I would like to start off with sharing that, Maria is a very sweet lady. She never keeps you waiting to been seen, and the office is pretty clean.
Sadly those are just about the only positive things I experienced while under her care.
Since the beginning of my pregnancy, I've had issues. Spotting is something that I initially encountered. (No clots, just light pink)
So To start, the ultrasound team didn't find a fetal pulse for multiple weeks (I was between 6-10 weeks during these visits) and were going to remove the sack. Now don't get me wrong, I completely understand that sometimes It takes longer to actually see the fetus. So I requested a final ultrasound just to be 100% sure. So they did It, and what do you know. My baby was right there. Strong heartbeat and moving around like a pro.
I spoke to her over the phone to discuss our next appointment to start prenatal care because I would be proceeding with my pregnancy. (Since She wasn't the one doing my ultrasound)
So I show up to my first prenatal visit with her and begins with the question, are you going to proceed, and I said uhm yes, we discussed this over the phone. She then says, ok we are going to schedule you to start your prenatal care... I literally stared at her with confusion and told her, I thought this was the first prenatal visits??? And she goes on by saying oh yes, I'm sorry I've just been so busy. Now... I'm thinking she should already know what her day looks like by this hour, and know what she is walking into with each patient. She then starts going over each ultrasound I had done , and mentions a fibroid. And I was a little in shock because that was not mentioned to me. So she explained that It was small and they would keep an eye on It. She then explains that the first noted a fibroid and a cyst. But the second didn't, then the third only noted a cyst. So I'm pretty upset at this point because I was never told about this. And she explained that she is going off of the report in her system. Now I understand she doesn't do the ultrasounds, but for the person caring for me during this time, to tell me "I don't know, I'm just reading the report" It is extremely alarming and frustrating.
I had so many questions regarding my health that she really couldn't answer. She would simply say if you have bleeding just go strait to the ER or urgent care. And if anything comes up come come in right away, don't wait for your appointment. So I would sit there and explain to her "well I'm here now explaining my concerns and discomforts" I expected her to know what to do. (And already thinking about researching a new doctor because this is just insane)
By the way, I was never told I could see a doctor from that clinic. I was given the impression that I HAD to see her until my 32nd week, then be transferred to the actual doctor. So when she explained my options to me on my last visit with her, I immediately requested to see the actual doctor for my next visit.
I finally got to be seen by a specialist, and I have no cyst, I have a small fibroid, and a low lying placenta. I literally had to show her how upset I was to get her attention.
I'm sure Maria is well experienced, but not for my particular case. She just seemed so confused each time. My beliefs, if you are really not medically experienced for let's say, higher risk or not so normal pregnancies, this is something that should have automatically been given to the actual doctor if she couldn't handle It. I really could go on, but it's long enough. This is really just a heads up to any woman who might be considering her for care.
I really hope each woman under her care gets the proper treatment necessary in any case.
Well wishes to her and all who choose her as their nurse practitioner. read more
