eager to see what my thyroid lab results would show because I was certain that I needed a medication increase.

Well my TSH was just under 10. Under the very outdated standards that the doctor used, my TSH was fine and I did not need a medication increase. However, current standards suggest suppressing the TSH to be at least below 5, if not closer to 2 or 3. I had done my research and knew this. I explained to the doctor that I wanted to increase my medication to suppress my TSH more since I was having symptoms, the most frustrating of which was the weight gain.

She was pretty convinced that my thyroid was fine and I didn't need a medication increase. She then went on to suggest that my weight gain could be a factor of many things - me not dieting and exercising as well as I claimed and depression. She then gave me tips on how to deal with my depression. These tips included going to church more and finding a husband. She even wrote down a note for me (she always gave notes at every appointment) listing churches to go to, traits to look for in a husband, and a reminder to not eat more than 1200 calories in a day. She also gave me a prescription for diet pills (which I didn't use).

I have never been back to that doctor!

PandaCon · August 2014

sj+cm131 said:

My bad, sucky doctor story is about my now former GP, not OB/GYN.
I have had an underactive thyroid for a long time and, like many hypothyroid patients, I struggle with keeping excess weight off. Years ago, I found that I was gaining weight despite my best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly. When I had my regular check-up with my doctor I was eager to see what my thyroid lab results would show because I was certain that I needed a medication increase.
Well my TSH was just under 10. Under the very outdated standards that the doctor used, my TSH was fine and I did not need a medication increase. However, current standards suggest suppressing the TSH to be at least below 5, if not closer to 2 or 3. I had done my research and knew this. I explained to the doctor that I wanted to increase my medication to suppress my TSH more since I was having symptoms, the most frustrating of which was the weight gain.
She was pretty convinced that my thyroid was fine and I didn't need a medication increase. She then went on to suggest that my weight gain could be a factor of many things - me not dieting and exercising as well as I claimed and depression. She then gave me tips on how to deal with my depression. These tips included going to church more and finding a husband. She even wrote down a note for me (she always gave notes at every appointment) listing churches to go to, traits to look for in a husband, and a reminder to not eat more than 1200 calories in a day. She also gave me a prescription for diet pills (which I didn't use).
I have never been back to that doctor!

I wouldn't have even known how to respond to that. I mean seriously? Who does she think she is?

mommymeg143 · August 2014

sj+cm131 said:

My bad, sucky doctor story is about my now former GP, not OB/GYN.
I have had an underactive thyroid for a long time and, like many hypothyroid patients, I struggle with keeping excess weight off. Years ago, I found that I was gaining weight despite my best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly. When I had my regular check-up with my doctor I was eager to see what my thyroid lab results would show because I was certain that I needed a medication increase.
Well my TSH was just under 10. Under the very outdated standards that the doctor used, my TSH was fine and I did not need a medication increase. However, current standards suggest suppressing the TSH to be at least below 5, if not closer to 2 or 3. I had done my research and knew this. I explained to the doctor that I wanted to increase my medication to suppress my TSH more since I was having symptoms, the most frustrating of which was the weight gain.
She was pretty convinced that my thyroid was fine and I didn't need a medication increase. She then went on to suggest that my weight gain could be a factor of many things - me not dieting and exercising as well as I claimed and depression. She then gave me tips on how to deal with my depression. These tips included going to church more and finding a husband. She even wrote down a note for me (she always gave notes at every appointment) listing churches to go to, traits to look for in a husband, and a reminder to not eat more than 1200 calories in a day. She also gave me a prescription for diet pills (which I didn't use).
I have never been back to that doctor!

Whaat??? That is seriously insane. I'm glad you never went back to her. I've had problems with my thyroid too and that is nothing to joke about. That should have been way more important than finding you a husband.

clumsyatheart · August 2014

sj+cm131 said:
My bad, sucky doctor story is about my now former GP, not OB/GYN.
I have had an underactive thyroid for a long time and, like many hypothyroid patients, I struggle with keeping excess weight off. Years ago, I found that I was gaining weight despite my best efforts to eat well and exercise regularly. When I had my regular check-up with my doctor I was eager to see what my thyroid lab results would show because I was certain that I needed a medication increase.
Well my TSH was just under 10. Under the very outdated standards that the doctor used, my TSH was fine and I did not need a medication increase. However, current standards suggest suppressing the TSH to be at least below 5, if not closer to 2 or 3. I had done my research and knew this. I explained to the doctor that I wanted to increase my medication to suppress my TSH more since I was having symptoms, the most frustrating of which was the weight gain.
She was pretty convinced that my thyroid was fine and I didn't need a medication increase. She then went on to suggest that my weight gain could be a factor of many things - me not dieting and exercising as well as I claimed and depression. She then gave me tips on how to deal with my depression. These tips included going to church more and finding a husband. She even wrote down a note for me (she always gave notes at every appointment) listing churches to go to, traits to look for in a husband, and a reminder to not eat more than 1200 calories in a day. She also gave me a prescription for diet pills (which I didn't use).
I have never been back to that doctor!

WTF. I have Hashimotos (an autoimmune thyroid disorder) and i know this stuggle well! What a freaking ignorant asshole. I'm so sorry you had to deal with that.

Ashleyrupert3211 · August 2014

I personally don't have any sucky doctors but my mom has had some pretty awful ones. The worst was when she went to visit her doc about being anemic and lathargic. The doc told her that all she needed was a husband. Luckily she got a second opinion and found out that she had stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's doing well now thankfully

marajay6 · August 2014

Ashleyrupert3211 said:

I personally don't have any sucky doctors but my mom has had some pretty awful ones. The worst was when she went to visit her doc about being anemic and lathargic. The doc told her that all she needed was a husband. Luckily she got a second opinion and found out that she had stage 4 ovarian cancer. She's doing well now thankfully

Sounds like your mom went to my old doctor!

sparklingwhit · August 2014

I saw a midwife at 12 weeks who tried for about 5 minutes to find baby's hb by doppler and could not find it. Eventually frowned and said that she was worried that she couldn't find it and that there might be something wrong. Then told me to wait while she went in search for (in her words) "a real doctor". She then proceeded to leave the room with the door open and told a nurse in the hall (within my earshot) that something was seriously wrong and to "be prepared for a crier."

Anyway, when my doc came in (who is now my delivery doc and AWESOME) he freaked the eff out saying that she was completely useless and unprofessional and that this would be her last day. He found the heartbeat in about 5 seconds and then did a U/S just to calm me down. This midwife no longer works for the doc's organization.

MarcyR92 · August 2014

@clumsyatheart I was told that, that clinic (the good one) did not except my insurance. So before I changed I had the worst appt. no heart beat was heard she only talked crap bout the last doctor I saw the last time. She pushes my stomach and told me ok I'll see u in 4 weeks and walked out. I was so mad that I decided to find an other doctor and I started calling places. I finally called the good clinic and was so happy that they except Medicaid that same day I got my records from
The old clinic an changed doctors. You should do research bout the doctor were u live since a lot ppl are starting to take it now. But I know I think the same way bout having trouble finding a good doctor or pediatrician.
Good luck and I hope you find an amazing doctor.

sAAmFam · August 2014

I visited this OB when I was having female problems down there. The doctor checked me, a male, looked up and said "well no hymen but I guess you lost that a long time ago". Never went back! Ended up having yeast problems because of my blood sugar.

MrsDL · August 2014

This is a long story but ugh - worst medical experience I've ever dealt with - my last OB practice (that delivered DS1) sort of sucked, but I did like the one doctor that delivered DS so I stayed. I got pregnant in the fall, had my first visit with the NP - she told me the hospital didn't do growth scans for the first scan (like with DS), but since I was AMA she would send me elsewhere. Then she told me she didn't get why so many women had scans at all, that it was all in "God's hands and whatever will be, will be in 9 months." Ummm. Don't get me wrong, I do believe in God, but I also believe in medical science and thought that was a completely inappropriate comment (because what if I was atheist?).

Had the growth scan at about 6 weeks, hb only 85. I knew it was not good news. Waited for one doctor to call me back to f/u on the results - nada. I called a few days later to ask if they got the results as I wanted to discuss. Secretary said nothing came-in yet. Half hour later, head of the practice (OB) calls, says he is concerned, orders another scan. So basically I had to follow-up with them to get them to review the results. Had another scan one week later - no growth, still hb of 85. No follow-up with my OB practice, the high risk center for fetal maternal medicine scheduled yet another one, the doctor there telling me it probably would end in miscarriage. One more week goes by, we pretty much lost hope by then and we were just waiting for the hb to stop so we could figure out what was next. Had one more scan, no hb and it looked like some of the tissue started to reabsorb. High risk doc was very nice, told me that it was MMC and I could wait it out or talk to my OB. He called her while we waited, said she would call me back in 2 hours.

I was hysterical at home waiting for her call, she never called. Didn't call the next day or return my calls. I made an apt with another practice (the one I'm with now and LOVE) in the meantime. Still no returned call as to what I was supposed to do - nobody to answer questions - nothing. I went to my apt with new practice, doc was awesome, discussed D&C vs. Cytotec, gave me cytotec, instructions, made follow-up apt for that Monday to determine if the drug completed the miscarriage. Gave me her on-call number and told me to call for anything. It was a long few days of miscarrying at home. Still no f'ing call from my regular OBs office. Had follow-up with the new doc the following week, m/c completed - she told us to wait until AF came back and one cycle then could try again.

The following week after this nightmare - I got a reminder call from the old practice - the bastards that never once called me back for a miscarriage diagnosis - for an appointment the next day (made a month before for a prenatal check-up even though I wasn't pregnant any longer). I asked what the apt was for as a reminder - secretary (who I called sobbing several times during this whole ordeal BEGGING somebody to return my call) cheerfully says "you're prenatal visit!"

I went completely nuts - said something to the effect of "I had a fucking missed miscarriage three weeks ago after you assholes couldn't be bothered to call me back, I found another practice." - no apology, no anything. Just "OK bye." I will slam this practice to anybody who will listen, wrote a letter to the head of the practice, told my new practice about how much they suck (they are the only two practice that delivery at a very large teaching hospital so they know each other). It's one thing to be with a shitty or sub-par practice when things are going OK - they might half-suck, but you deal. However to deal with it IF something goes wrong - nightmare. I will never stay with a healthcare professional for any stupid reason again (loyalty because they delivered my son) if there are red flags (and there were). It's not worth it.

silverwings72 · August 2014

@sAAmFam‌ - so glad you gave the secretary the business! Total jerks.

sweetbabyrahe · August 2014

Nothing too bad here although I do hear a lot working in health care. I did get a few weird comments/situations at my old OB practice. The first was when I was 17 and the nurse asked if I was sexually active or was in a relationship. When I told her no but that I had a boyfriend, she told me I needed to get tested for sTDs because he was probably cheating on me?!?! Then after I had been married about a year, a midwife asked if I was ready to start trying to get pregnant. When I said no, she started to ask me if I was happy in my marriage...

soulcupcake · August 2014

The doctor on call when I went to in to L&D for "confirmation" of my first son's death. He was a complete and utter asshole.

We were planning a homebirth, and in the area we lived at the time there wasn't tremendous tolerance. Areas of NC can be pretty hostile toward out-of-hospital birth. Anyway, I sensed something was off due to lack of movement. I felt "off" throughout pretty much the entire pregnancy. I just knew something wasn't right. His A/S came back fine and I was healthy and didn't present with issues related to blood pressure or glucose intolerance. I did start developing edema around 30 weeks, and polyhydramnios followed suit. I saw my midwife at just shy of 32 weeks after returning home from vacation. She also noted the excessive fluid, and said we'd watch it (I had idiopathic polyhydramnios with my first). So we watched it. Two weeks later, I was measuring even bigger. At that point I made an appt to see a doctor she recommended.

*I* checked out fine. Blood pressure was perfect, ranging between 100-110/60, and <90 glucose levels postprandial. But, things were not fine, and I realized that when I checked for heart tones with my doppler and got nothing. I knew he was gone, and yet I kept trying for the rest of the morning and afternoon. My midwife came over around 6pm to "confirm" what we both already knew. Then later we discussed the next step, going to the hospital where I received my dual care. We phoned L&D ahead of time to let the CNM know what was going on. She was very sympathetic. I gave her the records I had, and she had me go into the triage room to take a quick peek, because it's not like it wasn't obvious to us before. And then she had to get the doctor on call to "confirm," and he was cold and distant.

He immediately assumed we dropped the ball and that my midwife was incompetent, making baseless claims that my placenta was calcified and stating "uncontrolled glucose levels can cause placenta problems." Yes, doctor, I know the damn literature, and that applies to diabetic women with severely uncontrolled glucose levels over a prolonged period of time. But he assumed that because I was heavier that we somehow missed that. No, I didn't "miss" what would have been obvious symptoms. Because if the placenta were that damn compromised then I would have presented with symptoms. I explained to him we tested my glucose and it was never never elevated, and he said "Yeah, we'll see." Fucking asshat.

Way to go for being a dick to a mother who just found out her baby died. Since I was due the next month, December, and didn't present with issues related to placental calcification, I knew he was talking out of his ass. He was cold and incriminating the entire time he was on call and handling my case.

To make a long story short, at birth he had a completely normal and healthy placenta. Then five weeks later I get a call from the same doctor with the autopsy and pathology results back. Nothing related to me whatsoever. He went into congestive heart failure due to severe undiagnosed heart defects. His demeanor completely changed once he realized we didn't drop the ball. They just missed what should have been detected on the ultrasound.

clumsyatheart · August 2014

UGH i am so sorry to those moms who had to deal with utter ASSDICKS while going through horrible trauma!!! You have all of my love and all the hugs ever.

What the EFF is wrong with some medical professionals?!?!

sweetbabyrahe · August 2014

So sorry you went through that @aeonlux that is awful

silverwings72 · August 2014

@aeonlux‌ - I am so sorry you had to go through that. That doctor was a total jerk. Not cool.

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