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Pregnancy

Given Conflicting Advice - just a bit of a ramble/rant really

3 replies

OompaLumpa · 21/01/2011 18:14

Had an appointment today to see a consultant at my hospital, arranged by the mw earlier this week, because my ferritin levels were "dangerously"low.
things didn't start well when i got told off by the really miserable receptionist for not bringing a urine sample with me. My explanation that i wasn't aware i needed one were met with a loud huff and an instruction to sit until i need to go, felt like a naughty school girl.
Saw the consultant, well i assume it was him as he didn't introduce himself and just came in and started talking to me, and he seemed far more interested in my asthma than my blood results. I told him what mw had told me and he told me that he now had results from bloods taken wednesday which showed ferritin levels have dropped again to 19. But when i asked why this was happening when i was taking the supplements he was very blase and just said that is what happens when you're pregnant! he said not to take the Spatone stuff that the mw had mentioned on top of the ferrous sulphat and continue as i was. I asked him to explain why that was enough if my levels continue to drop and he couldn't. I said i was feeling quite rough - insomnia, headaches, nausea and breathlessness etc and it was like i hadn't spoken.
he had a listen to my chest and said that i have reduced air entry to my right lung and was i feeling more asthma symptoms. I tried to explain yes, i was more breathless but had put that down (as i had been told) to being pg, and then to being a bit anaemic and he said, don't just put it down to being pregnant! in a way as if i was really stupid. I had mentioned it to mw and was going on what she told me and i guess i feel a bit confused and fed up as feel like each person i talk to i get different advice.
I asked him if i would still be ok for a home birth and he said no. no explanation or niceities, just no.
wants to see me next week but in the meantime wants me to "suspend" my flight plans but my boss will not be happy with this, and as he is already unhappy with me for being pg and i am in the process of trying to apply for a promotion that has come up, this effectively writes me off.
Oh and our heating and hot water broke down on Wednesday and they still can't fix it! i said to doc this might be affecting my breathing a bit as the house is freezing and it was like i hadn't said anything, he just carried on writing.
sorry this all sounds a bit pathetic but am just feeling frustrated that i don't feel i am getting consistent advice and instead, i have to keep repeating my "story" or history and still they tell me different things!
grrr.
Ok, Rant over Smile

OP posts:
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1Catherine1 · 21/01/2011 18:44

Confused

You seem to be having a rough time atm. Don't let the doctors dictate to you if you and baby aren't in danger. Ask for a second opinion, it is your right. If you are still unsatisfied ask to speak to a supervisor. This sort of treatment in unacceptable.

Remember it is your pregnancy, your baby and your healthcare.

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Flisspaps · 21/01/2011 18:47

Can I just add, he cannot tell you that you can't have a home birth. That is your decision to make once you have weighed up all the information, not his.

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trixie123 · 21/01/2011 19:11

thats really crap. Why don't you see if there is another consultant you can see and go through it with him, or have a chat with your GP? Also, Flisspaps is right he can't "forbid" a home birht although obviously if there is a genuine risk it might be a good idea to consider alternatives (midwife led unit maybe?)

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