So I’m OB-less. You know that. But, of course, out of the goodness of their hearts* the practice “is available for emergency medical care only until 12/20/2009.” So… what constitutes an emergency?
I mean, does the fact that I’m in excruciating pain right now and don’t know what my pain management options are constitute an emergency? I’m guessing not, but I”m not certain.
So, if that’s not an emergency, does the horrific rash that is running up and down my whole arm and seems to get worse when I get a dose of IV Phenergan constitute an emergency? I mean, it’s not life-threatening, so is it an emergency? It’s getting worse, but it’s still mostly limited to a fairly local area (from my left shoulder down to my left wrist). Is this an emergency? I’m guessing not, but I’m not certain.
And if neither of those are emergencies, try this one on for size: What about the cramping and bright red spotting I’m having right now? It’s been going on throughout the pregnancy – on and off, mostly off and now it’s back. Does this constitute an emergency? I’m guessing not, but I’m not certain.
I’d continue to speculate – but I have an unbelievably bad toothache right now, and my brain isn’t quite functioning. Sigh.
————————-
*Oh, right – that would be “out of compliance with the law”
ChezPerky 
Oh…Umm…Ugh. I’m sorry. I think that you are well within your right to call any of that an emergency. You know that if they decide that they don’t want to deal with it they will refer you to the ER. I wish I knew what to say, or maybe even a great OB in your area. Sadly, I only know a few…and they are in Kansas. Hang in there. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
Yuck. That sucks. I would tend to worry about the rash on your arm though. The PICC line is supposed to empty into the superior vena cava which means that by the time it reaches your arm again it should be much diluted. Odd that it’s causing problems like that. I would also guess that the spotting may be close to emergency like. Could you contact the peri about that?
Call the peri’s emergency number. If you explain that your OB has dropped you I’ll bet someone will see you. You ARE still their patient even if he isn’t your primary. If you total up all of those things it does constitute an emergency in my book. Hopefully none of it is but why take the chance. Call now!
I would be calling… excuse my french but screw them. You definitely need some “medical attention”… to me, it does sound like an emergency.
I’m so sorry that you’re going through all this. =(
I’m with Lori. Surely the Peri will see you, given the situation. And then they can recommend a new OB – and probably get you an appointment.
Call the perinatologist. Report the OB to the proper authorities.
…and I think you did end up with an emergency something, right? Followed by a lot of sleep? Hope you’re feeling better soon.
Bea
Call. Call, call, call. I know it’s been a week since you posted this but I hope you called and got seen by someone.
I can’t believe they put you in this position.
I hope everything is ok! Keeping you in my thoughts!