https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Tue, 12 May 2026 19:24:47 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-549073 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:09:21 +0000 Adira 549073@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Smurfette: Oh yeah! Maybe!!! I guess that would be one good thing to come out of this, haha. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-549053 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 15:01:47 +0000 Smurfette 549053@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: Glad that they are going to get you on something to get your levels up! Maybe now you will get weekly appointments! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-548954 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:33:43 +0000 Adira 548954@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrbee: Thanks!!! Glad to know I got it right this time. :) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-548935 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:28:38 +0000 mrbee 548935@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: That sounds right!</p> <p><a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/12/31/seeing-a-maternal-fetal-medicine-specialist/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/12/31/seeing-a-maternal-fetal-medicine-specialist/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-548922 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:22:55 +0000 Adira 548922@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I updated too soon!</p> <p>Just got off the phone with my OB who spoke with a Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist (I'm almost positive this time that's what they said) and they decided to prescribe me with Prednisone, which hopefully will help boost my platelets. She also is going to have one of the secretaries call me to schedule me to come in sooner than my next OB appointment (which wasn't until the 15th), and told me to call my hematologist's office to set up an appointment with him. Fun times! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks/page/2#post-548906 Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:15:29 +0000 Adira 548906@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Just felt like updating you ladies!</p> <p>I had my OB appointment on Friday and I requested that a CBC be done to check my platelets. Apparently, they normally do that at 28 weeks, but for some reason didn't with me (I guess because they really do suck?). So anyway... I had that done on Friday and I just got the results today. Verdict: platelets down to 34,000. :(</p> <p>So... I asked them to forward the results to my hematologist's office and I guess my OB is also going to talk to a Fetal Medical Specialist (or something like that)... If I don't hear back from anyone today, I'll call both (hematologist and OB) tomorrow and try to figure out what we're going to do!</p> <p>Ugh, this sucks. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-538111 Thu, 31 Jan 2013 07:42:40 +0000 Adira 538111@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FarmWifeGina: Thank you for sharing your experience! That definitely makes me feel better! And thanks for the book suggestion and advice!</p> <p>@katiew92081: My appointment is tomorrow, so hopefully I can get some results! Or at least get them to take my blood again and check my platelets. :)</p> <p>@photojane: I know they checked it at one of my first appointments when they did all the other blood tests (HIV, other STDs, etc) but I think that was around 9 weeks. I know they took an extra vial at my 28 week GD test, but I guess that was to check for anemia or something. I was surprised they didn't check it either because I've read that pregnancy can cause a low platelet count in general, so I just thought that was something they check to keep an eye out for. Guess not everywhere does that?</p> <p>@Grace: Oohhh, thanks for the insight! I was wondering why he didn't just put me on drugs to begin with, but I guess if they are close to 50,000, they usually don't. He also said that they fluctuate throughout the day and that he thought that if we took my blood again in an hour, they'd be back up. Guess we'll have to see what they're doing tomorrow! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537696 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 20:38:03 +0000 Grace 537696@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh my gosh! That's terrible. And weird coincidence, I work for a drug company that makes a drug for ITP. I was looking into whether it would work better/faster than ther steroids and it looks like over 50000, no treatment is done and 30000-50000 is when they do steroids or no treatment. I bet that's why your dr isn't too worried yet. And they can do a platelet transfusion if necessary. Give your OB hell and demand to know what they are going to do about it. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537627 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:47:20 +0000 photojane 537627@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>So sorry! I'm sure it's extremely frustrating/worrying to not feel looked after by your doctors. I find it so weird that they didn't do any platelet checks. I actually had my platelet count checked when they did my GD test at 26 weeks, and I don't even have ITP. It's standard at my office, so I figured they did it everywhere.</p> <p>I hope that your counts go up or they can get you the steroids in time. I'm on team epidural, so I totally get it!! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537608 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:31:34 +0000 shopaholic 537608@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh sweetie! I'm sorry your OB office hasn't been doing their job! I'd definitely call and let them know how upset you are about it! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537604 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:24:08 +0000 FarmWifeGina 537604@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and IF you really can't get the epidural, don't be afraid and don't fight the pain, that makes it 10x worse. Just focusing on riding along with each wave makes it easier- for you and your body and your baby. Lol, future childbirth educator here, trying to hit all the important last-minute points for you. If you want to do any reading to prepare for the possibility of not being able to get the epi, if you only read one book, I would highly recommend Ina May's Guide To Natural Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin. It's not a huge book, but lots of stories and GREAT information. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537596 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:19:02 +0000 Dandelion 537596@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh no! Yes, cry if they don't listen! And, yes, learn some natural coping strategies just in case! Natural isn't so bad, just need to learn to breathe and focus. But, I know that an epidural was totally in the plan for you.</p> <p>I wish I could help! lol...if I lived near you, I'd totally be marching into that office with you, demanding tests, lol.</p> <p>When do you go back to your ob again?</p> <p>I'm sure it'll all work out, but I can understand how things not going as planned is very scary! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537595 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:17:46 +0000 FarmWifeGina 537595@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My labors were 26 and 25 hours long. Sure, that's a concern, but it really happens very rarely. I voiced the same concern to my midwife in the middle of the 7 hard, hard hours that it took to get from 7 cm. to 10 and she was so encouraging, said I would definitely have the strength to push when it came, things were not going to stall because I was tired. And she was completely right. When it comes to pushing itself, you get a whole new surge of energy. Unless maybe you've been in labor for 50 hours or something. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537587 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:11:58 +0000 Adira 537587@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@FarmWifeGina: Thank you for your insight!! I think one of the things I'm afraid of with an unmedicated birth is just becoming too exhausted and not being able to progress and ending up having to have a c-section, whereas getting an epidural might give me a chance to rest to get my energy back up. Though I guess it will depend on how long the labor lasts! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537565 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:03:44 +0000 FarmWifeGina 537565@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Oh, and a doula is a great idea. Of course, I'm training to be a doula, so obviously I'm going to say that, haha. And the plus side of being without an epi is that you get to be mobile during labor and that makes handling your contractions so much easier, as well as makes your labor more efficient. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537563 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 19:02:09 +0000 FarmWifeGina 537563@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Your OB office DOES totally suck! I would be so mad! And probably looking for a care provider, although it seems like a little late now.<br /> But if it makes you feel better, I'm also a total wuss when it comes to pain and I've had TWO unmedicated deliveries. It's dang tough, but you breathe and keep yourself from freaking out and go through one contraction at a time and you get through it, you really do. I will confess that I've asked for medication (during both my home birth and my hospital birth) but that was transition talking and my babies were born within a short amount of time. And once I get the urge to push, the vast majority of the pain goes away. Granted, it's not like that for every woman, but for a lot of women that have unmedicated labors they find that to be the case. At least, some reduction of pain. Hope it works out for you, if you're able to get your epi or not! And just know that the contractions cannot be stronger than you because they ARE you! That's YOUR body, doing what is needed to get your baby out! Also keep telling yourself, no one's ever died from the pain of a contraction. ;) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537287 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:39:20 +0000 Adira 537287@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@T-Mom: Oooh, I'm happy to hear about your friend!!! That gives me encouragement!! The good thing about NOT getting an epidural though will be that I'll hopefully still be able to move around and stuff, which I would like, so maybe this is a blessing in disguise! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537228 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 16:21:21 +0000 T-Mom 537228@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I'm sorry to hear about all this! If it is any consolation, a good friend of mine ended up having a natural birth and she has the lowest pain tolerance ever. I mean really. So not that it will come to that, but in case it does, your body knows what to do! I hope it all works out! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537126 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:50:05 +0000 Adira 537126@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@MamaMoose: Yes, I do partly blame myself. I guess I just wasn't thinking? I have no idea what's wrong with me. I'm able to view all my test results on-line, and I always make sure to check them out once they have been uploaded, but I just didn't realize the platelet count wasn't being listed - despite all my blood tests, they were never actually testing for it. I guess out of sight out of mind? I think because my platelets were so high last time they were checked (100,000 - I had never seen them that high before), I kind of just assumed everything was going to be hunky-dory! It wasn't until this last appointment where we found out they were 40,000 that I realized they've probably been dropping all this time and no one realized! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537108 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:47:00 +0000 MamaMoose 537108@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>While I think it's really upsetting that they didn't check on this, I'm a little surprised that with all your blood draws you never asked them what your platlet count was. If I knew I had this issue I would definitely want to stay informed on where I stood rather than just trusting that the doctor was checking the number and was happy with where it was at. I think it's really important to be your own best advocate when it comes to your health. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537038 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:31:23 +0000 Adira 537038@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@mrsmenow: haha, awesome, thanks!! I did read somewhere that the steroids may only take 2 weeks to work, so maybe that's what my hematologist is thinking. I think once I have my blood drawn on Friday, I'll be calling up EVERY DAY to be like "Are the results in? What are my platelets? Have you sent my results to Dr. _____'s office?" and then calling my hematologist every day to find out what the plan is! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-537015 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:23:53 +0000 mrsmenow 537015@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Adira: You can get a platelet transfusion immeadiately prior to the surgery if you need. Unfortunately with ITP your body will quickly breakdown those platelets as well. The steriods should help boost your platelets fairly quickly. Good luck!</p> <p>ETA: Yes your OB's office stinks, that was really dangerous that they didn't at least check them. I want to hit them for you:) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536940 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 15:05:35 +0000 Adira 536940@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@ladyfingers: I'm not positive, but I believe if there's an emergency, you can get platelet infusions. That could be why my hematologist wasn't totally worried?</p> <p>@mrskc: Ugh, I know, right? I was totally frustrated when talking to the secretary on the phone. She was all "Well, we can't schedule an appointment until someone orders it..." I wanted to scream! At this point, my appointment is on Friday morning, so I might as well wait. It's unlikely to make any difference if they take my blood tomorrow vs Friday. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536927 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:57:59 +0000 mrskc 536927@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, I'm really sorry. I think you should call them back and ask for the bloodwork today and have it rushed. This just seems so ridiculous that they haven't been monitoring it. Why can't the doc just order your bloodwork for you over the phone? You should not have to wait to see him to get the bloodwork done. So sorry! I hope you get this resolved soon. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536897 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:48:49 +0000 tororojo 536897@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow, that really sucks. But if you needed an emergency c-section, isn't that not really optional regardless of platelet count? I assume they would give you something then for clotting or whatever else is the concern from having low platelets... I think you're justified in raising a big stink and it probably wouldn't hurt to read up on methods of coping with pain, just in case. Also I wouldn't put too much hope in I/V meds--they did nothing for me with kidney stone pain during pregnancy so I can't imagine them working better for labor! Plus they turn them down before you push. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536893 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:46:44 +0000 ladyfingers 536893@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow! I agree, I would push to have this done now, and to be put on steroids immediately as a prophylactic measure in the meantime. What happens if there's a true emergency that requires a C-section? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536849 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:30:25 +0000 mama_byrd 536849@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>There is no reason to wait until your next appt to raise a stink about this. Call your OB office and have them do a blood draw today! Then at your appt, take the time to calmly and rationally explain your concerns and how they can help you plan for your needs over the next many weeks until you deliver. Come with written questions and leave with clear notes - your end and their end. Now's the time to be proactive about your health concerns... You can do it! :)</p> <p>As far as labor/birth preparation, posters above are right... Your wishes for a certain kind of birth might not happen. If you start to prepare now for pain management, and if you end up not able to get an epidural, you and your partner will at least have some tips/techniques prepared. Do not rely on the nursing staff to be able to fully guide and support you in this arena... Depending on what's going on in L&amp;D the day you are in labor, someone might be able to support you with pain management techniques -or- they might be so busy with births, that there is no one able to stay close, but only check in periodically. What would you do in between each hour that they come into check in with you, when contractions are coming every couple minutes?? If you aren't prepared, you will be panicking and freaking out most likely. Having the confidence that you can handle the pain thru positioning, calming techniques, massage, pressure points, what movements can help, visualization... all this things can and will help you, but you have to learn them first to know what to pick/choose what works for you when your time comes.</p> <p>Since you are already well into your 3rd trimester, what about contacting a doula to come to your house and do some one-to-one tutoring with you on birth preparation? Schedule 1-2 sessions with just you two, and another 1-2 sessions for yourself + partner with her so she can do labor support techniques with you. </p> <p>Better yet, consider hiring a doula for your birth, if you are open to it, as a doula's main mission is to stay at your side and support you (and your partner) during labor and delivery alongside your birth team of nurses and OB. You can't depend on a nurse to be available, though it is sometimes possible, there is no guarantee. Why not set this up for self to have for sure?</p> <p>Best wishes for more support these next coming weeks from your birth team! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536823 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:23:27 +0000 Mrs.Someone 536823@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Yikes, I totally see why you're freaking out, I would be too! If I were you, I'd insist that the hematologist prescribe the steroids NOW (does he realize how far along you are?) And if he won't, do some searching for best hematologists in your area and see a different one ASAP. Considering that you can technically go into labor at any time, it seems that they should be preparing you for it immediately... </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536813 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:19:33 +0000 Adira 536813@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@keiki_mama: I will, for sure!!</p> <p>@Mrsbells: I do know that the hospital offers other types of medication, but I'm not as familiar with them. My best friends swears by one of the pain meds she was given, but she also said it made her loopy and have hallucinations, and I'd rather not be out of it if possible. I'll definitely be asking about my options though! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/vent-my-ob-office-sucks#post-536810 Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:17:42 +0000 Mrsbells 536810@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Wow sorry about this. are there other pain control meds you can take in place of an epidural? I know friends who have had pain meds givien through their IV. </p>