Posted in Family

I had my first "appointment" at the hospital yesterday.  It proved to be very interesting despite the fact I was there for FIVE hours.

First we watched a slide show about the hospital that could have easily been done online. Then several nurses were supposed to take each "patient" to discuss their history etc. Then have bloodwork done. And make an appointment with a doctor. You watch the video while you wait your turn.

Unfortunately only one nurse was doing it so it took forever. The history consisted of her asking the same questions that were on the 20 forms we just filled out.

They got so backed up that at 11:30 "someone" came in and told those of us still waiting to see the nurse to go have our bloodwork done then eat lunch and to come back at 1 pm. Did I mention that I got there at 9 am? Sigh...

The lecture/video was useless, as I predicted. But the lady running knew we were disgruntled =o) and suggested that we talk to the commander.  And she told Commander Forrest that we were irritated and she came to us. "I was told somebody wanted to speak with me." That would be me. LOL

She was nice. A tad horrified that I was 16 weeks and "old" and still hadn't had any care. Apparently "someone" is supposed to call and get the basic info, like how many weeks and age, and then push through people like me. Clearly that didn't happen. Told her about all the rude people Kevin dealt with and she was upset he didn't get any of their names so she could bust them.  (I would've gotten the names because I'm mean like that. LOL But I also like to get names of people who are very helpful too.)

She gave us her direct line and was going to see about getting us an ultrasound and the earliest appointment available. And she gave me permission to throw around her name when I asked. =o) (Kevin was horrified that I asked, btw. LOL) She also said she was glad we stood up for ourselves.

She came back a few minutes later and asked if we would like an ultrasound right then. So of course we said yes. It was just a quickie to see how many were in there and check the heartbeat. She said no pictures or long analysis. But the tech did give us a picture. And, THANK GOD, there is only one baby. It pays to be the squeaky wheel.

But that's not the best part. On our way back to the classroom from the ultrasound, I saw the back of a doctor's head. I said, "Kevin that's dr. Adriano." (My beloved ob from guam. She is the best doctor EVER.) He said no way. We got closer and she looked at me and I looked at her and she said "Stefanie?" Hooray! I just about broke into a happy dance. I will hold my legs shut to make sure she delivers my baby.

Even with Commander Forrest pulling strings, I couldn't get my next appointment until the 20th and at another clinic. But I should be able to get the rest at the hospital and, hopefully, see Dr. Adriano for as many as I can wrangle.

Oh and BTW, 70% chance it's a girl. We're still doing the 3d u/s on Saturday so we can take Kenzie and double check. Plus I still have to have my "official" u/s through the navy. Which will probably take forever so I'll get more confirmation.

I was happy that the commander was unhappy with how the program was running and that she was so helpful but I still think requiring that "class" before being allowed to see a doctor is irresponsible.  So I'll still be writting congress.  I think the bulk of that could have been done online.