preemie-l Pediatricians & OB GYNS

Todd, Suzanne and Glenn Palmer (tpalmer@indirect.com)
Fri, 7 Jun 1996 13:15:18 GMT


Nancy H. wrote earlier about her frustration with her pediatrician not
taking Michael's preemie status as anything special.  Glenn was 6 weeks
early, but because of his RDS, he is constantly sick (bronchitis episode #2
for 1996 diagnosed this morning).  My regular Ped waves away any concerns
I've had about Glenn being early and having RDS.  I say one of his partners
today, a female doctor, and she assured me that Glenn does require a
different assessment since he was a preemie with RDS.  I'm disgusted with my
regular Ped.  I can't imagine what it's like for you moms & dads who had
even more severely premature children.  For future children who might be
more premature than  Glenn was, I would definitely like to know if seeing a
neonatologist the first few years would be prefereable to a regular
pediatrician.  

Also, Nancy, I think it's common for OB's to pass off women's complaints or
concerns because they see so much of it every day.  I think this is tragic.
I loved my OB; he always took the time to ask & answer questions and never
made me feel rushed or intimidated.  Is it coincidence he is a high risk OB?
I wasn't high risk at all, I just really liked him and decided to see him
anyway.  Good thing that I did, as it turned out!  

Why are so many doctors such poor listeners?  It's really common and I think
it's too bad.  But they aren't all that way, and I make sure I appreciate
the ones who are great, and to let them know it.  My OB was really surprised
when I sent him a thank you note for delivering my son so well, I guess it
doesn't happen too often! 

Take care all!

Suzanne, Mom to Glenn (34 weeker, 8 months)