I honestly hate my ObGyn. I've had these feelings for a while, but because I know he is competent I've tried not to worry about it. When I ask questions he always dismisses them, and it's not like I ask many. I don't take up a ton of his time. I'm healthy and everything... I just need to ask quickly to make certain, since it is my first baby. So today he mentioned antibiotics if I was positive for strep B, and I reminded him that I'm allergic to about 50% of drugs that I have been given, including many antibiotics, and he said "you wear that like a badge of honour". When I said "What?! It sucks actually", he said that when you think something is going to be bad, then you often end up with bad results. It felt like he was implying that my anaphylactic reactions to many drugs are in my head. I guess I make my own face swell up like a basketball? I answered that since most of the allergies were discovered when I was young, that I was pretty sure the reactions weren't something I made happen because I was worried.
Then, later in the appointment, I asked about a couple of studies that I read about age and stillbirth, and about whether I need to be induced at my EDD or not (I'm 40). He actually insulted me and said that I couldn't understand what I was reading or whether it was clinically significant or not, and that reading was making me anxious. I told him that I wasn't anxious. I just asked the question because it was relevant. And really I only asked the question because the doctor who saw me in his absence last month brought up the subject! He told me that it wasn't sensible to take information from his colleague and go read academic journals, because they might not be relevant to my situation, and/or I wouldn't be able to understand them. I told him that I am an academic (I used to teach university, and I currently regularly do quantitative analysis for academic studies), and that I understood the methodology of the studies that I was reading and that they were relevant to my situation, especially given the fact that his own colleague mentioned it! He told me again that I needed to stop reading and smiled.
Does this seem really asinine? I've known the whole way along that we aren't really a good personality match, but I figured it didn't matter since he has a reputation for being a good doctor. He does all of the tests he needs to do. I just don't feel like I need to be shamed for reading and asking questions. Today though he was really condescending, and what he said was not necessary. I feel like I am worried about the normal amount for a first pregnancy. I'm uncertain about things but I've never once called his office in between my usual visits (which are 3 weeks apart), or asked him to make a special appointment to see me about something. Besides, if he is truly worried that I am anxious, how would that response be helpful in any way? I'm 35 weeks though, and I know I only need to see him a few more times. Any of the doctors in his group of 5 might deliver my baby... I feel like it's so much trouble to switch for a few appointments, and I am healthy after all... Uggh.
Then, later in the appointment, I asked about a couple of studies that I read about age and stillbirth, and about whether I need to be induced at my EDD or not (I'm 40). He actually insulted me and said that I couldn't understand what I was reading or whether it was clinically significant or not, and that reading was making me anxious. I told him that I wasn't anxious. I just asked the question because it was relevant. And really I only asked the question because the doctor who saw me in his absence last month brought up the subject! He told me that it wasn't sensible to take information from his colleague and go read academic journals, because they might not be relevant to my situation, and/or I wouldn't be able to understand them. I told him that I am an academic (I used to teach university, and I currently regularly do quantitative analysis for academic studies), and that I understood the methodology of the studies that I was reading and that they were relevant to my situation, especially given the fact that his own colleague mentioned it! He told me again that I needed to stop reading and smiled.
Does this seem really asinine? I've known the whole way along that we aren't really a good personality match, but I figured it didn't matter since he has a reputation for being a good doctor. He does all of the tests he needs to do. I just don't feel like I need to be shamed for reading and asking questions. Today though he was really condescending, and what he said was not necessary. I feel like I am worried about the normal amount for a first pregnancy. I'm uncertain about things but I've never once called his office in between my usual visits (which are 3 weeks apart), or asked him to make a special appointment to see me about something. Besides, if he is truly worried that I am anxious, how would that response be helpful in any way? I'm 35 weeks though, and I know I only need to see him a few more times. Any of the doctors in his group of 5 might deliver my baby... I feel like it's so much trouble to switch for a few appointments, and I am healthy after all... Uggh.
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All of your outrage on my behalf does actually make me feel a lot better. Thanks.
