Is It Normal Practice? (Dr.Dillon's Group)

I see another Dr. & something similar happened to me (but I had not met them yet) & it was a weekend. I THINK they do this in case you need a d&c - but yes, it sucked.

Yes, it is the normal response. They told me to go to the ER also. I went through the same thing. And my own doctor performed a D and C three days later. So don't be angry, it's the typical response to go to the ER.

that doesn't sound right, why would you go to the ER and have that added expense when it is not an emergency

A new dr would def be a good idea. I had a misscarriage last year. My dr was great. I had blood test done on 2 different occasions to make sure everything was back to normal. My dr personally called me with the results and asked how i was feeling. not all drs are in it for the love of their profession but some are. Highly recommend finding a new one. best of luck!

first, I'm so sorry for your loss. Now, change doctor's. They should have seen you that day you called about bleeding. I had what I thought were mild contractions during my second trimester and my doctor had me drive to his farther location where he was at and saw me right away! There is no way my Dr. would have brushed me off like that. Dr. Greg Towsley in sarasota is everything you could possible ask for in a Dr!

You are NOT asking too much!

I am very sorry for your loss, but I do believe your practice was very inconsiderate. I had a miscarriage between the births of my two sons. When I started bleeding (more like spotting) at 8 weeks, I called the office. They fit me in immediately for an ultrasound. (Most practices won't see you the first time until you are between 8-12 weeks. I think that since I had my first pregnancy and delivery with the practice, they let me do that since they had a file on me already). The ultrasound showed a heartbeat, so they sent me home with instructions to rest, etc. I spoke to the on-duty OB nurse daily. The bleeding continued and when I passed tissue, they brought me in for another ultrasound, which showed the baby was gone. After the ultrasound, they put me in a quiet room, lights slightly dimmed. One of the doctors came in to speak to me, was very sympathetic/empathetic. Explained some things, and I never felt rushed to get out or anything. Afterwards, I had to get blood tests (don't recall the frequency) to make sure everything was okay except a month later my numbers were going up, not down. Lo and behold, I was pregnant again right away, and my son is now 15 months!
During the entire miscarriage (mine was about 8 days) no one at the Dr's office even used that word. I think that they all knew it was happening, but no one ever added additional stress to me by saying "you are probably having a miscarriage" or "there's nothing you can do" etc, which I truly appreciate. I am positive they see a lot of this in their practice, but they never made me feel like this was routine. They answered or returned calls consistently (not always the doctor, usually the OB nurse) and I felt like someone was holding my hand through the entire process.

The waiting room time for OB checks are sometimes long, but I wholeheartedly recommend THE WOMEN'S GROUP (both Tampa Palms and Tampa locations have EXCELLENT female doctors and staff). I adore Dr. Wahba, but all of the doctors I have seen (Drs. Wahba, Bevilacua, Barreiro, Nirgurdkar, Roush, Sanchez)are exceptional.

I am very sorry for your loss, but honestly I feel this is probably a common practice. Common or not you should have been seen, but in the event that they determined it was a misscarriage (which it was) you would have been sent to the ER. A hospital will not accept a patient into the maternity ward (for this type of issue) until you read 21 weeks. Any situation like this below 21 weeks is processed through the ER. I know it sounds inconsiderate, but it's reality. My husband works in the ER at our local hospital and he says it is especially heart-breaking when he sees those who are 20 weeks and the maternity ward could potentially save the baby, but due to rules even 20 weeks and 6 days goes to the ER. Just keep trying... and have fun!!

I am so sorry N., but you are absolutely right about feeling this way. I would be outraged. They should have been atleast honest and told you that there isnt anything they could have done for you. Did you and up going to the Hospital? I am so sorry there wasnt anything more that could have been done.

Hi N.,
One thing I have found since I moved to Florida back in 1993 is doctors here don't seem to care as much as they did back home. It's not just that group of doctors it's most doctors.
I am very happy to say I finally found a doctor back in October that really does care about his patients. I went to the emergency room in MI on our last vacation. They did not find what was wrong because we were leaving to come home the next day and I refused to stay in the hospital for tests. The doctor did do all the testing that was available that night. He also gave me medicine to get me home. When I got home my doctor took me in immediately and was great. He does not give up until he finds out what is wrong.
But the point I am trying to make is this. If you feel the doctors don't care then they probably really don't. Shop around until you find a doctor that does care. There are a lot of reasons people miscarriage. The doctor should have seen you when you started bleeding to check you out. I have never had a miscarriage but I have friends that have. Their doctors ran tests to see what the problem was and checked them out to see if they would have problems with a pregnancy in the future. My advice is to find a new doctor now. Don't wait until your pregnant again. Tell the new doctor everything. Good Luck! So sorry about your loss.

I don't know anything about that doctor or group, but I have had 3 miscarriages - two in between my daughters and for both of those and for my second daughter I started to bleed at around 6 weeks. Each time I was seen in the ob/gyn's office. The last pregnancy I was not going to bother being seen- we were going to go out of town and I was sure it was another miscarriage, but my husband insisted I go and they did an immediate ultrasound and found out that even though I was bleeding, the baby was still ok. I was put on bedrest immediately and ended up going to term and having a healthy girl even though at the time I started bleeding things looked pretty bad. I am so sorry you had that experience. That does not sound right to me at all!

Victoria, mother of an almost 7 and 4 year old.

N., I had a miscarriage a few years ago and my OB/GYN DID tell me to come see her. Plus, the staff was very sympathetic. I never went to the ER.

I also had to go for follow-up tests at the OB/GYN to make sure my hormone levels went back to the normal levels.

I would call your insurance company and ask them and then let them know what your doctor's office said. Then, I would probably switch doctors. I'm so sorry you had to have such a bad experience. Best wishes.

Are you asking too much of an OBGYN that has hundreds maybe even thousands of patients - OF COURSE! You're a number - thats all to most of them. Once I found a midwife - it was a whole new world! THEY KNEW MY NAME! WITHOUT looking at the chart. They knew my husbands name and my childrens names. They listened and had advise on diet, excersise, massage techniques, sex posistions that were helpful during pregnancy! AMAZING!
Try a midwife, you won't be shoved out the door if you have a miscarriage, you will be counseled, checked, helped, and loved! I know because I've been there. TO EVERYONE OUT THERE: Try a midwife/birthcenter, IT was such an amazing experience compared to my 1st pregnancy with on OBGYN!
I KNOW there ARE SOME good ones out there - I'm not knocking those chosen few -BUT if you'd rather be treated like a goddess while you're growing a human and NOT be treated like cattle getting hustled thru the branding line - TRY A MIDWIFE/BIRTH CENTER for prenatal care and delivery! I went to Labor of Luv, they were Heaven Sent!!!!

Although I am not a doctor or nurse, I have been through 5 miscarriages. I felt as helpless and angry the first time I went through this. Later, I realized, there was nothing they could do at the doctor's office and they didn't want me to come in just to incur more charges. The ER has the equipment availble to do a DNC(which is done depending on how far along in the pregnancy you were)which will clean your body out and prevent infection and possible future miscarriages stemming from an infection. I am sure they didn't want you to come in just to tell you there was nothing they could do there and send you home. Usually after a DNC, they will have you follow up with your OB/Gyn for a routine exam to ensure that everything is healing well (physically). The anger and despair that you are feeling probably has to do with the grief of losing someone you loved. No matter how far along you were, I know that a bond of love is formed the instant that you find out that you are expecting. May God be with you during this time.

The exact same thing happened to me- I was 7 weeks pregnant and started bleeding, called my doctor and was told to go to the ER. There was no sympathy from my doctor. And, of course, since a miscarriage can't be prevented, the ER visit was a waste of my time and a $100 co-pay. I switched doctors right after that.

I am sorry for your loss.I do not know that group but I have had 7 miscarriages and each time I saw the doctor unless after hours and then yes I had to visit the hospital. I was against a D&C so maybe that was why I was not sent to the hospital. My heart goes out to you. Blessing for all your other future children.

First, I feel for you. I've had 3 miscarriages in my life and my heart goes out to you. I've lived in different cities/states and have had several OB-GYN's. Weather it happened at 5 weeks or 3 months I've never been denied an appointment or been turned away. My last miscarriage required a DNC and my OB-GYN performed the surgery himself. I really appreciate the fact that my personal doctors have always taken care of me. I think it's about finding the right doctor/patient fit and I hope you find a doctor you trust and are comfortable with.

It's not normal practice. I had 2 kids and used Insignia Care for Women on Armenia Ave, Tampa. I never saw any other doctor than them during the whole process. When I had to go to the hospital to deliver, I met w/ my doctor from that practice. There is no reason why you should see an ER doctor for anything related to the pregnancy, or miscarriage. I had 3 miscarriages before my first child, and the OB did my D&C. I would recommend finding a good practice, such as Insignia Care for Women. Their phone number is ###-###-####.

P.S. Next time you get pregnant, ask for hormone tabs immediately. I had 3 miscarriages and didn't find out until after that my hormone levels did not rise properly. Then, I took hormones the next 2 pregnancies and delivered healthy 2 girls.

I had a similar situation. I was 5 weeks pregnant and started bleeding. I called my Ob and they took me immediately. They were able to do an internal ultrasound and check hormone levels. After that they told me that the fetus was not viable and that they were 99% sure I would miscarry. I chose to wait instead of getting a D & C, thankfully because 9 months later I delivered a healthy baby boy. Go with your instincts and of course find a doctor that you feel comfortable with. Remember you have to see them often so if you don't feel comfortable with them now, it's highly unlikely you will feel different later. I finally settled on a group practice that was adequate but for my next child I will definitely be choosing the midwife route. Good luck.

I'd switch doctors if I were you. Their response was inappropriate. When I started bleeding, my midwife had me come immediately to the birth center and did an ultrasound on the spot. Dr. Bloy was the partnering OB/GYN. ER was never mentioned. Now my experience was 5 years ago, but I can't believe standard protocol has changed that much. Sorry for your loss. The book "Safe in the Arms of God" by John MacArthur really helped me through the tough time. I'd recommend it to anyone after a miscarriage.
A.

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. It is definitely a very hard thing to go through. I have had 2 miscarriages in the past year and both times my doc had me come in to make sure that I passed everything. They did initially tell me to go the ER if the bleeding got bad which I did both times: however, they always did a follow up. I definitely do not think that you are asking to much. Miscarriages are painful enough (emotionally and physically), the least they can do is see you to make sure everything is okay. I am so sorry again.

~J.

I'm sorry for your loss.

I have had two miscarriages and I had exactly the same response from my doctor's office.

Basically with early miscarriage, they are expected to frequently happen and there is nothing they can do to stop them. The doctor's offices seem to forget our feelings about them because they happen so frequently and frankly think they are no big deal when they are a big deal to us. If you really like your doctor otherwise, as I did, then I wouldn't hold it against them. I'm glad I stayed with them because I have had two successful pregnancies that I have delivered using my doctor's office and have received great care.

Good luck!

he's a jerk, get a different doc-k

You are NOT asking too much!!!! If it was outside of normal office hours then I can understand sending you to the emergency room. NOT if it was during regular office hours.

Yes, it is true that there is nothing that could be done to prevent the miscarriage; however, when you started bleeding (which can be normal - but very light and brown not bright red) they could have at least called you in to just take a look. They could have anticipated and prepared you for what was probably happening!!!

Too often now a days, Drs offices are overlooking the need of the patient. My Drs office would have had me in immediately (from experience I know this). I have a little different outlook because my first pregnancy was VERY high risk as I lost a twin. From that experience I learned not to take NO for an answer.

Unfortunately, you have now gone through something that will put you in the same position I was in. You will not take NO for an answer - or go to the hospital. My personal opinion is that you need a new OB!!!

I go to the Women's Group. They are a good bunch of Drs. however they are getting extremely full of patients. They do treat their OB patients much differently than their regular GYN patients - not mean or anything, just give the OB patients more attention and first dibs (which is the way it should be!). I do not know if they are taking new patients, nor do I know where you live to say they are convenient for you. They are in New Tampa area off of Amberly Dr. I do like Dr. Waba, Bererro, & Bevi - not sure that there is anyone I don't like but those I have dealt with the most.

Remember, you have insurance for a reason. There is no reason a Dr. should deny you to be seen or a test to be run!!!! You have learned a horrible lesson - as I have seen so many friends of mine learn. I was very fortunate to have a GREAT high risk Dr that tought me well.

Good luck to you in the future!
Sam

First let me say that I am sorry for your loss. unfortunately, when a woman is that early on in a pregnancy, nothing can be done to stop a miscarriage...this is usually nature's way of taking care of a fetus that isn't viable. Its a very emotional time in a woman's life and on top of that you were affected by hormones as well.
The reason you were told to contact the ER in case of heavy bleeding is to determine whether or not you would have needed a D&C (dilation and curretage) basically this is a procedure in which the uterus is scraped clean of any fetal remnants as well as placental remnants. In case of heavy bleeding, this procedure is sometimes necessary to remedy the situation. This is something that must be performed in an OR/ sterile environment under general anesthesia. It isn't normally done in a doctor's office. (Especially if you lost a lot of blood and would have needed a transfusion.)
Hope this helps a little.
Again I am sorry for your tragic loss.

N.,
I am sorry to hear you experienced a miscarriage. The lack of genuine care and concern is a big problem with standard health care. I would think a basic human response should have been one of concern for you and how you were doing. Next time you might consider a birthing center. I had my son at the hospital with the standard OB-GYN but I had my daughter at a bithing center and it was a WONDERFUL experience. The personal care and attention is completely different. You are a person not just another patient. We have to really become our own health care advocates. We have to educate ourselves to what is available and make decisions based on what we feel is best for ourselves. In the end we go home and have to live with the results good or bad. You might consider reading Mothering Magazine. It contains a lot of educational information pertaining to pregnancy and motherhood. All the best to you.

I am so sorry for your loss. And I am so sorry that you did not receive the support from your Dr at a time when you really needed it.

My Dr is The Woman's Group. I cannot imagine any of the Dr.'s within their practice or OB nurses or staff acting in the way that you described. Please change Dr.'s

Although I have never miscarried I had issues with both of my pregnancies and I received nothing but genuine concern and attention to detail when I needed them.

Our daughter just turned 5 and our son is 17 months. Both are healthy and happy because of the care I received.

Please find a group that will sincerely support your needs.

I am SO SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS.
I think it is absurd what you had to suffer at the hands of indifference and my personal opinion is
GET A NEW DOCTOR!!!

I dont know about your specific doctor, but I know my Doctor(he's in Sarasota) doesnt even see you until you are at LEAST 8 weeks. I called at 5 weeks wanting to get in, but they said I needed to wait until I was further along. I have never lost a child, and I know saying I am sorry doesnt mean much, but I am sorry that it happened to you.I wish you luck in the future.....
Not to say that you arent important to your doctor, but that early on, there isnt much that can be done, so they probably sent you to the er b/c they can do more there and they probably really start to worry about that kind of stuff when you are farther along:(

Well, first: so sorry this happened to you and hope you can find peace through this turmoil. When I miscarried a few years ago I didn't even know I was pregnant yet. My doctor called me to tell me the tests came back positive and I asked how that was possible when I was bleeding. He asked me to go straight to the hospital where he then called up so they can start testing while he was in transit to the ER. He did show up and took care of me by doing the test himself again and asking me to over night because of the location of the pregnancy. Afterwards, I also paid a visit at his office to make sure everything was ok.
Whe I was pregnant with my first child, I started bleeding a little and called the doctor (a different one) and he asked me to come to the office right away to make sure what was going on. He took me quickly and tested me and it turned out to be the first heart beats. But I was happy he took me right away. I think these doctors should be available to answer your questions, ease your worries and pacify your frustrations. If they are not willing to assist your overall needs and you are not content, seek another professional. You must be happy with your doctor and only you know what's right.
Good luck!

I'm very sorry for your experience. From what I have seen, OBs can be so crass on this subject.

My recommendation is to next time see a midwife. You'll get a lot more compassion, empathy and individual care. They are wonderful.

First, I am so sorry for your loss. I know how it feels, but that dr's response to the situation is NOT NORMAL!!! You should have a dr. that will see you or speak with you at ANY point that you feel worried or uncomfortable during your pregnancy....especially if you are bleeding!!!!! Your OB/GYN should also be there to assist in the procedure at the hospital as well. When I miscarried many years ago, I did not know I was miscarrying until my reg appt because I had just begun to spot that day. My dr. determined the the fetus no longer had a heart beat and scheduled a D&C for the next day. He performed the procedure himself and did a follow-up exam weeks later.

I would look into finding another dr. I go to The Women's Group which has offices off of MLK and in Tampa Palms. I love the fact that all of the dr's are women and are very sensitive to you during this time in your life. You can check them out at http://www.thewomansgrouptampa.com.

If you are less than 20 weeks, they will usually send you to the ER. I suppose the reasoning is that there is little they can do to prevent a miscarriage. Some offices don't always have a sono tech on site at their office and that is really what needs to be done to check to see if there is still a viable pregnancy. When there is bleeding present, a doctor will very seldom do a vaginal exam without a sono. I am so very sorry for your loss. Take care:).

N.,
I think that we better get used to medical practice like this. The "Change" that we voted for will bring more socialized medicine...that means you won't be able to pick your Doctor nor file a malpractice suit if you need to and the government will mandate when you have surgery even in an emergency. Now in your case, No you should not have been shoved aside like this by the Dillon group! I think that I would file a grievence with Tallahassee..and contact your insurance company and let them know what terrible treatment that you received. One will never know whether or not that you would have miscarried unless you would have gone in to an ER. Find another Dr. ASAP!!! That said, I have never in my life had such slip shod medical care as I have found in the Tampa/Brandon area!! Good luck and I am terribly sorry for your loss...it hurts so much and I know I have been there!