Thursday, April 29, 2010

Pregnant or not?

I started bleeding a week ago (while in Canada of all the inconvenient places to start bleeding while pregnant, but if it's gonna happen, it'll happen to me). Not out of control bleeding and I got a wonderful blessing from my friend's brother in law. I'm fine, but I think there's no baby left in there. I don't know for sure. Why don't I know? Because I live in Victorville.

I called my doctor when I got home to let them know what's happening and their response was, "okay, go to the ER." And then there was my response of, "WHAT?! The ER?! No I just need a quick check up." To which they replied, "Oh no. If you're bleeding we can't help you, you have to go to the hospital." Really! So my OB is not as qualified as the emergency doctor?

Then I began doing the math. I have a $50 co-pay + 10% of the visit if I go to the hospital. That translates to about $450 to get a lab test.
Does that test include a free house cleaning and some yard work?
I can just see me sitting in the the ER next to a kid that can't breath and some guy with his arm falling off, but since I beat them there I'd get to see the doctor first. Don't mine me I just need to get some blood work and an ultra sound.

So I called my insurance to see if they could wave the 10% since it's not my fault I live in the twilight zone. They didn't go for it. I called my old OB in Bakersfield to see if they'd check me out and I got, "Oh sweetie, since you didn't start your pregnancy with us we can't help you." All roads began to point toward the ER after all.

But guess who has NOT done a darn thing... me. I did actually have a doctor appointment a few days ago, but was informed if I showed up bleeding they'd ship me out to the hospital. I was in the car on the way to the doctor and couldn't do it. I turned around to come home the whole time thinking, "You know what I could buy with that kind of money I would waste on the hospital?"

My new appointment is this coming Tuesday. I decided to stop bleeding and then go in for my "regular" check up and then be "surprised" when something adds up a little funny like no baby in the ultra sound. Until then here's me on "bed rest."




12 comments:

Jenna said...

Another classic example of the fine health/dental care we have in the glorious high desert. Next time we get together I am going to have to tell you about our recent classic experience at the dentist up here. But until then, if you need anything you know the number!

Silva Family said...

Oh no Liz :( You are so much more brave than I. Take care of yourself & best of luck with whatever you have to go through...

April Cavanaugh said...

I don't know if I'd be so calm in your circumstances. I hope it isn't so, but if it is, then look how blessed you are to have such great company while you're on bed rest! Big hugs to you!

Anna said...

Liz, I know it's expensive, but you really should go to the ER. A friend of mine bled during pregnancy, really early on, but she didn't lose the baby. She just had what they called "a bleeder" which was a sack of blood in her uterus that was connected to the placenta (or something like that). She had to go on modified bed rest to stop the bleeding, and any time she did too much, she would bleed again, but she carried the baby full-term and now she's almost a year old! You really should get it checked out, for the baby's sake!

Rhonda said...

Liz.......go to the ER!!!! I am saying prayers for you and sending a Big Hug! When my daughter was 13 weeks she started bleeding (no pain or cramping) she went to the doctors and found out she had a torn placenta. She had to stay on bed rest (hard when she had 4 other kids) but that is where her wonderful mom stepped in. She now has a beautiful healthy baby girl. With a miscarriage, there is usually cramping and pain. Hope everything turns out well....Hugs!

Piano Mom said...

I bled at the beginning with Madison. I was so sure I was losing the baby, but it turned out I had Placenta Previa (placenta in the wrong place). I hope everything works out. You are amazing!

H+B Jackson said...

So call me your crazy cousin...but I think you are actually making since. Even with the examples people have given you to go get checked out...all they do is a diagnosis and then put you on bed rest...so put yourself on bed rest and go to your regular appointment...just like you said. But of course I will feel awful if you really needed to go...pray about it. You'll be in my prayers.

Becca said...

I had a "bleed" when I was pregnant with Kolby...after bed rest, we were both ok... It was scary though!!! I thought that we had already lost him. Pray about going in...you'll know what to do. Good luck!! You guys will be in our prayers!!

Laurie said...

Okay so many stories of bledding while pregnant, yet another....I went to the doctor and they did a transvaginal ultrasound and found out I was having twins! You should go! Good luck to you! I love your positive outook though! Cute picture of your bed rest!

Williams Family Dirt said...

I hope all is going well for you, until your appointment. I understand the need for good doctors. You are in a much larger area than we are here in Ridgecrest so you would think you would have more options. Still nothing will ever beat Dr. Lewis in Bako, I drove there for all my appointments and final weeks of my preganancy I moved over with my Mom (you are probably aware of that.) With that said, bleeding can be a variety of things as other commenters have mentioned, but still be prayerful about whatever you decide. We will be thinking of you, and hope everything goes well for your family!!

rebecca @ older and wisor said...

Laurie's right: twins. You're having twins.

Unknown said...

The way you write about this and your attitude is sooooo you and not in a bad way! I hope everything works out the way you want it to!!!annnnd that you do still have a baby in there. You make cute kids and the world needs more cute kids ;)

ps move to Canada.....dr visit-free,er vistit-free, ultrasound-free, piece of mind knowing you never have to worry about going broke cuz your sick -priceless and free!