I cannot express how disappointed and appalled I am by the care I received from this practice…read moreduring my pregnancy.
At approximately 27 weeks pregnant, I developed an obvious urinary tract infection. Having experienced UTIs before, I recognized the symptoms immediately and specifically requested antibiotics. During my initial conversation with the practice, I was told they could prescribe antibiotics if absolutely necessary, but strongly advised me to wait for urine culture results instead. Trusting their medical judgment, I agreed.
Unfortunately, my initial laboratory test was canceled. Over the next two days, I repeatedly called the office, expressing concern about the canceled test, my untreated infection, and the need for antibiotics.
Nobody returned my calls until approximately TWO AND A HALF DAYS later. By that point, I had developed back pain and was already at urgent care seeking treatment because my condition had worsened.
My infection progressed into severe pyelonephritis (a kidney infection), requiring approximately 2.5 days of hospitalization and multiple IV antibiotics. I experienced a fever of 102°F, a heart rate around 125, and dangerously low blood pressure of 87/53. All while pregnant.
What makes this particularly infuriating is that I recognized the infection early, immediately requested treatment, followed their medical advice, and repeatedly advocated for myself and my unborn daughter. Yet I ultimately ended up hospitalized with a serious infection.
And somehow, the experience got worse.
While hospitalized, one of the physicians from the practice came to see me and proceeded to berate me. At a time when I was severely ill, vulnerable, and frightened for my baby, I was met with shockingly poor bedside manner and a complete lack of compassion.
Then, rather than supporting me through the remainder of my pregnancy, the practice dismissed me as a patient, claiming I was now "high risk."
I found this particularly outrageous considering I was otherwise extremely healthy, with only a history of a couple of bladder infections. Other healthcare providers I subsequently saw did not classify me as high risk and expressed surprise that I had been dismissed under these circumstances.
I understand that medicine requires clinical judgment and that not every complication is preventable. However, failing to return repeated calls from a symptomatic pregnant patient for 2.5 days, particularly after her laboratory test was canceled, is unacceptable to me.
Thankfully, the rest of my pregnancy was incredibly healthy, and I went on to have a beautiful, uncomplicated vaginal delivery without interventions. Today, I have an incredibly healthy, thriving baby girl, and I am especially grateful to Dr. Hervey, who provided the compassionate, attentive care I had deserved all along.
My experience with this practice left me feeling ignored when I requested help, disrespected when I became seriously ill, and abandoned when I needed continued prenatal care.
I would absolutely not recommend this practice. I am incredibly thankful that my pregnancy ultimately had such a wonderful outcome, but no pregnant woman should have to experience what I did to get there.