Very frustrated: UPDATED

I am flabbergasted. Two weeks ago I went in for my 20 week scan (a little early @ 18wk 6 dy) and although the scan in general went ok I was told that my amniotic fluid levels looked low. I found out later that they were 9.3 and they should be in between 10 and 20. At the stage I'm at that number is a slight concern. So, they told me to go have another scan done. On June 29th, I went to my hospital and they measured the amniotic fluid level. The tech explained that the more pressure you use the smaller the sacs of fluid look. The way she did the scan I came back with a fluid level of 13 which is considered normal. The nurse from my doctors' office called me and told me to come in on the 11th for a follow-up to see if they still needed any more pictures done. They had a problem getting the profile because he is breech and facing my back etc. But, that everything is ok.

Fast forward to today .... I get a call from the same nurse and she tells me that one of the doctors in my group reviewed the pictures and wasn't happy. Apparently the tech that did my second scan at the hospital did measurements and checked the fluid but never did the survey portion of the scan (I'm not even sure what this is). So, she's unhappy with the hospital and tech and wants me to go to another local hospital or peri to have a complete Level II scan done and to cancel my appointment on Wednesday with their in-office u/s tech.

She keeps assuring me that it looks like everything is ok. They saw the kidneys and bladder and there was urine in the bladder. It appears that everything is functioning ok but they want more pics. I'm a nervous wreck. They told me not to worry. But, how can I not? :unsure: This is the third scan I'm getting in two weeks and I most likely will have to go back for another follow-up.

I asked what it could mean if the fluid levels remain low. She told me a possible kidney malfunction or blockage but not to worry since everything looks ok. If it looks ok then why am I going for yet another scan?

I think I drank a gallon of water since I got this call.

 

I'm sorry you're dealing with this--how frustrating! I hope you can get in with a peri or another hospital soon so you don't need to keep worrying. :hug99:

 

:hug99: I would just keep concentrating on the fact that they didn't get all the measurements, not that there was something wrong with the ones they got!!

 

:hug99: Michelle. I can imagine your worry. Do you have an appointment for the u/s yet?

 

Becky, unfortunately the Maternal Fetal Medicine Dept closes at 4:30 and I missed them. I left a message and will ((hopefully)) get an appointment set up tomorrow morning. If they can't take me tomorrow or Wednesday then I'll try somewhere else.

 

Michelle, my next door neighbor had fluid issues. The end result for her was they induced her the week before her due date. Like Di said, concentrate on the fact that they were missing measurements, not that the ones they got were wrong. :hugs:

 

With DS2, we had to come back for a second scan because the doctor wasn't happy with the tech. She couldn't get a good picture of the cerabellum, so I ended up having to go back in while some really rude tech basically bruised me so he could get a good shot. Everything was fine, but it's still nervewracking. They don't really present it to you in the best way, do they? I totally agree with Dianne...just focus on the measurements and try not to worry. I really think if the fluid levels were still a problem, they'd tell you.

 

I'm sorry they are putting you through this. That must be so worrisome and frustrating but I agree that you should concentrate on the fact that it appears THEY are messing up - not that there is something actually wrong.

On a side note, I have to pay 10% of all of my care - including every u/s. If I was told that a tech didn't do a complete u/s, I'd make darn sure the hospital/or whoever did the u/s didn't charge me a second time! If that's the case for you, I'd say something about it. Even if it's not the case, it's junk like this that increases the cost of healthcare so I'd probably still say something.

Hang in there and good luck with the next u/s.

 

OK - So I went for the follow-up to the follow-up this afternoon. The peri said that in his opinion everything looks fine. He agrees that the hospital should have done a complete Level II and he isn't sure why they didn't. He told me that my fluid levels look ok and that all of the baby's organs are functioning properly as far as he could see. There is urine in the bladder, the heart looks good, the brain looks good etc... And, the baby is now 13 oz. and right on target. We finally got the profile shot that they've all been waiting for as well as good shots of his arms and legs. And, once again he confirmed that this is definitely a boy.

I am so happy and relieved. Thanks to all of you that tried to keep me focused and calm. It's so hard to do sometimes with the pregnancy hormones raging!

Jennie - I agree and I also have to pay 10% of all in-network charges. However, this time I lucked out. While this peri is out of network he only takes the 75% that the insurance company pays him. I have to pay nothing out of pocket. Had I known that I would have gone to him two weeks ago rather than go to the hospital (and pay the 10%) and possibly avoided this whole mess.

 

Oh Michelle, I am soo happy for you! I know it is 'easy' for us to spout off on what to think and how to handle things but truth is it is definitely much harder to practice what is preached. I post all the time about staying calm and wonder if in the same situation I would even consider it :laughing: ?

Anyway, glad to hear all is well and you found someone you are comfortable at the right 'price'.

 

Great to hear your mind has been put at ease. Best of luck with your future appts.