The previous post in this three part series is here.
In the beginning post of this series, I told the story of how California doctors and medical providers just couldn’t get it through their heads that even though I was a 35 yr old soon-to-be-mom, I did NOT want amniocentesis, because of the risk of miscarriage and the fact that it could not reveal any information I would actually be able to use. But the medical types were really determined. Read on.
I agreed to have a high-resolution sonogram referred to by my doctor as “Level 4” (L4), to be performed by a different doctor when I was about four months pregnant. When I called to set up the appointment for this procedure, the nurse on the line began discussing the preparations for amniocentesis. I patiently explained that I had declined this procedure and would be having the sonogram only. She seemed quite surprised, but finally said that she would put a notation on my chart so that I would not be “hassled” any further. (But wait, it was ALREADY on my chart.) About two weeks later, another nurse called to confirm my appointment for the next day and began giving me instructions regarding amniocentesis. I told her, a bit less patiently this time, that I had declined amniocentesis and would only be having the sonogram. She told me that I was scheduled for amniocentesis. I said, “Read my chart.” She said, “Come prepared for amnio anyway!”
My husband (aka Harmonicminer) and I arrived at the clinic for my L4 sonogram the next day. I tried to put all thoughts of large needles near babies’ heads, prenatal child kil …. er, I mean “pregnancy terminations,” etc., out of my head. I just wanted to see my baby. I was, of course, hoping the exam would bring good news but was prepared to accept whatever the test might reveal.
The clinic’s high-risk specialist, Dr. Shah, entered the room, glanced at his notes and said, “You’re here for an L4 and an amniocentesis.” Feeling like a broken record, I explained, AGAIN, that I had thoroughly discussed my options with my obstetrician and had signed the form refusing amniocentesis and genetic counseling. I had only agreed, on my doctor’s advice, to have the L4 sonogram.
Dr. Shah snapped, “You should not have been ALLOWED to sign that refusal without first undergoing genetic counseling!” He then said, nonsensically, that amniocentesis was “for my own safety.” Furthermore, he refused to even do the sonogram until, at a minimum, I subjected myself to “counseling.” Seriously?!? Was he actually threatening to withhold medical care unless I submitted to his authority?
I was too upset to endure the heated exchange between Mr. Miner and the doctor, so I agreed to see the genetic counselor down the hall. I walked in her office in a very unhappy frame of mind, and I let her know that I was there under duress. To her credit, she was very kind, but the questions were truly useless. To paraphrase one of the more sophisticated queries, “So, is there any chance you and your husband are biologically related?”
After signing yet ANOTHER refusal of amniocentesis, I returned to the exam room where the doctor, somewhat begrudgingly, finally did the sonogram.
And there she was, my little SOMEBODY… not “potential life,” but undeniably a miniature human being with unfathomable potential. Stretching, moving, kicking, growing, EXISTING. I may have even seen her make a rude gesture to the doctor. Way to go, kid.
Part three (the last part of this series) is here.
