[KJDpreggo]

I am a new member, but have read alot of the old posts here. I am NOT asking for medical advice, as I know that is not allowed. I simply want to know how people who have significant knowledge of the healthcare sytem would react to my situtation.
I am 33 wks pregnant with my first child. I was refered to a perinatologist due to a possible problem with my baby's kidneys. The perinatologists come from OOT 1-2 days per week and I see them at the hospital I will deliver at. My first appt with them went fine. They said the problem could not be diagnosed until after birth, but wanted to watch the kidneys for change. At my second appt, the nurse commented on my BP being high. I told her that I tend to have higher BP's in a medical office, and that I had be taking a decongestant for 4 days(OB approved). I also explained that I check my BP at home regularly & it is normal. The dr said at that visit that the next visit would probably be the last, if everything remained stable. This was a different dr than the 1st visit, and he was much more personable and explained things better to us. At the 3rd visit, the nurse was waiting in the hall for me when I arrived (15 mins early). She took my BP after I had been walking for at least 15mins straight. I literally never slowed down until she was putting the cuff on my arm. BP was 134/89. We saw the original dr again, and he wanted another visit due to 'low normal amniotic fluid'. After discussion, he agreed that that visit would be my last if everything was stable. No discussion of BP or anything else. Two days later I get a phone call from my OB's nurse to set up a BPP & NST, as ordered by the perinatologist. I questioned this & she said the chart indicated that he had discussed this with me, and that I understood it. I refused to schuedule the test until talking w/ the perinatologists. After calling & leaving a voice mail for the perinatology nurse, I decided the go to the hospital & request copies of my records from these visits. I found nurmerous errors, and that the perinatologist had diagnosed me w/ chronic hypertension without discussing anything with me! He ordered the BPP & NST every week from now on based on this. Now, 2 days later I still have no answers from perinatology, and my OB has threatned to drop me from the practice if I don't have the tests done next week. BTW, there are basically no other options for OB care in this area. I have the next visit w/ perinatology & my OB the following week. Sorry for writing a book, but I am very upset at what is going on. These tests are stressful and expensive. So far I have had 8 u/s and I have at least 3 more to go. I've gotten to the point where I dread going to them, which I think is sad. BTW, I have had zero complaints my entire pregnancy. I hate that I feel so much better than most PG women, but go to the dr constantly.

[LizzyL&DRN]

While we cannot offer any medical advice I will say this. Why not get the NSTs and BPPs? These are completely non invasive tests and will only ensure the well being of you and your baby. There is no pain involved with either of these tests. Maybe a little inconvenience for yourself to go weekly but isn't that worth the health and well being of you and your baby? Good Luck to you.
PS: Why not ask for a special appt with the doc to discuss your concerns?

[elizabells]

I agree. You may not like the way the doctor went about it, and you have a right to be mad. But is it worth it, to stand on the principle of your anger? Sometimes even jerky doctors are right, medically speaking.

[morte]

i think, perhaps, that the OPs point is that the BP readings are potentially not accurate....and she state the tests are expensive...perhaps she is self pay?.....if not, having insurance pay for something that is not needed is fraud....

[KJDpreggo]

Thank you for the replies so far.

Yes, due to crappy insurance, these additional tests are self pay. Also, I have to miss at least 2 hours of work to have them done....and this assumes that I begin my appt on time. The total cost to have them every week as required will be over $2000. Also, to those who argue to 'just have it done' - would you request these additional tests if you did not have any risk factors to need them? Most people would not, and I feel I am being blackmailed into having them by my OB. I am going to discuss the situation with my OB, but she is OOT until the following week, so I have no opportunity to talk to her until after the first tests have to been done to keep from being dismissed from the practice. I hope this makes the situation a little clearer.

[morte]

Originally Posted by KJDpreggo

Thank you for the replies so far.

Yes, due to crappy insurance, these additional tests are self pay. Also, I have to miss at least 2 hours of work to have them done....and this assumes that I begin my appt on time. The total cost to have them every week as required will be over $2000. Also, to those who argue to 'just have it done' - would you request these additional tests if you did not have any risk factors to need them? Most people would not, and I feel I am being blackmailed into having them by my OB. I am going to discuss the situation with my OB, but she is OOT until the following week, so I have no opportunity to talk to her until after the first tests have to been done to keep from being dismissed from the practice. I hope this makes the situation a little clearer.

shucks, had hoped i wasnt correct on that one.....and i would wonder if that would be considered abandonment by the doc?

[Bree124]

No advice, but I really don't think that your OB practice can drop you so late in the pregnancy, especially if there are no other reasonably close options for care.

As for the necessity of the tests, you need to make an appt and talk with the peri, or even your OB, about your concerns. None of us can offer insight into this, as it is definitely a medical question (whether or not you should have the testing done), and you need to be on the same page as your practitioner.

Good luck!

[jrring1019]

The question is "what would you think of this?" I would think that the doctors recommendations are appropriate based on the findings of low amniotic fluid and high (at least borderline) BP's. The tests are non-invasive, and may reassure both you and the doc. Personally, I can't imagine not having the tests done IMHO.

[LizzyL&DRN]

Originally Posted by KJDpreggo

Thank you for the replies so far.

Yes, due to crappy insurance, these additional tests are self pay. Also, I have to miss at least 2 hours of work to have them done....and this assumes that I begin my appt on time. The total cost to have them every week as required will be over $2000. Also, to those who argue to 'just have it done' - would you request these additional tests if you did not have any risk factors to need them? Most people would not, and I feel I am being blackmailed into having them by my OB. I am going to discuss the situation with my OB, but she is OOT until the following week, so I have no opportunity to talk to her until after the first tests have to been done to keep from being dismissed from the practice. I hope this makes the situation a little clearer.

I see your dilema. I would suggest to make a special appointment with doctor to discuss your concerns. Explain to him your financial hardship. Is there another way to order the tests so that insurance can help with the cost? Perhaps visiting the OB triage nurse (if there is such) to have your NSTs done? The health and well being of you and your baby are extremely important. I can't imagine a doctor not working with you to ensure that.