So let me start this by saying that my delivering doctor for my daughter was the greatest thing that ever happened to our family during this entire experience. Some people always said they loved their doctors and I kinda got it, but with this one. I freaking get it… I’ll talk more about him in a later post, but until that time, I’d like to share about the other experiences I had at the doctors office.
So let’s be real when we say that there are times during your pregnancy that you’re going to feel like you should be treated extra specially. Some days feel like there should be an unwritten rule that people should be nicer to you because you are pregnant. Well, jump to my doctors appointment. Front desk people can either make or break a healthcare experience. Truly they can. Now, before I get hardcore responses on the healthcare industry or working in direct patient care etc, I’ll share that I have my MHA and have been working in healthcare as a practice manager for over 20 years. So yes, I know what I’m talking about here. In fact, I’ve unfortunately employed some of these same people about whom I’m writing.
Back to the point about front desk people and it’s the same point I tell my team, I get this is everyday for you, but it’s not for them, the patient. You have a run of the mill script and routine that you shuffle through to gather the information required for your job, but most don’t stop and think about what the person on the other side of the desk is feeling..
That being said, here I am, already deemed a geriatric/advanced maternal age pregnancy checking in for my anatomy scan appointment where I’ll also be receiving genetic testing results for baby to be scanned, and the grumple-stiltskin on the other side of the desk demands my id, insurance card and copay, while yelling over her shoulder to a coworker about where they’re ordering from lunch today. On top of it, I ask where the restroom is and she says I can’t pee because I may need to give a urine sample…. So listen here, Agnes (she looked like a Agnes, I have no idea what her name actually was) I feel super pregnant; I have to pee; You’re miserable and seem to have been working here way too long; Let’s get to stepping and get me in the back for my appointment.
My point is this, although you’re super special and crushing this mother-to-be thing, there are going to be bumps and disappointments along the road to actually holding your little one. Let it go. It’s not worth the stress. I remember getting in the car that day and calling my husband ranting and raving about that whole appointment given even the tech was kind of cold during the test when I was overjoyed and teary-eyed at the site of my little one. None of that mattered. It really didn’t. At the end of the day, this is your journey and experience. Don’t let some people dim that sparkly joy that comes with it all.