debriefing check up appointment... arrgh I cant stand medical institutions!!

[tinkerbelle]

And so I went for my second scan today. I hate the fact that I have to have more than usual in the first place (to check my cervix length as I've had surgery on it).. because I wanted to keep scans to a minimum during my pregnancy. I've decided on the 20 week anatomy scan and that's it!!
So I ask at the u/s clinic today if they can just scan the cervix and avoid the baby. What a nightmare and absolute battle to get what I wanted!!
"We don't do cervix scans without checking the baby" (Why? - I have an anatomy scan booked at 20 wks, why do you need to check the baby now?)
"Oh I have to run it by the doctor as we dont do that"
"Dont you want to see if your baby is alive?" (Ah, noo.. its keeping me awake every night with its movements)
" Dont you realise that u/s can tell if the baby has down syndrome (Ah.. yes, I have decided not to have that test)..
"Oh well, you realise you are going to have to have a vaginal u/s" (Um, sorry but I wont be going through that again after the repeated transvaginal ultrasounds caused me post traumatic stress and panic attacks when I had to have them last time for an ovary problem - you can take the picture from the outside as the obstetrician said this would be fine!!). SHe literally almost through the covering sheet at me by this point.
"Well we wont be able to get as clear a picture from on top of abdomen" (Takes ultrasound) "Anyway, your cervix is showing that its long and closed"
(Great, thanks for your understanding!)
Oh... what an appointment. And I have another one in two weeks time to check the cervix again, lets hope I dont have another repeat of this!!
Im thinking of asking my GP to refer me to a local ultrasound clinic for the next check of the cervix and paying for it to avoid this drama!

[Loula]

sorry you are having this stress.

I had my cervix checked at 12 wweks, 16 weeks and 20 weeks all were vaginal US as it is the best way to get a measurement. Not the most comfortable at that late stage but it eased my worry.

Im glad your scan results were good and hope you dont get asked again at 20 weeks

[tinkerbelle]

Thanks Loula.. its not the nicest thing to have to think about.. Ive just been very particular about not wanting to go through vaginal ultrasounds again because they REALLY traumatised me last time (I think I had 6 or 7 in the space of 2 weeks or something, coz they couldn't find out what was wrong with me).. I dont want those old feelings coming back up with baby!!
I guess I also should have titled my post "arrggh, I cant stand the medical model!!).. its not the medical institutions I cant stand... its just the medical model "we know best, never mind what you think" approach that I can't stand from certain medical professionals..

[BrightSparkles]

Hope the next one is better for you. xx

[*Beema*]

I have just had another cervix length today, unfortunately I have had more than 10 internal scans already this pregnancy and generally my OB does a quick check on bub at the same time, but she is monitoring my placenta, fluid levels and earlier on in the pregnancy the loss of a twin.

I have to agree with the reasoning behind the internal over the external for the cervix length, because at one of my scans my cervix showed 2cm on the external, yet in reality is was 3.6 cm, which when it comes to cervix length is a massive difference. My OB said that the internal is much more accurate.

While it isn't the best, I prefer the monitoring as when I was losing the twin in was 2.2cm, so very short for early in pregnancy and it had been fluctuating and we were quite close to needed a stitch, but todays scan showed that it had lengthened. After having a prem if I can avoid having an earlier prem and monitoring my cervix is one of the things I certainly chose to to that, because if we can see early signs of delivery and prevent it it can seriously make a massive difference.

I was hoping to avoid extra scans this pregnancy, but it isn't going to happen in my case.....

I hope your next experience is better xxoo

[Alan]

Hi Tinkerbell

Have you considered trying to check your own cervix?
Not everyone can do this but considering all the cr@p you are being put through it may be worth trying. Being that you now know that your cervix is ‘long and closed’ now would be a good time to try.

[HotI]

Tink, Sorry you are having issues. I hope next time your choices are respected without as many hassles.

take care,

Kate

[tinkerbelle]

Thanks everyone for your kind words.. Alan - I had not thought of that, but you have a point, thanks, I will have a think about that one..