annoying Peri visit

[evansmom]

Yesterday I went to the Peri's office for my routine level 2 ultrasound. I haven't seen the Peri previously, since my OB is both a normal and high risk dr., and managed my last preg. very well. Any way, the peri wasn't in b/c of the holiday. When I mentioned to the sonographer that I was a chronic hypertensive patient, she told me I needed to come in monthly for ultrasound, bp and urine checks (in addition to the bi-weekly appts with my OB). I know they want to be extra cautious. After the sonogram,(which I was very anxious about -- but got an unofficial ok on everything from the Tech.), they proceeded to take my bp and urine. I couldn't believe it when the med. assistant wouldn't tell me what it was! She said, "I'm not trying to be mean, but the doctor goes over the results with you." So I said, "well the doctor's not here, and i was very nervous today." I finally got her to tell me my pressure was a little high (140/80), which I new from anxiety, but she wouldn't even check my urine while I was in the office [:0]. Is this what Perinatologists usually do?? I'm so used to my ob office where I get the news -good or bad-- right then and there. I know frequent ultrasounds are good for checking the baby's growth, but I wasn't too thrilled with the peri experience. am I being too sensitive?

Lauren 27
DH Jeff
Evan 12-9-01 (PIH @ 29 weeks)
EDD 7-11-04

[evansmom]

BTW...Its a boy!

Lauren 27
DH Jeff
Evan 12-9-01 (PIH @ 29 weeks)
EDD 7-11-04

[julie f]

Lauren,

Congratulations on a little boy!!![:D]

Sorry about your visit. I'm not sure about proper protocols but, I would think that's ridiculous that they can't tell you your bp or urine results... In my experience with the peri - they have always told me. Maybe when you do get to see the doc you could mention something to him?

Julie (27)
Zachary James, 7/22/03-7/27/03, born at 26wks - severe pe

Southern California Coordinator

[annegarrett]

It may have to do with liability--in that the peri has to answer any resulting questions. Laura--can you ask our Medical Board if there is any "policy" or "tendency" to not let non-docs share BPs and proteinuria results?

I have heard of this before--and it may just be that the docs have told their staff not to tell women (as a policy) because they would upset the women...

We will find out and let you know!



Anne Garrett
Executive Director
Preeclampsia Foundation

[5thtymachrm]

thought I'd put in my experience...I'm a CMA(medical asst) and no, there is no law against it, it is up to the doctor to decide how they want their patients told. It is not the position of the nurse/MA to tell the patient what the results are. Though, I have never met a doc who didn't want me to tell the patient the results. I can understand not stressing the patient out but it only stresses the patient more when you don't tell them(coming from my own experience as a patient too).[:)]

Elizabeth
11/20/03 Indigo E. (born with no PE @ 37 weeks, 5lbs 13oz) (Pg Issues:33 weeks of bedrest!, PIH(atenolol),hyperemesis, hypothyroidism, cancer remission, asthma, 8cm blood clot @3wks)
http://www.babiesonline.com/babies/i/indigopage/
11/17/95 m/c @14wks
1/97 m/c @3wks
2/98 m/c @5wks
8/02 m/c @3wks

[evansmom]

Thanks for the info, everyone! I will definately try to find out the Peri's policy on sharing results, and if he has a "no tell" policy with his assistants, I will be sure to schedule my appt. when I know he has office hours & can discuss results, so I don't stress myself unneccessarily!

Lauren 27
DH Jeff
Evan 12-9-01 (PIH @ 29 weeks)
EDD 7-11-04