Not sure if I'm getting proper care..

Discussion in 'Pregnancy Help' started by JoellePotter, Jun 12, 2009.

  1. JoellePotter

    JoellePotter Well-Known Member

    So I will try to include all of the details possible. First and foremost, I go to a military hospital because my husband is in the military and that's where we have to go. From the beginning of my pregnancy till about 16 weeks I went to Kaiser because I still had Kaiser through my work, but it's all dependent of hours unlike his insurance. So I switched over to Tricare (military insurance) around 16 weeks. Everything has been going pretty smoothly. I am 22 weeks today. I was strongly worried w/ this hospital that I know I'll deliver at because it's name is Tripler, but nicknamed Tripler the Cripler! People seriously know it as that.. It's been known for quite a few screw ups. Anyways, about 6 weeks ago I first mentioned tons of pelvic pressure and she said it was my round ligament expanding. Fine, that's okay, the pain I had was livable. However within the past 2 weeks the pelvic pressure is unbearable. I can't stand longer than probably 5 minutes before it comes rushing back and makes it hurt to stand, let alone walk. I've always had backaches, but I figured that was normal until a couple days ago when it got so bad that my legs were numb and had shooting pains in them for HOURS! I also have been having contractions for over a week (and they've picked it up on the machine twice because I went to L&D twice). They are about 15-20 minutes apart. They've checked my cervix and it's still closed, but last week it was 4cm long and it's down to 3.4cm now so it's obviously shortening. My concern is I keep missing work due to pains. I work at Starbucks so I have no choice but to stand the entire day I'm at work. The doctors keep telling me that I am perfectly capable of working full time and have no issues. However, I feel like I shouldn't be up on my feet that much, especially since I physically cannot stand the pain I get when I'm up standing around. The doctors will not write any letters to take me out of work.

    Has anyone had similar experiences?
     
  2. rrodman

    rrodman Well-Known Member

    I don't mean this to sound flippant, so please don't take it that way, but twin pregnancies hurt, and there's not a lot you can do about that. So, I don't know that your doctors should be making you not hurt. As far as work, 22 weeks seems a little early to be taken off. I can't imagine having a standing job during the end of pregnancy, so I get your pain. Does a doctor's note get you benefits of some kind from Starbucks?
     
  3. JoellePotter

    JoellePotter Well-Known Member

    I'm not so worried about the pains part, I understand it's pretty normal. I also have 2 pounds of baby combined right now pushing on my 4'11 body. I'm more concerned w/ the fact that my cervix is shortening and the contractions that I'm having. My work has told me if I quit without a doctor's letter I wouldn't be eligible to be hired again.
     
  4. faerieprncs

    faerieprncs Well-Known Member

    Obviously, I am not in your body, so i don't know exactly what you are feeling, but keep in mind that your cervix WILL normally shorten as you progress through your pregnancy, so the change you mentioned may be within the perfectly acceptable range. Also, Braxton hicks contractions are a normal part of a healthy pregnancy so you might not be having "true"contractions....which are defined as contractions that dilate your cervix, which doesn't seem to be happening.

    EITHER WAY, you obviously aren't comfortable with your doctor. I don't know much about military insurance, but would you be able to at least switch doctors? Otherwise, you're just going to find yourself second guessing throughout your ENTIRE pregnancy and that added stress isn't good for you or the babies.
     
  5. JoellePotter

    JoellePotter Well-Known Member

    No, I'm not able to switch docs :( Unfortunately I don't even get to see the same one every time, it's who ever is available. It's also a training hospital.
     
  6. TwinLove

    TwinLove Well-Known Member

    :hug: I'm sorry you are in this situation where you are in pain and you have to stand at work. I wish I had some advice or some kind of anything that you can do to get rid of it. :( :hug: Hang in there lady.
     
  7. kgar

    kgar Well-Known Member

    Your cervix isn't short. So long as it's longer than 2.5 cm, there's no reason to worry about it. Mine fluctuated throughout the pregnancy. It started at 2.7 cm, climbed to 2.8, fell to 2.5, climbed to 3.4 cm, and recently (at 33 weeks) climbed to more to 4 cm. Also, the ultrasound tech in my OB's office told me that sometimes the cervical measurement they do by ultrasound isn't completely accurate. They measure what they can see, and sometimes with two babies in there they can't see the whole thing.
     
  8. tamaras

    tamaras Well-Known Member

    :hug: Sorry you are feeling uncomfortable with your care :(
    I am 4'11 also & got big big big - it was rough & very uncomfortable & I had sciatica (sp?) in my 2nd trimester. Hang in there as best as you can & just keep pestering your Dr if you really feel that you need to get out of work.
    I worked until 32 weeks, but I had a desk job ~ I can imagine being on your feet all day has got to be rough :hug:
     
  9. watersurfers

    watersurfers Well-Known Member

    Hi, Just wanted to commiserate..... I am not short, but I have some SEVERE pelvic pain/pressure. No contractions, no preterm labor, etc..... my doc just says I have to deal. I had Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction, which is the seperation of the pelvic bones, with my last pregnancy and I am fairly certain I have that again. Hurts everywhere. Unfortunately, not much can be done until these babies just come out. I am so sorry you are having a hard time. Hang in there!

    Molly
    32 weeks 4 days
     
  10. chellebelle

    chellebelle Well-Known Member

    So sorry you're having a rough time. I know here my employer has to accomodate my needs to the point of undue hardship. Is there anyway that they can put you on a stool at the register? I remember your post about your manager so it really seems like it's not a good place to work for you, is there another one you could transfer to in the same area? If you can't get out of work try to get a doctors note to have you sit at work and they should have to abide by that. Good luck!
     
  11. piccologirl

    piccologirl Well-Known Member

    QUOTE(Mom to Jack and Anna @ Jun 12 2009, 03:04 PM) [snapback]1352100[/snapback]
    I don't mean this to sound flippant, so please don't take it that way, but twin pregnancies hurt, and there's not a lot you can do about that. So, I don't know that your doctors should be making you not hurt. As far as work, 22 weeks seems a little early to be taken off. I can't imagine having a standing job during the end of pregnancy, so I get your pain. Does a doctor's note get you benefits of some kind from Starbucks?

    i disagree strongly. 22 weeks is not too early to be taken off of work, especially if you're on your feet. i was around 22 weeks when my doctor had me make arrangements to start working from home with instructions not to go up and down stairs and to only leave the house if necessary. and that's on a desk job, not one where i had to be on my feet.

    just because your pregnancy was uneventful, that doesn't mean she should ignore her discomfort. and i don't think it's responsible to tell people to just expect pain and not listen to their intuition.

    shortstackjo - be persistent with your doctors. this is your life, your babies' lives, and your healthcare. you're not obligated to please the doctor with your obedience, they're obligated to listen to you and provide appropriate care. you're the only one who can feel your body's sensations, and if you don't feel right then keep on the doctors to give you a solution.

    it's unfortunate that your hospital has a bad reputation. the hospital i delivered at is known as "the baby factory" so i was very worried before i went in. i had a surprisingly good experience so try to keep an open mind and keep thinking positive thoughts. and keep up the dialogue with your doctors and help them understand the physical sensations you're having and your concerns. you're in charge, not them.

    good luck!
     
  12. outofmana76

    outofmana76 Active Member

    I had two babies at Tripler, and never had issues with my care
    You can request to be followed by the same doctor
    They have a peri on staff they can refer you to as well.
     
  13. atruluck

    atruluck Member

    I worked in a nursing home already being overweight and pregnant with twins it was really hard.... I was lifting, pulling, and on my feet for 12 hours a day. By the time I reached my 22nd week i begged to be put behind the desk for the rest of my pregnancy, but i was told there was no light duty. I then got a doctors note that put me down to 6 hours a day to see if that would help, but once i turned the note into my job they told me it was to much of a liability for me to keep working so they sent me on FMLA with no pay. After my 12 weeks was over they terminated me because i was still pregnant and unable to come back to work , but in the long run I know that it was the right thing to do for my babies. Me and my husband are stuggling to get by but I am now 34 weeks pregnant and the babies are healthy that is something you should keep in mind. I totally understand where you are coming from.....
     
  14. jvanmourik

    jvanmourik Well-Known Member

    I'm sorry to hear that you are having such trouble at this point. I was lucky when i was on tricare because we live in oregon, so as we are in a "remote" area, i was able to see a normal dr. I dont think 22 weeks is too early to be taken out of work for a job that forces you to stand on your feet all day. I was on my feet all day as well and my dr pulled me at 19 weeks (mind you i had a bit of ptl history with past pregnancies). Most drs wont have a problem writing you a note if you ask them for it when it comes to twin pregnancies. As far as starbucks saying u cant come back, as long as you have been working for 6 months i believe, you are covered under fmla and they cannot fire you for a medical issue, you simply would be on a medical leave. Good luck and i hope things calm down a bit on your end. :hug:
     
  15. sparkle77

    sparkle77 Well-Known Member

    "The doctors keep telling me that I am perfectly capable of working full time and have no issues. However, I feel like I shouldn't be up on my feet that much, especially since I physically cannot stand the pain I get when I'm up standing around. The doctors will not write any letters to take me out of work."

    From my perspective, this seems to be the most significant issue -- your doctors are not responding to your pain and your needs. At the end of the day, in any pregnancy (but especially a twin pregnancy), the doctor should be willing to excuse you from work when you feel physically incapable of handling it any further -- otherwise, if something bad happens, then liability may attach given their refusal to listen to what you were saying. I would encourage you to do everything in your power to get the doctors to sign you off -- go to hospital administration, the insurance company, whomever may listen and do something about this (and make it a matter of record that you are not being listened to so that they are responsible and liable if something happens). Nobody wants you to go into PTL and it really isnt up to the doctor to determine how much pain you should be able to tolerate while you're standing on your feet for 8 hours a day. I could (maybe) see it if you had a desk job, but not under these circumstances.

    It also seems obvious that your work situation is causing you stress and anxiety, which may in fact be contributing to some of your physical discomfort. My impression is that you want out of that environment for legitimate health reasons. I mean, the distress really comes through in your posts about your job and the situation with your doctors -- you dont sound hysterical or attention seeking to me. You sound like you feel powerless and at your wits end and thats not a good thing for your pregnancy. Make someone listen to you.

    I would also suggest that you contact HR for Starbucks and get clarification as to their policies for medical leave and your rights under FMLA (dont bother with your manager, contact HR directly and request the written policies). You may also want to consider documenting any runins with your manager about sick time, etc. Keep records to protect yourself.


    Good luck to you. Please keep us posted.
     
  16. JoellePotter

    JoellePotter Well-Known Member

    Thanks for the replies! I'm definitely not just trying to get out of work for the heck of it. I had worked 2 jobs (one was with autistic children up until funding got cut) for the last... 3-4 years. I've only been down to one job since January. I'd love to continue working if I were feeling much more comfortable. My husband is deployed and I'm in Hawaii away from all of my family, definitely not wanting to just sit around the house all day long.

    My work did get me a stool, but I work at one of the busiest stores on the island, so the second I sit down on it, I'm getting right back off of it to grab something for a customer, so it's really not much of a help.

    I guess I'll keep trying to see if I can get a referral to a civilian doctor for a 2nd opinion.

    Tamaras--- They told me that I do have sciatica and that is what was causing the numbing and pains in my legs.
     
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