Questioning the MD.

Good Morning. I posted over the weekend and then didn't get a chance to read your repsonse until now. Thank you all so much for your input. I have a question.... Since my OBGYN two weeks performed a pap smear on me that I asked her not to, (she is now retired as a OB and only works as a gyno), I have been bleeding , calling her up and she won't even call me back. (She called me back once a week ago, but hasn't returned any of other other calls.) She has given me the name of a another OB working with her she wants me to see. I really don't know if I should, since I felt so traumatized by the other ones performance. Yet, I do not know of any other OB in NYC to go to. SHould I keep my appt. or forgo it? Please help? Thank you.

[5preg2B]

if your uncomfortable I would call another ob.  There are good ones out there but you have to look for them..  good luck

[NervousOne]

Hi, I have been, but I don't know of any through word of mouth. I'm scared to go to someone I don't know b/c they could be worse than she is.
Is it possible if I keep my appt. for tomorrow and go, I can just request a HCG count without her doing another internal exam? The last one made me bleed and I saw a thick mucous string come out that same night so now I am terrified.

[newbie2b]

Hi.  I'm in NYC to.  I'm going to a dr. that my best friend used for her baby.  IS your Dr. affiliated with any hospitals in Ny?

[NervousOne]

Hi. She is affiliated with NYU.

[JJety]

Doing a pap smear during one of your first OB appointments is totally routine.  However, if you told her you did not want one, then she should have absolutely respected that.  Also, bleeding after an internal exam while pg is totally normal and expected.  A pg cervix will bleed on a whim.

Now that you've had your pap done, there should be no reason for another internal exam except for the fact that you're still spotting/bleeding two weeks later.  That is not normal.  You need to absolutely see someone else.  You could have an infection of some type that is causing the bleeding and need antiobiotics.  If you trusted this woman up until this one last bad decision, then go with her recommendation and see the new doctor.  Regardless of who you choose, you should see someone soon.

You can request anything you want (just bloodwork, and not an internal exam) and they should be willing to work with you.  But I had an infection which caused spotting and they only way they found it was through doing a quick exam and taking a swab.  I assume they'll want to do a similar test on you to rule anything out.

[newbie2b]

That's a good hospital.  Can you do this?  Can you go online or contact your insurance provider and get some names from there that are affiliated with NYU?  I'm assuming that's where you want to deliever.  I have atena and on the sight, they give me a list of names and how long they have been working.  I go to Dr. Rodriguez at Beth Israel. I have to tell you that I really am happy with that hospital.  I had a little bit of an issue with my dr. only because she is the director and she is always busy and so I felt like she didnt take her time with me but other than that, I've experienced nothing but the best there.  My brother was deliver there. My Best friend delivered there and my father had quadruple bypass there.  I feel comfortable there. Let me know if you need a telephone #.

[NervousOne]

Hi . Thank you. I asked the last one for blood work, and she refused to give me medical attention two weeks ago, when i first cam ein with the bleeding. She absolutely refused and walked out of the room. So I left and then came back two days later, worried I didn't know of any other OB.
What is holding me back from going tomorrow, is that this new one of hers might try to force me into something that will make me uncomfortable. As silly as it sounds, I do not want her to touch my cervix since the last time it was touched, the bleeding got worse. What should I do if she insists?

[surfergirl602]

I would contact the human resource rep for the hospital and report it, honestly.

[NervousOne]

Thanks a bunch. Sounds like you really like your OB and makes you feel comfortable.
At this point I rather just go to anyone affiliated wiyh any hospital then to see someone who was so rude to me.
Also, she told me that the bleeding was fine. Is it?

[NervousOne]

Hi . Thank you. I asked the last one for blood work, and she refused to give me medical attention two weeks ago, when i first cam ein with the bleeding. She absolutely refused and walked out of the room. So I left and then came back two days later, worried I didn't know of any other OB.
What is holding me back from going tomorrow, is that this new one of hers might try to force me into something that will make me uncomfortable. As silly as it sounds, I do not want her to touch my cervix since the last time it was touched, the bleeding got worse. What should I do if she insists?

[JJety]

No one can force you into anything.  Period.

If you don't like their way of practicing medicine, then you need to find a doctor that you do agree with.  They have every right to refuse service to you if you're not cooperating with their line of thinking and on the flip side you have every right to find a different doctor if they're not cooperating with your line of thinking.

If you left and then came back two days later, she didn't force you to do anything.  Your coming back was your acceptance of her line of thinking.

The important thing to concentrate on now is how to move forward from this point.  You're bleeding unexplicably and someone needs to figure out why.  Finding out may involve another internal exam.  Without treatment, something such as a bacterial infection can/will cause preterm labor.

[newbie2b]

Ok. If you want to stay with the Ob that she referred you to, maybe you should be upfront and honest with her.  As her what needs to be done at this visit and tell her that you felt uncomfortable having the pap done because of the bleeding. But I have to tell you, that I had a pap done at 8 weeks and my Dr. also told me that I may bleed a little after it and I also might bleed a little after intercourse.  I didnt bleed for either.  BUt she did tell me it was normal.  I also had a colposcopy done which is a lot more invasive than a pap but I didnt bleed for that either. I think it all depends on the sensitivity of your cervix.  But you have a right and a choice to say no.
Remeber, basically, you are their customer.  Your (and your insurance) are paying them for their services.  Just like if you went to a hair or nail salon. You have a right to refuse anything you dont think is ok.  Even if you switch your Dr to say someone where I go, you wouldnt need to repeat the pap.

[NervousOne]

Hi. She told me it looks like a irritated cervix. I've been calling around for MD's but I am not sure who is good or not and at this point I think I am scared to trust again.

[JJety]

I totally understand your hesitation.

So, you don't know one single person who has a doctor to recommend?

[NervousOne]

Yes, I agree with you. You're right.
The interesting thing is that she told me that I wouldn't bleed after the pap smear after I asked her if there is a chance I would.
I don't understand this lady. I have been going to her for a decade now, and this is how she treats me when I am pregnant?
Also, is it normal to lose sensitivity and tenderness in the breasts?

[NervousOne]

I asked some of my friends and most of the OB's are far from me; LI, NJ etc...The ones that are closer do not take my insurance plan.

[newbie2b]

How far are you?  And are you still bleeding?

[NervousOne]

I'm mostly spotting and have been for a little over two weeks now. I am 8 weeks.

[newbie2b]

And what insurance do you have?

[JJety]

A good OB doctor is priceless and worth the drive, if you need to make it.

A loss of symptoms could indicate a problem, such as miscarriage.  This, coupled with the bleeding, should be mentioned to a doctor asap.

[baby4Staci]

bleeding is fine for some women if the cause is either discovered or ruled out.  My sister bled from her ovulation and spotted until her 7th week of pregnancy.  they did an ultrasound to rule out any problems and they also monitored her HCG levels.  So.. Bleeding for her is normal.  BUT they have to do all the tests to make sure there isnt a problem first.  Sounds like your OB is an idiot and you should just remember that YOU are paying THEM and THEY work for YOU.  it doesnt matter how "silly" one of your requests may be.. if you are willing to pay for it they should do it.  No questions asked.  Just because these people are "Doctors" doesnt mean that you have to do what THEY say.  

I had this problem with my GYN and i switched to the midwives and i couldnt be happier.

[NervousOne]

GHI HMO

[NervousOne]

Hi. Thank you. I am going to go tomorrow and see what this new MD says and does. i definitely want them to take a HCG level count and listen for the heartbeat. I am nervous, because now after that whole stressful internal exam, my breasts are not as tender, so as silly as it sounds, should I be worried?

[JJety]

8 weeks is too early to listen for the heartbeat.  That can only be detected via u/s at this point.

But with all of the problems, they may very well give you one.

[newbie2b]

This is a hard one.  Bleeding for two weeks could be nothing but it could be a bad sign. Sorry to tell you that.  If your appointment is tomorrow and your still bleeding I think you should either go or go to the er to find out what is going on.  Either way, they will have to look inside.  I know you dont want to but, at this point they need to know what's going on.  If you bleeding the will probably do an intervaginal ultrasound since your only 8 weeks. Will you be ok with that. I know you dont want it but at this point, you have to do whats best for your health and the baby's health.

[NervousOne]

How does someoen know it's a miscarriage and what would be some of the symptoms during and after?

[NervousOne]

How does someone know it's a miscarriage and what would be some of the symptoms during and after?

[JJety]

You'd have to have your hcg levels monitored to know if it's a definite miscarriage.  If they're not rising or if they're dropping, then you know.

[NervousOne]

Can they look at your cervix and see the cause of the probems without the transvaginal ultrasound?
Do you think the internal exam along with the pap smear she gave me could have coause more harm than it did good?

[NervousOne]

What would be the physical symptoms?

[JJety]

Bleeding, cramping, and possible loss of symptoms.

[NervousOne]

I've been brown spotting, but not really cramping. I have cramps maybe once a week.
Is it normal to lose breast tenderness at 8 weeks?

[JJety]

Brown spotting is not really a big concern.  That just means old blood and could be left over from your exam.

No, breast tenderness loss at 8 weeks is not terribly common, but symptoms do fluctuate.  You might be sore again tomorrow.  It's hard to say.  

And, no, they cannot examine your cervix without doing an exam and/or a vaginal u/s.

[newbie2b]

They can check your levels but the Dr. might want to do an transvaginal because it's faster.  They can see if there is a heartbeat by doing this. Blood test can take time.  They will most likely do both. Transvaginals don't hurt and I think you should consider having one done for the sake of the baby. But again, its your choice.  I could be wrong here but I've gone through a m/c and as much as I didnt want it done because I was scared of the outcome, you really need to know what's going on.
It doesnt require any scraping or anything like that.

Also, if you want the number to the Dept of Obstretics and Gynecology @ my hospital, Beth Israel it's 212-844-8590.  You should call and see if they take your insurance if you are interested.

[NervousOne]

Thank you for all of your responses.

[NervousOne]

Thanks a bunch for the info. I'll look into it after my office visit tomorrow. I'll give her a try and if she is as rude and heartless as the previous one, then I will call them. Thanks again.

[jd1419]

You said that you were bleeding when you went in the first time.  Even though she mentioned that you needed this done and then left you went back two days later.  She may of figured that the only way to tell why you were bleeding was to do a pap.  If you had an infection and it was not caught at the earliest possible time what the outcome may be.  If you have the transvaginal ultrasound done you may spot--I know I did-I spoted right away--in the exam room.  Nut it stopped within 15-20 minutes.  At that early staage it is the best way to see your baby.  they may be able to tell you why you are bleeding such as if they see a spot.