Should I Switch Doctors?

Updated on February 02, 2008
K.B. asks from Arlington, TX
18 answers

I need some advice Mama's. I apologize in advance for the length of this question. It's impossible to ask without giving you the background. My husband and mother-in-law really want me to change doctors, but I'm not sure if I should. They say too many things were neglected for me to be sure to get the best of care w/my current doctor. We lost our precious twin girls this past October. I was 5 mos pregnant and my water broke. When I got to the hospital, my Dr. did not order antibiotics. I woke up the next morning with a raging infection. When we did the sonogram late that morning, there were no heartbeats. We delivered that afternoon and the infection went away. I continued to bleed for almost 3 months after delivery. By the end of November I had passed two large masses of tissue, which we determined to be remaining tissue from the birth, but the Dr wasn't concerned by it, and didn't order a sonogram, etc to see if more tissue remained and if I needed a D&C. I had regular appointments with my Dr during this time, but we always had such other pressing things to deal with, we never really touched on the bleeding, although I did tell her I was still bleeding. She finally advised me to start taking the pill again and maybe that would regulate my bleeding. I did finally stop bleeding at what should have been the end of my cycle that month. When it came time for my next cycle, I started bleeding a week early, and then during my period week, I passed another large mass of tissue. This is 3 1/2 months out from the delivery and I'm still passing tissue. I had one sonogram last week to see if we could determine if there was any more tissue, but since I was on my period, we weren't able to tell. So, I have another sonogram scheduled for tomorrow to see if we can tell. I am thinking about trying to have a baby again. We did find out a major cause for both of my late-term pregnancy losses (I lost my first 7 yrs ago), and it is treatable. I consulted w/my Dr and am also going to be seeing a specialist, but my husband still wants me to switch my regular doctor. I have been a little concerned about some of the things my Dr did not do during this whole process, but I wasn't sure if I was looking at it all objectively or not. (same w/my husband and family). Please let me know what you might do if you were in my situation. Thanks in advance!

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J.S.

answers from Dallas on

Always go with your gut! When you first have a qualm about something, immediately change it. It's a big red flag that you're already asking advice about seeing another doctor. That means you should change docs immediately.

I've felt that 1 doc of mine wasn't taking my health seriously after I had severe complications when giving birth. I immediately changed docs, & I'm glad I did it.

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C.O.

answers from Wichita Falls on

certainly see the specialist first and see what he has to say, write down everything you want to ask before you go so you dont forget anything!!! take everything he says discuss it with your husband, and the two of you should make the decision together. if i don't feel completely comfortable with the previous dr. i would look into changing

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C.S.

answers from Amarillo on

I sure would switch. I think it is important to feel 100% comfortable with the person caring for you while you are caring for an unborn child. You have to feel good enough to put all of your lives in their hands. I am truly sorry for the loss of your babies. You seem like a strong lady just by reading your question. God bless you as you try to concieve another child. And good luck finding another doctor if that is what you decide to do. :)

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L.D.

answers from Houston on

Absolutely change doctors. You need to see a specialist. They probably should have stiched your sack to keep the twins in place full term. You need to find a doctor that deals with these issues on a daily basis. My children are grown so I can't refer anyone to you but please check this out ASAP. And...get many referrals.

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R.

answers from Dallas on

Change Doctors! Some of the things that your Doc did/didn't do just don't sound right. For your peace of mind, and that of your hubby, I say switch! JMO. God Bless You!

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K.D.

answers from Dallas on

I am a RN and would definately change physicians. You have already suffered so much. Although your docotor most likely did not intentionally seem to be so unconcerned, maybe you were not fully explained the rationale for the problems that you were experiencing and the treatment modalities that would be required for your care. You definately need to feel comfortable w/your physicaian and deserve explinations as to what, why, and your options for treatment. Your new physician will be able to obtain all your medical records from your previous physican by you simiply signing some required paperwork. A new physician for you should have no problem taking you on as a patient. Good Luck to you, I am very sorry for your losses.

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J.G.

answers from San Antonio on

I am so sorry for your losses. Changing drs is up to you, me personally if i am not 100% ok with the dr (i mean from the front receptionest, drs., and nurses everyone there) i change even for my kiddos. In my opinion if you dont there is always going to be that thought maybe he/she doesnt understand or know what im talking about ect. As far as the d&c my sister had 2 miscarriages around 4 1/2 months (both times), she delivered the baby herself ect., but the doc had her do that d&c both times, and was always checking on her, ect, but i do know that he said some people dont need to have it done bc they can do it themselves and some need the help, but it is always better to be safe and do it anyway. I hope this helps you and your hubby, Good luck on trying to concieve again and may God Bless You and Your Family!!

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K.A.

answers from Dallas on

You need a doctor you are comfortable with and fully trust. I would get some recommendations and check out some new doctors. I would think your next pregnancy would be considered high risk based on your past and should be treated as such from the beginning. Passing large masses of tissue after delivery is one thing my doctor to look out for and to call immediately if that occurred. I have used Dr. William Maxwell for both of my pregnancies and love him. He is at Harris Downtown. There are several other doctors in his practice. Definitely explain your prior situation to any new potential doctors and gauge their reactions. Good luck!

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D.B.

answers from El Paso on

I'm so sorry this happened to you! Not only to have lost your precious baby girls, but I can't believe your doctor didn't order an ultrasound right away!

I would have to agree with your husband and mother-in-law; it sounds like your doctor has bitten off more than she can chew and is unable to give you the attention you need.

The best of luck to you, in finding a new doctor and in delivering a healthy baby next time!

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K.B.

answers from Houston on

First of all, I am so sorry for this ordeal and your loss. My first pregnancy ended in miscarriage at 6 weeks. I told my doctor I would prefer to pass the embryo naturally. At my follow up visit she did an ultrasound and saw there was still some mass/tissue in my uterus. So she recommended a D&C to ensure we cleaned me out since my body did not fully pass the entire embryo. Given my experience you situation doesn't sound quite right. At a minimum, I would suggest you go to another doctor for a consultation and explain the situation and ask how they would have handled it. Get a copy of medical file and bring it with you. This might give you the reassurance that you are looking for to find a new dr. Good luck and God bless you and your angels.

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A.V.

answers from Beaumont on

I would find another doctor and let them know what has been going on and see what they want to do.

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A.K.

answers from Dallas on

K.,
My heart goes out to you and your husband first and foremost. I must say that I ABSOLUTELY agree with your hubby on this one. Ditch your current OB and start fresh with a list of recommended OB's and interview a couple. I honestly think that finding a good OB that you trust and that will make time for you is as important as finding a good husband! I can reccomend my OB in Fort Worth at Harris Southwest - he is an angel! I had a threatened miscarriage with my first child and we started progesterone right away and my beautiful boy is almost 4 now. I had 10+ sono's with both of my babies because of my history, yet I know people in high risk pregnancies that have had less! He is really caring and wonderful! His name is Dr. Steven Suba. I have seen almost all of his partners in his practice at some point in my pregnancy with all of the complications and they were all GREAT! Good luck and may God bless you and your family.

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E.L.

answers from Dallas on

Hi K.,
I think that that is unprofessional, careless and I am very sorry for your loss! If you are blessed with another full term pregnancy, I would switch Doctors.

My Dr. personally delivered both of my boys even though the other two ladies in her practice were actually on call. She even left a special dinner with her parents to deliver my second.

She is very thorough and when I had excessive bleeding after my second (enormous clot), she ordered a nurse to stay with me until I passed it and checked me every 10 minutes until I stopped. My husband and I were grateful for the attention. She personally checked on me every morning and called me at home to follow-up!

I am sure that this experience was very traumatic for you and your husband, I am sorry that you were treated this way!

Please let me know if you would like more information.

Good Luck!
E.

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S.B.

answers from Dallas on

By the sounds of it, you have already made your decision to change. I say go with your gut instinct on this one. I use Dr. John Jeffers and think he's wonderful. There are alot of other docs out there, do your research and find one quick.
Good luck to you!

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J.P.

answers from Dallas on

I think this is one of those situations that you should follow your gut. You have been through enough heartache. Maybe meeting with another "potential" Doc(s) and explaining your unique situation and that you are really needing a Doc you can openly communicate with and that is very thorough would help. You deserve exceptional healthcare, especially in your situation. I know it is difficult, but rather you stay with your current Doc or get a knew one, you need to voice your concerns and demand the kind of care that you deserve. I hope this helps you in your decision. Good luck!!

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M.S.

answers from Dallas on

What your doc did (and didn't do) certainly doesn't sound exactly right. I would change in a heartbeat. However, if you are not sure, maybe you could have a consultation (I know some docs will do this) with another OB (whoever would be your choice if you did change), see how you like him/her and go from there. Is it possible you have the feeling you should change docs, but maybe are scared of starting over with someone new? If it's possible to have a consultation, you will be able to get a feel for that doc and how you like his/her personality, professional demeanor, etc, before deciding to see him/her on a patient status.

Good luck and God bless. So sorry to hear of your losses.

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T.S.

answers from Houston on

Please switch Doctors. Leaving tissue from a miscarriage in the uterus can cause infections that can lead to infertility, hemorrhaging and death. The physician should have examined you after your miscarriage to ensure that all tissue had been evacuated. My prayers are with you and your family. God Bless.

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M.H.

answers from Lubbock on

First off I'm very sorry for your losses.

I'm horrified that your doctor didn't monitor your HCG counts. Realistically since you were 5 months along there shouldn't have been any tissue left since you delivered. They would have checked the placenta to make sure it (they) was intact. I know with postpartum bleeding it's very possible to bleed for that long.

As far as the current period after childbirth my cycle has always been weird for about a year. I would have your HCG levels checked just to ensure nothing out of the ordinary is going on!

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