About being subjected to an unnecessary pregnancy test?

[RevoltingPeasant]

I strongly suspect IABU, or at least overly prickly, but....

I have to have renal surgery soon. When I met with the consultant earlier this week, he said, 'By the way, I should tell you that I will perform a pregnancy test before going ahead with the surgery. So just weeing into a cup.'

Now, I know that I cannot possibly be pregnant due to some issues that DP has that mean we are not now in a position to conceive. I said I knew I could not be pregnant, but it didn't seem to matter.

Probably I am just het up about the surgery and therefore letting my feelings cloud my judgement, but I feel like I am not an idiot, I know I'm not PG, so why do I have to take a test to prove it? The NHS is all about patient dignity and respect, even to the extent of chaperoning me when I am examined by a male doctor , so why can't they take my word when I say I haven't had sex in 6 mos?

Obviously I will not say anything - I'm not going to waste the surgeon's time with objections - but AIBU to think this is a waste of resources and a bit demeaning?

[piprabbit]

I think that the OP has been put into a horrible position. She is obviously worried about her operation (understandably so) and is also dealing with all the grief and upset that can come from finding yourself in a sexless relationship (even if it is nobodies fault).

Being pushed to have a pregnancy test seems to be bringing all those issues to the surface, making it raw and painful. Plus there can be a feeling of humiliation in feeling forced to discuss details of your intimate life, only to feel that your explanation is poo-poo'd by the consultant.

The consultant obviously has to do the checks he needs to do in order to ensure that the operation is as safe and smooth as possible. But the OP is not unreasonable to want to be treated with sensitivity and respect.

(Being asked to do an HIV test and a chlamydia test immediately prior to having an operation for an ectopic pregnancy, just added an extra layer of hurt to the emotional pain I was experiencing. Logically I knew why I needed to be tested from the hospital's POV, but it was really just something else I found very hard to cope with. Not only was I failing my DH by being unable to carry his child - but would he now also think I had been sleeping with other people, or would I find that he had been having an affair. The experience was ghastly but necessary).

[KoolAidKid]

I had a laparoscopy recently for infertility and still had to provide a smaple for testing even though there was no chance of me being pregnant. They even took a sample from the 56 year old women in the bed next to me! I think it's a tick box exercise to cover themselves.

[RevoltingPeasant]

piprabbit yes, thanks :) I don't know that I feel 'horrible' about it, I don't think it has got to that stage yet, but yes, this consultant at first seemed to assume that I was single, then that I was gay because I used the term 'partner' and then when I explained about my DP's condition, which might well result in us not being able to have DCs, it did feel a bit like 'Yeah yeah whatever'.

But I am not having a pop at doctors, and this consultant is really good at what he does and I'm grateful to have him, otherwise I might be losing my kidney rather than just having a operation on it.

And I guess if I ever do become PG I will have to put up with much more crap than this, so will zip it....

[chipmonkey]

YABU because the onus is on him, not you, to make sure you are not pregnant. If you were, it would be him that got sued, not you.

[Journey]

Agree with chipmonkey.

[passiveaggresive]

I think blanket preg test is the way to go because that way you dont have to ask patient sensitive questions like, so Mrs X are you getting it on lately. I do however think if those were the words he chose then he needs to adjust his bedside manner.

Good luck with the surgery and i wish you a speedy recovery

[CheeseandPickledOnion]

You can't expect them to take your word for it. They have to test to cover themselves and ensure your safety.

[thaigreencurry]

A similar thing happened to me when I visited my GP to discuss the absence of my periods after giving birth to ds1. She initially refused to take blood tests until I took a pregnancy test. I told her that pregnancy was impossible as I hadn't had sex since conceiving ds1. She did eventually back down. I was really annoyed at the time as she was obviously implying that I was a liar.

[AmazingBouncingFerret]

YABU It's just standard procedure for all women who are about to have surgery. You get showered with your medicated anti bac shower gel stuff that stinks, you pee into cup and put your paper knickers on.

But.. OP I am now 9 weeks post op of a huge operation and in the run up to it I worried and stressed about the silliest things. I think it was my way of coping. Worrying about the little things rather than the big.

Goodluck with your operation. I hope all goes well and you make a speedy recovery.

[redrollers]

yabv sensitive about it, but understandably so
don't sweat it, it's peeing into a cup for their procedures.

[mamadoc]

Well I'm a Dr and I agree with the OP.
You can't in fact be made to have any test against your will.
I explain the reasons for doing stuff to my patients and risks of not doing so. If they refuse I document that fact and what I told them and if it were very important maybe get them to countersign it.
Your surgeon is afraid of being sued which does happen not infrequently if a pregnancy test is not offered. If a baby is born alive but damaged it will cost the NHS an awful lot of money. It is absolutely right of him to offer it but absolutely your right to refuse as long as you accept the consequence if you are wrong.

[RevoltingPeasant]

Thanks ABF and rr

Hope you are recovering okay...