New Morning New Mercies

New Morning New Mercies - a great quote from my friend that I rely on frequently!

After receiving quite a bit of love and concern after my doctor experience yesterday I wanted to post an update:

I took the night and morning to gather my thoughts.  To read and re-read my gut reaction post that I wrote yesterday, and try to decipher how I felt about my initial emotions. Yesterday was hard, and not because of what the doctor told me at my appointment, but because of how she told me, and how little I understood.  So I took the encouragement of moms and sisters and friends, and did some calling.

My first call was to the Specialist at Maternal Fetal Medicine. Essentially they cannot consult on the phone and they cannot see me without a recommendation for an ultrasound, and I'm not scheduled to see them until December 18.  They only consult at the time of the appointment, and all other concerns they differ back to your OB.  There are holes in this logic but before I pushed harder, I wanted to try my other idea.

I began thinking and I have not always felt ill about my OB office. I have ALWAYS disliked seeing different physicians at each visit, but many times they have been MORE concerned than me and advised me well.  So I put a call in to get a second opinion about my apt yesterday, as well as consult about the care I will be receiving next week.

Melody is the the OB coordinator at my regular OB office and gets 5 gold stars for the day. I called and ask the front office to speak with someone to help me understand my previous apt, and possibly get a second opinion. It was Melody who returned my call shortly. She has always been helpful on the phone, and the few times I've called with questions, she has helped me understand the situation, and 3 or 4 of the times offered for me to come in for an ultrasound (even though I have only taken her up on it once) I shared my pain and the diagnosis of ligament pain.  I also let her know that I was aware a lot of it was ligament, but it did not seem like a full explanation.  I also shared that I wanted to know how sure I could be that the pain and the wound area were not related.  (could something be happening in relation to the wound are that would result in pain)  She asked numerous questions - understanding the type of pain, the location of the pain, its timing...etc.  After quite a bit of conversation, she had these thoughts:  

Because of the x-rays she was looking at, the position and size of the baby, my status of irritable uterus, and pain I was describing the pain is probably two fold...ligament pain, as well as strength of baby and condition of my uterus etc. Things are unfortunately uncomfortable but relatively safe.  If the discomfort near my cervix EVER makes me feel the urge to push...call immediately.  If I spot again, call immediately and also if my pain ever makes me double up - CALL.  Lastly, if my wound area gets more damaged, or if a new bleed occurs, it will probably not be something that I feel.

My apt next week is with the ultrasound tech Lori and I have always liked her.  Melody informed me that Lori previously worked as a tech for specialists in Maternal Fetal Medicine, and is the best for the job.  I knew I liked her, I just didn't know her qualifications!

The follow up is not with an official OB, but she is who Melody personally favors, and has more experience than most.  She shared that she has great compassion, communication and insight, and would be the best for the situation.  I trust Melody (because she was honest about other people and why she wouldn't advise them), so I am encouraged for the appointment.

So all that to say that although my situation may seem the same on paper when ya'll read it, the communication I received was much improved and makes sense to me.  Instead of feeling like, "you're fine - go home", I feel understanding for why i'm not feeling great, and clarity of when to go back in.  I also feel excited for the appointment next week.

Thanks again for your concern and prayers.  Love you all!