First, relax! It's highly unlikely that this is a serious problem.
How old is your daughter.? If she's a baby, toddler, or preschooler, it is not uncommon for constipation to be that child's normal. This just means you have to do certain things consistently and over time to get past this. At these ages, their digestive system can be under developed or past patterns of eating or eliminating feces could have created the constipation.
My grandson was chronically constipated during those years. By the time he started school he was mostly past that.
What else has her doctor recommended? My daughter changed his diet to include more fiber and eliminate foods that cause constipation. She took him to the bathroom 2-3 times a day to encourage elimination before his intestines were packed. She gave him Mirilax daily, gradually increasing the dosage until his movements were softer and more frequent.
Because finding the right treatment takes time, it's best to stay with the same doctor. A new doctor has to start over.
Your new doctor doesn't need past records unless you've said you want treatment for constipation. However you can make an appointment for a new patient orientation. I've had to change doctors because my insurance changed or I've moved. I never had to wait long for an appointment. The main purpose for such an appointment is for you and the doctor to know if you can work together.
If you asked for an appointment for constipation, it's reasonable for the doctor to want to see the records. The swelling may or may not be related to constipation. The swelling, as you perceived it, may not be a medical problem. I'd talk to an advice nurse, first.
You said it felt painful to you. Did your baby fuss as if in pain, scream or in some other way indicate it was painful to her? Is it possible you're anxious about her health causing you to be more sensitive to changes? As babies mature, they do change. I suggest that her constipation may be normal because her digestive system is immature. Another cause may be her diet or the baby's anxiety. How calm and routine is her care?
I've had concerns about my own care. When I do, I talk with my doctor until I understand why he is making those recomnendation. Inadequate communication is often the cause of discontent. Often, we don't understand or have a personality conflict that hampers understanding.
I start with the knowledge that my doctor has extensive training and experience and knows more than I know. I expect that he is right and have found over the years that talking with him will help each of us understand each other. I have been referred to a specialist when my reasons for anxiety are not adequately answered. In one case, his attendendent seemed uncaring. I left the office in tears a couple of times. I wrote a letter asking for for a different doctor. My doctor called and compassionately listened to me. I stayed with him and never saw that person again.
In summary, I suggest you stay with the same doctor until you're able (this is not an easy thing to do ) to consistently follow his plan. HAve you changed her diet and consistently given her the Mirilax over several weeks for each change? Has her doctor given her a diagnoses with which you disagree. If so, have you talked with the doctor in an open, unemotional way, about your concerns?
I suggest you can see the new doctor by asking for a new patient appointment. You can also ask about being seen for a new development. I suggest that if your daughter still cannot be seen, you talk with the advise nurse, When you call for an appointment you are often talking with a clerical person who has no formal medical training
Actually, I'd talk with the advice nurse first. She may get your daughter in sooner. Consider that what you see as a swelling may not be a problem. Your daughter is growing which does cause body changes.
Also consider that you're dealing with professional people. They will be helpful if you are firm as well as polite. Going ballistic rarely gains cooperation. It increases anger which will interfere with the other person's ability to be helpful.
I suggest you start by stating your problem. (New doctor won't see daughter until he has her records.)
Ask for help in resolving this issue.
Let that person consider and state possibilities. Don't say, "you have to send those record right now. Be willing to consider a different approach.
Treat that person with respect, in the manner you would want to be treated.
In my experience, when one doctor immediately needs records, his assistant calls the other doctor's office and asks for them to be faxed or sent via the Internet.