Although I am notorious for harping on the negative things - at least I admit it - I felt today that I should relate a very positive interaction that I had today with a new doctor. The last 4 years (when I was pregnant with Little A) began my decent into the world of doctor mania. I have had my fair share of medical issues, but for some reason, I am extremely concerned about the doctors that my children see - go figure! I have even been known after getting advice from some trusted people to change their doctors (Alex’s pediatrician) or completely stop taking them to a doctor (Alex’s pulmonologist). The reasons vary - but it usually has to do with being made to feel utterly dumb for proactively asking question or seeing the doctor for the third or so time and they STILL need me to run down his medications or they come into the exam room with another child’s chart (and then proceed to make me wait an additional 20 minutes for them to return). UGH. I’m getting angry just thinking of that pulmonology office at a hospital on 82nd Street on the West Side of Meridian Street…
But I have never been afraid to take a quick appt. with a new doctor if our regular doctor is not in or unavailable. That is what happened to me today as I anxiously needed to get Little Z in to be looked at for a really gross runny ear. So when Dr. W came in and we talked about Z a bit, she examined him and talked about him in a manner that I immediately knew that she had taken the time to actually READ HIS CHART! I was stunned and happy all at once. I finally said something to her when she knew that he had had an allergic reaction to Omniceft back in the Fall. I made a point of thanking her for taking the time to read his history before seeing him. Not many doctors would do this and I found it refreshing. It also made me trust her a bit more. Something is often missing at doctor appointments…the feeling that we are being “cared” for in all aspects by the doctors. Too many times I feel I go there, give them $15 co-pay, and leave with my prescription notes. So I felt good today loading Z-man back up in the car.
BTW - Z was diagnosed with a double ear infection - despite having ear tubes in since July 2008, a sinus infection, and possibly a ruptured eardrum. Luckily, the eardrum should repair. The antibiotic and ear drops will help get rid of the gunk in his ears so that they can see if the tubes are still there or if the rupture dislodged it (very likely). But I brought him home, medicated him to the hilt, and then he slept for SIX HOURS. I had to wake him up for dinner (a banana), bath, and more ear drops. Sigh…
