Health care problems for me in OZ
Nov 19th 2003, 12:28 pm
#1
home again, home again
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Notts to Perth, Perth to Notts
Posts: 1,748
Health care problems for me in OZ
We have just found out that we have another sprog on the way!!!
Went to the doctors and sat for 55 minutes (was told the doctor was running late!). Told the doctor that my I have Resus Negative blood and sometimes need 'Anti D' injections throughtout my pregnancy (did with last pregnancy). I then had to drive (20 min away) to a place called Clinipath for blood tests. Why the doctors don't do the blood test I don't know? I was told the results would be back with the doctor in a few days.
% days later I hadn't heard anything so I phoned the medical centre and was told that everything was ok with my blood test. I asked again about the 'Anti D' injections and was told that I had better come to see the doctor again. I arrived at 11.50am and finally got in to see the doctor at 1.00pm (running late again) and she said everything was ok with my blood tests. I KNOW THAT!!! WHAT ABOUT THE 'ANIT D'!!???? Oh, this is where it gets difficult she replied (
)
"Australia has a shortage of this vaccination so it's all kept at St. Johns in the city, I will phone them and see if you can have some".
'See' if I can have some????!!!!!
I have to go to the city myself and fetch the vaccine everytime I need it which may be 7-10 times throughout the pregnancy!!??? Then return to the doctors with the vaccine for her to inject me. I asked her if it was vital that I had this vaccine and she replied ' well it can harm the baby if you don't have it' (is that all then )
So I'am off to the city to get this bloody stuff (that was available at my local hospital in the UK) and then back to the doctors for the injection.
I asked her when will I be having my first scan and she replied that they normally do them at 18 weeks but in my case will do one next week. I was given a piece of paper to take to a place called 'Sterling Radiology' where I will have the ultra sound.
When I had my daughter in the UK it was all very easy, you went to the doctors and then the hospital for scans, here I've been sent up and down the road, in that place and the other and I'am only 7 weeks pregnant!!!???? It all feels very impersonal.
No mention of any anti natal classes to attend and I know when my friend had her baby here she found it very difficult to find any classes to attend for information and weighing her baby. When she finally found somewhere to have the baby weighed she was the only one there!? No making friends in anti/post natal classes here then!???
Just thank goodness I'am having the baby back in the UK.
Maybe someone out there has a different story?
Anti D injections are for pregnant women who's blood may mingle with the babies (who maynot be resus negative) and cause harm to the mother and baby.
Went to the doctors and sat for 55 minutes (was told the doctor was running late!). Told the doctor that my I have Resus Negative blood and sometimes need 'Anti D' injections throughtout my pregnancy (did with last pregnancy). I then had to drive (20 min away) to a place called Clinipath for blood tests. Why the doctors don't do the blood test I don't know? I was told the results would be back with the doctor in a few days.
% days later I hadn't heard anything so I phoned the medical centre and was told that everything was ok with my blood test. I asked again about the 'Anti D' injections and was told that I had better come to see the doctor again. I arrived at 11.50am and finally got in to see the doctor at 1.00pm (running late again) and she said everything was ok with my blood tests. I KNOW THAT!!! WHAT ABOUT THE 'ANIT D'!!???? Oh, this is where it gets difficult she replied (
)"Australia has a shortage of this vaccination so it's all kept at St. Johns in the city, I will phone them and see if you can have some".
'See' if I can have some????!!!!!
I have to go to the city myself and fetch the vaccine everytime I need it which may be 7-10 times throughout the pregnancy!!??? Then return to the doctors with the vaccine for her to inject me. I asked her if it was vital that I had this vaccine and she replied ' well it can harm the baby if you don't have it' (is that all then
)So I'am off to the city to get this bloody stuff (that was available at my local hospital in the UK) and then back to the doctors for the injection.
I asked her when will I be having my first scan and she replied that they normally do them at 18 weeks but in my case will do one next week. I was given a piece of paper to take to a place called 'Sterling Radiology' where I will have the ultra sound.
When I had my daughter in the UK it was all very easy, you went to the doctors and then the hospital for scans, here I've been sent up and down the road, in that place and the other and I'am only 7 weeks pregnant!!!???? It all feels very impersonal.
No mention of any anti natal classes to attend and I know when my friend had her baby here she found it very difficult to find any classes to attend for information and weighing her baby. When she finally found somewhere to have the baby weighed she was the only one there!? No making friends in anti/post natal classes here then!???
Just thank goodness I'am having the baby back in the UK.
Maybe someone out there has a different story?
Anti D injections are for pregnant women who's blood may mingle with the babies (who maynot be resus negative) and cause harm to the mother and baby.
Nov 19th 2003, 12:35 pm
#2
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Perth WA
Posts: 712
What a fiasco! Firstly though congrats. Does this alter your plans of when you are going back? I can't remember the cut off point when you can fly (sure someone knows). If you are going back whilst pregnant won't it be a bit too stressful? Not that driving round Perth to get the vaccine every time you need it isn't!!!
Nothing's ever straight forward is it?
Best of luck
Loopy
Nothing's ever straight forward is it?
Best of luck
Loopy
Nov 19th 2003, 12:38 pm
#3
home again, home again
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Notts to Perth, Perth to Notts
Posts: 1,748
Originally posted by Loopy
What a fiasco! Firstly though congrats. Does this alter your plans of when you are going back? I can't remember the cut off point when you can fly (sure someone knows). If you are going back whilst pregnant won't it be a bit too stressful? Not that driving round Perth to get the vaccine every time you need it isn't!!!
Nothing's ever straight forward is it?
Best of luck
Loopy
What a fiasco! Firstly though congrats. Does this alter your plans of when you are going back? I can't remember the cut off point when you can fly (sure someone knows). If you are going back whilst pregnant won't it be a bit too stressful? Not that driving round Perth to get the vaccine every time you need it isn't!!!
Nothing's ever straight forward is it?
Best of luck
Loopy
Nov 19th 2003, 2:22 pm
#4
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Jan 2003
Location: Perth, Jnr is back!
Posts: 1,286
Eeeekkkk, just seen this!
Congarts Jane - Shagathon complete then! Phew!
I'm made up for you (as they say on Brookside) and hope it all goes well, it will be lovely to have it back in UK with all your family.
Diane xxx
Congarts Jane - Shagathon complete then! Phew!
I'm made up for you (as they say on Brookside) and hope it all goes well, it will be lovely to have it back in UK with all your family.
Diane xxx
Nov 19th 2003, 2:39 pm
#5
Good to be back in UK
Joined: Oct 2003
Location: Back in UK
Posts: 750
Re: Health care problems for me in OZ
Originally posted by janeyray
We have just found out that we have another sprog on the way!!!
We have just found out that we have another sprog on the way!!!
Hope it all goes well for you
Donna
Nov 19th 2003, 3:33 pm
#6
Rocket Scientist
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Dreamland AKA Brisbane which is a different country to the UK
Posts: 6,911
Congrats Janeyray , I have to say all that running around seems a bit excessive, when I had the boys I just booked into the clinic & then antenatal classes at the hospital & it was all so easy. Rarely had to wait more than 10 mins to be seen, & everything was booked through the hospital. Only once did I have to go somewhere else & that was for a specialist ultrasound (I had almost weekly ultrasounds from 14 weeks onwards because of twins & complications) at the Mater Hospital, all the rest were at the same hospital as my antenatal clinic.
Is it possible for you to go to your local hospital antenatal clinic instead of the doctors?
I wouldnt be happy having to do all the running around either!
, I have to say all that running around seems a bit excessive, when I had the boys I just booked into the clinic & then antenatal classes at the hospital & it was all so easy. Rarely had to wait more than 10 mins to be seen, & everything was booked through the hospital. Only once did I have to go somewhere else & that was for a specialist ultrasound (I had almost weekly ultrasounds from 14 weeks onwards because of twins & complications) at the Mater Hospital, all the rest were at the same hospital as my antenatal clinic. Is it possible for you to go to your local hospital antenatal clinic instead of the doctors?
I wouldnt be happy having to do all the running around either!
Nov 19th 2003, 3:38 pm
#7
Y Ddraig Goch
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Body is in Brissie. Heart and soul has long flown home.
Posts: 3,722
Re: Health care problems for me in OZ
Originally posted by janeyray
We have just found out that we have another sprog on the way!!!
Went to the doctors and sat for 55 minutes (was told the doctor was running late!). Told the doctor that my I have Resus Negative blood and sometimes need 'Anti D' injections throughtout my pregnancy (did with last pregnancy). I then had to drive (20 min away) to a place called Clinipath for blood tests. Why the doctors don't do the blood test I don't know? I was told the results would be back with the doctor in a few days.
% days later I hadn't heard anything so I phoned the medical centre and was told that everything was ok with my blood test. I asked again about the 'Anti D' injections and was told that I had better come to see the doctor again. I arrived at 11.50am and finally got in to see the doctor at 1.00pm (running late again) and she said everything was ok with my blood tests. I KNOW THAT!!! WHAT ABOUT THE 'ANIT D'!!???? Oh, this is where it gets difficult she replied ( )
"Australia has a shortage of this vaccination so it's all kept at St. Johns in the city, I will phone them and see if you can have some".
'See' if I can have some????!!!!!
I have to go to the city myself and fetch the vaccine everytime I need it which may be 7-10 times throughout the pregnancy!!??? Then return to the doctors with the vaccine for her to inject me. I asked her if it was vital that I had this vaccine and she replied ' well it can harm the baby if you don't have it' (is that all then )
So I'am off to the city to get this bloody stuff (that was available at my local hospital in the UK) and then back to the doctors for the injection.
I asked her when will I be having my first scan and she replied that they normally do them at 18 weeks but in my case will do one next week. I was given a piece of paper to take to a place called 'Sterling Radiology' where I will have the ultra sound.
When I had my daughter in the UK it was all very easy, you went to the doctors and then the hospital for scans, here I've been sent up and down the road, in that place and the other and I'am only 7 weeks pregnant!!!???? It all feels very impersonal.
No mention of any anti natal classes to attend and I know when my friend had her baby here she found it very difficult to find any classes to attend for information and weighing her baby. When she finally found somewhere to have the baby weighed she was the only one there!? No making friends in anti/post natal classes here then!???
Just thank goodness I'am having the baby back in the UK.
Maybe someone out there has a different story?
Anti D injections are for pregnant women who's blood may mingle with the babies (who maynot be resus negative) and cause harm to the mother and baby.
We have just found out that we have another sprog on the way!!!
Went to the doctors and sat for 55 minutes (was told the doctor was running late!). Told the doctor that my I have Resus Negative blood and sometimes need 'Anti D' injections throughtout my pregnancy (did with last pregnancy). I then had to drive (20 min away) to a place called Clinipath for blood tests. Why the doctors don't do the blood test I don't know? I was told the results would be back with the doctor in a few days.
% days later I hadn't heard anything so I phoned the medical centre and was told that everything was ok with my blood test. I asked again about the 'Anti D' injections and was told that I had better come to see the doctor again. I arrived at 11.50am and finally got in to see the doctor at 1.00pm (running late again) and she said everything was ok with my blood tests. I KNOW THAT!!! WHAT ABOUT THE 'ANIT D'!!???? Oh, this is where it gets difficult she replied (
)"Australia has a shortage of this vaccination so it's all kept at St. Johns in the city, I will phone them and see if you can have some".
'See' if I can have some????!!!!!
I have to go to the city myself and fetch the vaccine everytime I need it which may be 7-10 times throughout the pregnancy!!??? Then return to the doctors with the vaccine for her to inject me. I asked her if it was vital that I had this vaccine and she replied ' well it can harm the baby if you don't have it' (is that all then
)So I'am off to the city to get this bloody stuff (that was available at my local hospital in the UK) and then back to the doctors for the injection.
I asked her when will I be having my first scan and she replied that they normally do them at 18 weeks but in my case will do one next week. I was given a piece of paper to take to a place called 'Sterling Radiology' where I will have the ultra sound.
When I had my daughter in the UK it was all very easy, you went to the doctors and then the hospital for scans, here I've been sent up and down the road, in that place and the other and I'am only 7 weeks pregnant!!!???? It all feels very impersonal.
No mention of any anti natal classes to attend and I know when my friend had her baby here she found it very difficult to find any classes to attend for information and weighing her baby. When she finally found somewhere to have the baby weighed she was the only one there!? No making friends in anti/post natal classes here then!???
Just thank goodness I'am having the baby back in the UK.
Maybe someone out there has a different story?
Anti D injections are for pregnant women who's blood may mingle with the babies (who maynot be resus negative) and cause harm to the mother and baby.
. I personally haven't got any faith in the medical system here in Aus. Although my experience is totally different to yours.. I needed an oxygen chamber (a bit like the divers have) ..long story it was to help with a healing of a wound on the leg. The hospital couldn't get me into one .. the only available one was in the children's hospital. So two bl**dy operations... and one failed skin graft later, almost a year recovering .. lol
If I had been able to fly I would have been on the next plane home to Britain.. I couldn't it would have been dangerous with the lack of blood circulation.
I've always said if hubby or myself ever have anything wrong .. a planned operation, I'd be on the next plane out of here for medical help.. whether it's to Sing and pay for it there (I've actually been in hospital in Sing too.. They were fantastic) , or go back to Britain for help. Father had a bypass recently and the treatment he had was A1.. no waiting lists , fantastic treatment.. but saying that my Uncle who lives in England had to go on a waiting list for his... so it depends where in Britain for the good service of medical help. I hear people moaning about the NHS, but my family have nothing but praise for the treatment/service that they get... no probs what so-ever.
cheers
Nov 19th 2003, 6:57 pm
#8
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jul 2003
Location: My Place
Posts: 529
Congratulations Jane, you must be chuffed, pity about the medical stuff just dont expect it to be too different here, in my first 2 pregnancies i had regular midwife appointments for ante-natal checks, now i am 27 weeks and have seen my midwife once and that was just for my blood tests, i have had my blood pressure checked once and never had my urine checked, i have never seen the doctor, i've had 2 scans but had to pay for one of them, and thats for someone who is in the age bracket where i am clessed as high risk.
When you are looking for your flights home Singapore Airlines are the only airline that will carry you up to 34 weeks without a medical line, some need it from 4 weeks others from 24 others from 28, biggest problem you will have will be travel insurance as most companies will only insure you up untill 28 weeks, i had the choice of 2 companies only for cover over that time.
Good Luck
Lynn
When you are looking for your flights home Singapore Airlines are the only airline that will carry you up to 34 weeks without a medical line, some need it from 4 weeks others from 24 others from 28, biggest problem you will have will be travel insurance as most companies will only insure you up untill 28 weeks, i had the choice of 2 companies only for cover over that time.
Good Luck
Lynn
Nov 19th 2003, 7:25 pm
#9
Forum Regular
Joined: Jul 2002
Location: S.E. Suburbs, Melbourne
Posts: 121
Thats unbelievable!!!!!
Well, all i can say is that u should change ur doctor!!!!!!
Since I am an overseas qualified medical doctor i understand how important it is to have the kind of vaccination u have referred to. And why the doctor and his referred diagnostic center took it so casually remains a mystery to me.
Further it seems so absurd why such a common condition requires getting those injections from one place in the city. I am sure they r available at all reputed hosiptals.
What i have heard is that Australia has one of the world's most developed medical systems (now thats going to set the bomb offf!)
Anyways i hope that the worst bit is over for u and ur baby.
Bets of luck with everything.
gunitm
Since I am an overseas qualified medical doctor i understand how important it is to have the kind of vaccination u have referred to. And why the doctor and his referred diagnostic center took it so casually remains a mystery to me.
Further it seems so absurd why such a common condition requires getting those injections from one place in the city. I am sure they r available at all reputed hosiptals.
What i have heard is that Australia has one of the world's most developed medical systems (now thats going to set the bomb offf!)
Anyways i hope that the worst bit is over for u and ur baby.
Bets of luck with everything.
gunitm
Nov 19th 2003, 7:47 pm
#10
Home and Happy
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Keep true friends and puppets close, trust no-one else...
Posts: 93,861
Not that easy to change your GP in the UK anymore, unfortunately.
Anyway, just wanted to say congrtaulation Jane, and all the best!
Lynn I bet you'll be glad to get here; is the baby OK with the excitement or is he/she jumping about a lot! 9 more sleeps! Wow!!
Anyway, just wanted to say congrtaulation Jane, and all the best!
Lynn I bet you'll be glad to get here; is the baby OK with the excitement or is he/she jumping about a lot! 9 more sleeps! Wow!!
Nov 19th 2003, 9:16 pm
#11
Banned
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 3,467
Im resus negative and I just had the anti D injection immediately after the birth of my 3 sons just one injection each time in the UK
Congratulations on the baby what are you hoping for a girl or a boy I was hoping my 3rd would be a girl I am sick to death of action man lol but it wasnt to be
Congratulations on the baby what are you hoping for a girl or a boy I was hoping my 3rd would be a girl I am sick to death of action man lol but it wasnt to be
Nov 20th 2003, 12:10 am
#12
Nutty Nurse
Joined: Dec 2002
Location: Warwickshire originally, now in NT, Australia
Posts: 139
Hi Janey,
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I think you really need to change G.P practices cos that sounds ridiculous to me.
Have you thought about having all your ante-natal care provided by the midwives? They're usually a lot more up to date than the drs and more organised. No long waits either. In and out in 10 minutes.
I'm not a midwife myself but if you want to ask any questions i'll do my best to help
Here are a few websites you might find useful.
http://www.communitymidwifery.iinet.net.au/
http://www.pdhu.on.ca/cliserv.html#Prenatal Classes
scroll down to prenatal classes
Siobhan
Congratulations on your pregnancy. I think you really need to change G.P practices cos that sounds ridiculous to me.
Have you thought about having all your ante-natal care provided by the midwives? They're usually a lot more up to date than the drs and more organised. No long waits either. In and out in 10 minutes.
I'm not a midwife myself but if you want to ask any questions i'll do my best to help
Here are a few websites you might find useful.
http://www.communitymidwifery.iinet.net.au/
http://www.pdhu.on.ca/cliserv.html#Prenatal Classes
scroll down to prenatal classes
Siobhan
Nov 20th 2003, 12:42 am
#13
BE Forum Addict
Joined: Apr 2002
Location: From Worcestershire to Perth WA
Posts: 1,106
Hi Jane and Hubby
Congratulations to you both , what a pain in the arse with the doctors etc isnt it !!! I had a iron infusion at clinipath in the city was a pain to have to drive there then drive myself home felt a little light headed all the good stuff
Have left you a message on the phone will speak soon Love Joanne and Family
Congratulations to you both , what a pain in the arse with the doctors etc isnt it !!! I had a iron infusion at clinipath in the city was a pain to have to drive there then drive myself home felt a little light headed all the good stuff
Have left you a message on the phone will speak soon Love Joanne and Family
Nov 20th 2003, 1:17 am
#14
home again, home again
Thread Starter
Joined: Apr 2003
Location: Notts to Perth, Perth to Notts
Posts: 1,748
Thanks for all your 'congratulations'.
Picked up the vaccine and told the man behind the counter that it was a bit strange having to collect it myself. He said that they keep supplies in the major hospitals like Bunbury and Geraldton (well thats close then!??).
I think I might phone my local hospital and see if they have any supplies there
Funny thing is I have changed my doctor, twice now and this one is the best so far, it's not her fault about the vaccine but she should have mentioned it earlier!
SKY: Unfortunately I have complications with my pregnancies and everytime I loose blood (which last time was about 10 times) I have to have the vaccine, not as easy as just the once.
LYNN: thanks for that about the insurance, we hope to fly at the very end of April and I will be about 28 weeks.
DIANE: Shagathon complete, thank goodness!!!
:scared:
Picked up the vaccine and told the man behind the counter that it was a bit strange having to collect it myself. He said that they keep supplies in the major hospitals like Bunbury and Geraldton (well thats close then!??).
I think I might phone my local hospital and see if they have any supplies there
Funny thing is I have changed my doctor, twice now and this one is the best so far, it's not her fault about the vaccine but she should have mentioned it earlier!
SKY: Unfortunately I have complications with my pregnancies and everytime I loose blood (which last time was about 10 times) I have to have the vaccine, not as easy as just the once.
LYNN: thanks for that about the insurance, we hope to fly at the very end of April and I will be about 28 weeks.
DIANE: Shagathon complete, thank goodness!!!
:scared:
