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Seeking HG Care in Israel

PostPosted: Aug 22, 2005 2:39 pm
by shana
Can anyone recommend a gyn/ob in Israel? I live in the Jerusalem area and am yet to find a doctor who really knows about hg and is not so overbooked that they don't have time to take on a new patient.

I have already had disasterous experiences with doctors who are considered "the top of the field." They may be great in many ways, but treating hg is not their area of expertise. In fact, almost all the doctors I've consulted have said that they've never heard of anyone coming anywhere close to a life threatening situation because of hg.

So, if anyone out there has any ideas. Please, please share!

Shana

PostPosted: Aug 22, 2005 4:30 pm
by Jolene
I'm sorry I can't help you there! I hope you are able to find someone who you can trust and feel comfortabel with. Good luck!

Just wondering, are you American living in Israel?

Jolene

PostPosted: Aug 23, 2005 12:26 am
by bibliojo
Hi Shana,

I'm sorry you're having such a rough time with HG. It truly sucks! :(

I'm afraid I don't know of any HG specialists in Jerusalem, but I have a couple ideas to help you try and find one. Go to google and type in HG and Israel or HG and Jerusalem and see what comes up. I've checked and there are a few articles on HG by people in Jerusalem. Then ask your doctor for a referral to these people. Some might be teaching only and not taking on patients but it's worth a try! This is one of the ways that I searched for a knowledgable doctor in my area.

If that doesn't work, I suggest that you call Motherisk in Canada. They are considered an expert on nausea and vomitting in pregnancy and they may know of someone in Israel that could help you. Their number is toll free. 1-800-436-8477.

Good luck! I hope you can find someone that can treat your HG properly and agressively.

Joanna

Thanks for the encouragement

PostPosted: Aug 23, 2005 1:06 am
by shana
Hi there,

I am originally from Vancouver (like Joanna, I believe). I have lived in Israel for 12 years and have had 2 babies here. Baby number one was born in Vancouver. All three were moderate hg cases.

Part of the problem here is, even with the help of a good doctor, the hospitals operate from crisis to crisis and hg women are considered, firstly, big brats who should just "buck up" and secondly a big pain, because they require a lot of work and attention. The staff just is not willing or interested. I was in the hospital with pregnancy number 4, which I terminated, because the care was so hideous - really unbelievable: the doctors would not speak to me or my husband, the nurses, when not ignoring me, just yelled and told me I was going through too many plastic bags with all the vomitting. In fact, it was something out of a documentary. I had a Palestinian roommate (I am Jewish), whose husband and father, when visiting, often helped me when I was throwing up because the nurses would just snarl and they felt so bad for me.

I will check out Motherisk. I have even been thinking of going to Canada or the US for a first trimester once I hopefully conceive. But that gets so tricky with insurance, travel, leaving my family and everything else. And, meanwhile i have not contacted any doctors there.

I really appreciate the responses and brainstorming. Though I don't pariticipate much, I am an avid follower of the forums, which have been one of the very few comforts I have found in the wake of 2 hearbreaking /devastating hg-caused terminations in just over a year.

Shana

PostPosted: Aug 23, 2005 8:50 am
by Jolene
Good luck in your search Shana and stay safe over there!

Jolene

PostPosted: Aug 23, 2005 11:38 pm
by bibliojo
Shana,

Nice to meet a fellow "Vancouverite" on here! :D I can see what you mean about the doctors not treating you seriously - I guess with the general unrest in Israel and the suicide bombers about they see treating those injured perople as more significant than a woman with HG. Very unfortunate that you have to suffer a slow death while others get the care they need.

Do you still have family in Vancouver? Would you be staying with them if you came back to North America? I have done a fair bit of research into doctors in this area and would be more than willing to share my info with you. But of course, you more than likely would wish to stay in Israel with your family. Can you ask you family doctor for a referral to an OB and meet with them prior to conceiving to determine if they will be any help to you? I don't know what more to suggest. You are in a difficult spot! I hope that you will be able to find someone. Did you google hyperemesis and jerusalem? Anything come up for you?

As Jolene says, stay safe there! I can't imagine what it would be like to live in a place where your life is in constant danger whether you realize it or not...

Take care and good luck!
Joanna

PostPosted: Aug 24, 2005 7:27 am
by Natalie
Hi there

Last year, there was an HGer on here in Israel and if it wasn't you then there is somene else in Israel with HG!!!!

I will try to find her on the memberlist... yup, she's no. 76! Maybe pm her and see what she knows.

Hope you find someone who can help.

Love Natalie, x

Jerusalem and HG

PostPosted: Aug 24, 2005 9:12 am
by shana
HI everyone,

Firstly, thanks Joanna. Unfortunately coming to Van is just not an option. I had my first child in 1992 in Van. At that time I saw Dr. Vera Frinton and though she ws lovely, all she recommended for hg was seabands. I am sure much has changed, but my family just isn't up to it.

I've googled HG and Israel and contacted several doctors. But, they were all in research and clueless about real care.

I have been doing legwork to find a pre-conception doctor, but the search has been futile. One doctor after another has sent me away - they think I am crazy, a hypochondriac, or just too much work.

Truthfully, the overall climate of tension in Israel contributes to the medical community's callous attitude, but in truth, Israel is a real baby country. Many women have five or six kids, so the attitude is "they all did it" and you can to. So just be quiet and stop being a whiner.

One last point, I have contacted the woman who was on the list from Israel, Leah. She also had a terrible experience. I have yet to find someone with hg who hasn't.

Trying to stay hopeful though!

Thank you to everyone for all the good wishes. It is helpful and so greatly appreciated!

Shana