Tuesday, August 12, 2008

I can't think of a title...17w6d

Hmmm…where to start. Well, I am extremely glad that we got to have the u/s at the Genetic Center a couple of weeks ago because my experience yesterday for our “big u/s” was nothing like I imagined it to be. First and foremost let me reiterate what I have been saying ever since I started blogging, I HATE my insurance company. The whole experience was nothing like I expected it to be and was honestly flat out infuriating. Let me make a list of the reasons why the ultrasound experience sucked:

-They wouldn’t let Shawn come in the room with me! What ultrasound tech does not let the husband and father of the child in the room during the ultrasound?

- The tech was rude and very hard to understand with a thick accent. He was very to the point, didn’t describe anything he was doing unless I asked. He did things so quick and went zooming around I had no idea what was what.

- The ultrasound machine must have been manufactured in 1950 and the picture was so blurry I couldn’t even make anything out.

- The baby was sitting straight up, butt down facing my spine. Not my fault the position he is in, I guess he likes that position. He was in a similar position last time only he was facing forward. The tech repeatedly said things like “this baby is not cooperating” or “this baby is difficult.” First of all, this is the first time I became a bit defensive, don’t call my child “this baby,” makes him sound like some sort of animal or sub-human. He doesn’t know he is supposed to be posing for an ultrasound for crying out loud! He kept on saying “this is a difficult examination” and “I am not pleased.” We couldn’t get the baby to turn. He asked me to get up and walk around to see if he will turn. I told him I would but I didn’t think he would turn. He asked why and I told him because if this is my child he will be stubborn and if that’s where he wants to be then he will stay there until he decides to move, and I was right, he didn’t budge. I don’t blame him, the tech was pressing so hard on my belly I was crying out from pain. So basically the tech gave up. He measured a few things which all measured right on track (not because he told me but because I watched the calculations on the screen.) I asked him if he could peek between the legs and confirm it is a boy and he said the baby wasn’t in a good position. Hello? He had just got done taking a picture of his legs sticking straight out, but he couldn’t look between them? I asked him if he could at least try and he said no.

- He continually told me that 18 weeks is too early to do the ultrasound because the baby is too small. I told him he would have to talk to my doctor who put the order in for the u/s to be done between 16 and 18 weeks.

At the end he told me we could call Shawn in for a minute “but there is really nothing to see because ‘this baby’ isn’t cooperating.” So I said yes please call him in while I was trying to refrain from throwing the u/s monitor at his head. When Shawn came in the tech asked me if I was going to explain the “situation” to him. There was no “situation,” the baby was just not in a good position so we have to come back, no big deal. So he told us we have to come back in 4 weeks. So when I see my doctor on Friday I have to ask him to put another order in. And you better believe that I am not going back to that center or that tech and I will let me doctor know what an ass this guy was and how the policy to not allow my husband in the room makes no sense.

So anyway, we have no pictures because he wouldn’t give us any and the quality sucked anyway. But, I am not as upset as I would have been had we not had the earlier ultrasound. The tech at the Genetic Center said she was positive it was a boy so until we get our next u/s at 22 weeks we will assume it is a boy. I’m still registering on Saturday though. If for some odd reason it turns out to be a girl we will just switch the gender specific items on the registry to girl items. I’m actually kind of proud of our little baby, shows that he is stubborn just like his Mommy and doesn’t take crap from anyone. I was actually hoping he would give the tech the finger! So, no miraculous amazing big u/s story from me, but the important thing is that he is still in there, heart beating away, measuring right on track. I’m not really concerned about any issues with him structurally because the Genetic Center u/s was very detailed and everything was fine there. That’s all for now folks. If you have any advice for registering I’d be happy to hear it.

13 comments:

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

Wow, this is such a drag the U/S tech was such a Loser. Here's hoping this is the most stressful thing you three have to deal with and I hope the MD lowers the boom on this clown.

Amy B said...

Wow, I would definitely report his behavoir. That is completely uncalled for and unprofessioanl.

Candi said...

That is AWFUL! Definatly put in a complaint...nobody should treat you that way.

Summer said...

I second reporting the u/s tech's behavior. Even if he was frustrated with the baby not being in a good position, his attitude was unacceptable.

CJ said...

What a Jerk!! How dare he say, you can't bring your hubby in!! I am so sorry, that sucks!! Tech's are so interesting anyways. Luckily, we only have women sono techs, but geeze! How rude of him!! Well atleast you get another one and its probaly a boy!

My_Herstory said...

Wow that sounded frustrating! I would definatley request a different tech next time. Altough when they did measuring for our last U/S Dave couldn't be there either (because people ask to many questions lol, at least that's what they told us), but they allowed him in afterwards.
Best of luck for next time!

Martha@A Sense of Humor is Essential said...

I forgot to add about registering, it can be overwhelming and consumer.reports is your friend for identifying safety/recall info for the big stuff, crib, stroller, etc. Only other meaningful thing I can remember from our boys' baby stuff was a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away was 1. get the best umbrella stroller you possibly can 2.wipe warmer is worth every penny 3.Comfy diaper bag especially with a bad back is essential, I used a backpack diaper bag, so whatever works for you and S. thanks as always, ((Hugs))

Rebecca said...

What an ass...I can't believe that your husband couldn't come in...that's about when I would have left. Where did you go? I don't know if this will work for you, but Howard County General has been wonderful for us. I don't know what the deal is insurance wise, but you need better care than that.

Advice on registering: Do it with someone who already has kids...they know what you'll really use and what you won't. Think about whether or not you'll really use the item...I found that we returned a lot of stuff b/c after really thinking about it, we weren't going to use it...good luck and have fun! We got so overwhelmed in the store that we did everything online! We're total wimps!

Baby and Me said...

oh no! That doesnt sound like a good u/s visit. What a mean person. I go in for my 20 week tomorrow I hope I dont have a rude person.

sara said...

What a dreadful ultrasound person! I'm so sorry that they didn't make it more enjoyable for you. But I hope you have a great time registering! ((hugs))

Adriane said...

What the hell? That is so awful, Morrisa. These ultrasounds should be joyful occasions in which BOTH parents can take part. Please report this to your Dr and see if there is somewhere else you can go for the next one. What a jerk technician!

Registering will be fun - it was overwhelming for me, so I did it all online. BRUS online has a new parents checklist that I referenced and just added things based on their suggestions of what I needed. Hope you find it helpful. Have a great time!!!

Stace said...

I can't even believe that they made Shawn wait outside for most of the u/s! I'm sorry it sucked so much, BUT I am glad that you're doing so well! :)

Maria said...

Wow, that tech should so get fired. What a complete jerk!!!

I'm so sorry that he ruined your first big u/s, but I'm glad that all is well with Doozer!