The Lengths That I'll Go To For This Baby...

This past Friday I did the craziest thing that I thought I'd never do. Something I thought that I'd never remotely have the guts to do. Something that scared the crap out of me.

I changed my OB doctor.

I have been crazy unhappy with him for some time now. I have been seeing Dr. T. for 10 years. He delivered both Graham and Grady and would have delivered Caroline but was gone for his fathers retirement party (although he did say that he would have if he didn't already have plans set).

 I realized after Caroline was born that this man whose patient I had been for 10 years didn't have a clue who I was. I'm sure that he vaguely recognized me when he walked into the exam room but that was about it. Part of the problem is that I'm sure he very busy. The other part of his problem was his lack of "bedside manner".

The moment that left me completely speechless and confirmed my worst suspicions was at my 6 week post-partum check-up after Caroline was born. Bobby had gone with me and I swear I was inches away from one of the worst panic attacks ever. Dr. T. popped into the room and said...

"Hows the kiddo doing?"

I remember looking at Bobby and trying not to cry while saying " Ummm... she died, remember?"

He was immediately contrite and mumbled a thousand apologies. He didn't remember me. He didn't even glance at my chart before walking in (other than to see the  "post-partum visit" label.

I was horrified. His odd behavior continued. When he confirmed at my very first baby checkup (at 6 weeks ) that I had had a Beta Strep bladder infection he told me that I needed to give a urine sample at ever visit to make sure that I (and the baby) stayed healthy and safe. He wanted to be able to catch the infection before it spread like last time and we lost another baby. For the past several visits I have always given my sample in the little sterilized cup and then reminded the nurse that while I didn't have any symptoms I needed to be checked for infection. I truthfully never expect the nurse to remember but twice now Dr. T had walked in asking why I was asking for my urine to be tested for infection. I've reminded him twice now of the protocol that he wanted me to follow.

Ummm... not to downplay my own intelligence but I'm not a doctor and I have no medical training so why am I in charge of my own care??

I tried to kid myself for a while saying "It's ok Hillary if you have to say something every time." " You are just being a good proactive Momma." and "If you don't be an advocate for yourself then who will?" It was the last thing I told myself that made me take the plunge and call my doctors office. I can advocate all day long for myself but if things take a turn for the worse again I'm not qualified to diagnose or treat myself. I would be the one to blame for staying with a doctor that wasn't giving me or the baby the best care possible.

I called on Friday and spoke to the appointment desk and asked for a new appointment with a specific doctor in the same practice that I had heard wonderful things about. Seriously, like 6 people I know see Dr. M. and they all love her! So, sight unseen I changed to her. The lady taking my call seemed concerned at first but then switched me and seemed really kind after a while. She told me that she would have to leave a note for Dr. T. to let him know that I would not be his patient anymore. This made me slightly nervous but then I just told myself that "He wouldn't remember who you were anyway so what does it really matter!"

My first appointment with Dr. M is going to be April 29th so I'll let ya'll know then how things are going.

Am I just a crazy person or would you have done the same thing?