Hello Lexington FAMILY Magazine Readers!
Wow, do I have a story for you! Nothing phenomenol, but a tid bit that will make you sit back, a little shocked I'm sure. I went to the doctor yesterday. I decided that since I'm 40 weeks today, that if I was "doing anything," I'd tell her to go ahead and set up an induction.
My doc came in saying things like "We need to get this baby out Karyn..it's really time.." WHAT? I'm just NOW due. I now firmly believe that she's been miffed for the past few weeks when I'd go in and say "no" to induction, C-section, and complaining about how much my internal exams were. She and the (younger than me) nurse would pat my arm or leg saying how I was just "sensitive" and how I shouldn't be in pain. Though the last time I checked, I've never had quite the burning sensation I get any other exam I've had growing up! Perhaps I'm allergic to something she's using?
Point being: It was the MOST PAINFUL internal exam I have ever had in my ENTIRE life! She did one, and I somehow just breathed through it. She then told me to scoot down even more to do another one. WHY? I had no clue, but obliged. The next thing I felt, I can only compare pain-wise to when I had two bulging discs in my back! I screamed and burst into tears.
Now let me tell you, I like to think I'm a "toughy," and can handle most painful things, but this experience was unbearable. I had to tell her to stop at least three times before she did, and my husband had to run to my aid and calm me down.
Apparently I was only dilated a 1/2 centimeter. The doctor then informed me that she could easily make me a 1, and that might send me into labor. Of course at this point, at 40 weeks, I'm ready for Baby Girl to be born, so I asked what that would entail. She told me she'd have to strip my membranes. "Does it hurt, as much as what you just did to me?" I asked through the pouring of tears down my face. She replied, "No...it will hurt more." I quickly said "Then no, I'll wait." She seemed annoyed and said "I thought you wanted to have this baby?"
My Mom interjected and asked if induction was a possibility. She turned to my Mom and said "I've asked her the last two times she's been here, and she's said no each time, that she didn't want to do it." Brian, being the fantastic husband he is, perked right up and cut her off saying "Well, she wanted to wait and see if she'd go on her own. She wanted to wait until she was at least starting to dilate." She asked me if that's what I wanted to do, and I replied with an awkward "Yes." I was so glad to have both my Mom and Brian there, able to speak for me when I couldn't.
She came back into the room saying I'd have to go for a Non-Stress Test sonogram on Friday, come in on Sunday night to the hospital, and start my Pitocin drip Monday morning. Finally, a plan (though I wish it were earlier).
Now other than having little bedside manner and causing me insane pain, here's what makes us all a little peeved about my doctor visit yesterday: As she walked out of the room, my Mom asked what Stripping the Membranes actually entailed. (Sidenote: my Mom's in the medical field as well, and I have a real issue when doctors try to talk down to people.) She explained, very shortly, that it was a procedure that she does to get labor going, that separates the membranes from the wall (kind of like having your water broken, but not). Mom said "Oh, so she doesn't necessarily have to have it done." The doctor then turns to the three of us snidely, and says "Well, none of my patients get away without having it done. It's kinda like my signature move." She snickered and walked out the door.
WHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAT?????? We all looked at eachother in disbelief. I couldn't believe what had just come out of her mouth. Like she was "going to get me no matter what." As if she's going to have her way, and if she thinks I should feel the pain, I should. I'm feeling very discouraged now. I've had this wonderful, not-that-bad pregnancy, so I'm now convinced my labor and delivery will be the story from you know where.
I know everything is my choice, and I can say what I want and what I don't want. I will have my two advocates (Mom and Brian) there to help get my views and wants across. I'm just wondering though, did anything like this happen to you?
Until next time, give me some advice!
Karyn Potts
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2 comments:
WOW! you are already terrified, the last thing you need is to feel uncomfortable with your doctor. AND SHE'S A WOMAN!!!!!!!!!!!!!! how does your mom feel about what happened?
i can tell you to fire her but that's easier said than done. i don't know if i could do that if i were in your situation. i do, however have an aunt who's male ob/gyn told her during labor, "c'mon, it doesn't hurt that bad!" and she told him to get out and get another doctor.
i don't know what's wrong with some doctors. do they forget that they are our 'employees', working for us. i've come across some doctors who are actually interviewing patients?? what the heck is that about? the roles have been reversed and it's bs. i'm sorry you have to deal with this. it's so wrong.
as for the internal, i have a high threshold for pain and never had issues with internal exams until the one i had when i found out i was 2cm dilated. i almost went through the roof. after that exam my midwife told me that since i handled that exam pain, i would have no problem with labor. i STILL took the epidural.
i would say stick it out with this doctor for this baby then switch or stand your ground and lay into her. she should not be treating you like this. i bet you'll have great nurses during labor who you'll see more than your doctor. screw her and tell as many people as you can not to go to her!
Wow! Hard to believe in this day of competing doctors and hospitals some still want to convince us we have no choice.
Make it very clear before labor that you do not want your membranes stripped. I would even go on line and make a written birth plan. Use the nurses! They are usually more on your side.
Hope all goes well. I will keep you in my prayers. And next week you will have a little bundle that will make everything else seem like very distant memories.
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