Private medical information

[Stripedjamma]

I've just come back from my first midwife appointment where we completed two booklets of information about my health, my family history and my partner's.

She then gave me one of the packs and said I need to take it where ever I go especially to appointments.

I clearly wasn't paying attention as I thought all my answers were going on the booklet she was keeping.

I now have a booklet with my HIV status, details of extremely private medical conditions, details of relative's miscarriages and a page that is yet to be filled out (next appointment) with details of sti results.

I loose things all the time. (I even told my midwife who said to try not to loose it as it has everything they need to know on but they can replace if needs be) and things turn up in the most strangest of places.

My landlord often goes into our home and could easily choose to read the booklet, my in-laws are extremely nosey and it only takes me leaving something in a bag and dash out to the loo for them to just sneak a peak and have an opinion...

What is the point in having the privacy of keeping your medical record at your surgery if you then have to carry all the private details around with you each time you become pregnant?

I really don't want the booklet anymore it's getting me so stressed out trying to protect my privacy and it's not even a day later, can I just give it back?

Or at least return the pages that are so so so intrusive and (in my opinion) just need to be with me and my midwifery team.

Is there any other way? Why can't they just read it off my notes held at my gp surgery, why do I need all this responsibility when I'm about to go through baby brain and likely leave this booklet somewhere stupid for everyone to read?!

OP, why are you ignoring all of the replies you’ve received?

Now I speak as a woman who did lose her notes (left them out in a safe place ready to take to parents after Christmas. Scooped them up with wrapping paper. Recycled them . It was DC3, I’d got a lot on!) but you’re being ridiculous about this. Why would someone read your notes other than the people who really need all the info?! Literally every pregnant person has these and it’s not an issue. Put them in a drawer. Job done.

I went into spontaneous labour at 28 weeks.
You may be alone and too out of it to answer any questions relating to your history. They may not have time to contact your GP in an emergency. Treat the folder as you would your newborn. It’ll be good practice by the sounds of it.

Put it in a plastic folder and keep it in your bag. It should be with you all the time anyway! That information is in there for a reason and all the different health professionals you see will need to access that information quickly if necessary as it can impact decisions made about your care.

You are coming across as quite irrational at the moment.

Sorry if wrong end of stick....Just wondering if you misunderstood her comment of 'taking it everywhere'. You don't need to keep it on your person at all times. I am a total scatter brain and mislay all sorts. I keep my notes at home in the cupboard. I write my app. on the calendar and bold note that I need to take my folder. I only take the notes to my appointments. Nobody has had the opportunity to read it as it is hidden away.

My DH works in data protection and paper records are far more secure than electronic these days so just keep them somewhere safe or in another folder rather than the Bounty one so people don't know what they are. You will not forget them for your appointments because they are so necessary.

Having all of the information that's in them is in there for the health of your child as much as you.

I understand your medical history is private but you shouldn't be worried or embarrassed about it in the slightest. If people want to judge you for it, it's more of a reflection on them because the medical staff will have seen much worse and anyone else has no right to go snooping anyway.

why do I need all this responsibility

Ffs. If you can’t be responsible for looking after a book I fear for the baby you’re expecting. Get a grip, you’re a grown up.

Hi OP, if your midwife asked up you all these questions and wrote all the answers in your booklet before explaining that you’d have to take it everywhere with you then I understand your concern. It didn’t give you the chance to talk things through and understand the implications from both sides of having or not having the information written down.

I certainly think, like the others, that you need to set much stricter boundaries with your landlord and relatives. I can well understand that if you and/or your partner are HIV+ and your relatives don’t know then this would be a concern - even if absolutely none of their business. Ditto details of relatives‘ miscarriages as totally without meaning to you could be spreading gossip about others.

I agree in finding a safe place to keep these notes. Perhaps keep in something with some sort of lock or combination if need be.

FWIW, if I were to be in an accident and end up in hospital, they can access my GP SCR which contains my main health info. This is something I have discussed and agreed to as it’s to my benefit.

Whatever your concerns and the reasoning behind them, do talk it through with your midwife, for reassurance as much as anything else on what is most important both for your baby and yourself.

OP as PP have said you are going to have to start taking more responsibility I'm afraid.

Just hide it under your bed or in your pants draw and bring it to your hospital/midwife appts and if you go on holiday. No need to have it on your person constantly or lying around.

However again as PP have said you definitely need to sort you landlord/in law problems

If you can’t take responsibility for a folder of information it raises the questions how you’ll keep track of your baby.

^This. Time to grow up and take responsibility OP

snowflakeeel I might have, I thought she said everywhere so that I take them to work, do the food shop, visit friends/family. Does that seem right?

Yes you take them in your bag where ever you go incase something happens god forbid.

HIVpos thank you for your explanation this is really helpful.

It didn’t give you the chance to talk things through and understand the implications from both sides of having or not having the information written down.

^ this. I will go back and sit with the midwife and go through my concerns like you suggest.

I forgot mine for appointments. Probably repeatedly, tbh.
I certainly didn't take them with me everywhere.

Up until around 20 weeks I just used to keep my notes at home. After this I kept them in the boot of my car, because it was rare that I wasn't in the same place as my car so knew I'd have them if I needed them in an emergency. Is that something you could do if you want them out the way and don't want to forget where they are?

Sorry for the delayed reply @Stripedjamma, I need to change my notification settings! I am on my third and have never kept my notes on my person and have never been encouraged to do so. Only when I reach my last few weeks of pregnancy did I begin to take my notes out with me incase labour started whilst out and about. This time around I haven't forgotten my notes....as yet...and I'm on the home stretch. I am disorganised, however, once you find a routine that suits you (like my 'bold' calendar reminders or perhaps a personal phone message alert) you will feel less worried about forgetting. Also, I often put my notes in the car the night before my app. so when rushing around in the morning with the other dc I don't have to constantly remind myself to pick up on my way out. You'll be fine. Congratulations on your pregnancy.

Thank you so much for all your answers!
zebrapig my partner uses the car for work as I can walk to work. But this would have been a great idea otherwise, thank you.

snowflakeeel I think you're right about routine.

I've just got in touch with my midwife. She said that this is very normal/common for woman to not want their medical details being with them and mislaid and has arranged for me to visit the surgery this week and discuss alternatives.
She explained that with all the baby brain forgetfulness on top of always losing things anyway, I don't need this stress and she'll work with me on a different way of doing things.
Yay!

snowflakeeel and to you! I hope the next few weeks aren't too stressful - not long now!

I’ve just got in touch with my midwife. She said that this is very normal/common for woman to not want their medical details being with them and mislaid and has arranged for me to visit the surgery this week and discuss alternatives.

Excellent news, it’s good your midwife is listening and happy to come up with alternative solutions. It’s important you enjoy your pregnancy with as little stress as possible.

I tried searching for a cheap-ish document wallet that has a combination lock which you could keep your book in but couldn’t find one as that would be good to have - maybe someone else has a suggestion? You can also use features on your phone - I have an emergency number on mine that is accessible to anyone and that person has all details of any health conditions and medications I am on.

Exciting times 😀

You're being ridiculous.
Look after you things like a grown up.