::deep breath::
Here we go.
Josh had a check-up with the GI today. His weight is doing well *but* he's not the size/weight that the Dr wants to see. He's been off dairy and hasn't jumped back to where he should. So. We are going to watch that and reassess in June when we go back.
The other concern is the frequency of the vomiting. Fun times. I love love love LOVE Dr H because he totally jumped on this and I feel like if all these tests come back normal, than my kids have a freakish ability to catch stomach bugs. We are covering bases which makes me so happy. So on deck is a urine analysis (no clue what they are looking for) and a blood test to check some immuno-somethingorother levels. I think they are looking at his immune function with that one. Theeeeen ::gulp:: an upper GI. Those 2 terms have been thrown around since we started with Dr H. They were always the next step but Josh's weight always looked ok and his stools got better, as did his temperament so we never went there. With all the vomiting, Dr H wants to rule out a structural abnormality. I'm going to put on my big girl panties and go through that one with a brave face. Honestly, it terrifies me to think of Josh going through that unsedated. He's going to freak. But, he does surprise me with his bravery too so maybe it will be ok. No use in worrying. ::gulp again::
So that's that. We will do those tests between now and June and will hear back if results look fishy. Oh Josh.
Switching gears.
Pediatrician.
WHY oh WHY can't parenting be cake. No bumps. Easy. Follow the yellow brick road.
It's so NOT.
I'm debating leaving our pediatrician. I'm sure to some that sounds like "Um yeah Susie. No big deal. It's a Dr."
But I searched long and hard for this Dr. I loved this Dr and my kids love her. She is cool with my vaccination craziness. But here's what I'm thinking. And just bear with me while I make this a big deal, even if you don't think it should be.
1. At Josh 15 mo check up, his weight had dropped off it's curve enough to send up red flags. I was told to up milk to boost calories. Didn't sit well with me. When I asked the Dr in that very same appt about Josh being upset 90% of the time the answer was: teeth. I KNEW it wasn't teeth. I went home that day and called Jim and said "When are we going to get the bomb dropped on us that something is very wrong with Josh?" He slept all the time, cried or whined 90% of the time, never had normal diapers and wasn't gaining weight. The pedi's answer was "up his calories." The kid isn't hungry. He eats all.the.time. and well.
At that point I went behind her back (I was being proactive about my kid... and I felt zero guilt) and sought an allergist. We jumped through hoops before being referred onto Dr H, the GI.
2. She has NEVER acknowledged Josh's allergy to milk. I almost feel like she thinks it's hooey. She gets detailed letters about each visit with Dr H, from Dr. H, yet I still get a weird vibe from her regarding Josh (maybe bc I went behind her back to get to Dr H :oX)
3. Wait time. We used to wait a few minutes to see her. Lately it's been 45 mins to an hour. She often has medical students too which makes for a grumpy Dr J. She's 100% different when there are no students with her.
4. No nurse line. I always have to call directly into Dr J if I have a question and I just feel awkward doing so.
5. When I called during the kids' last bought of stomach craziness she again told me that it was Josh's TEETH. Really? Bc June has all his teeth, as do Jim and I and we were sick too. 8 stomach bugs between Josh and June in 7 months: not teeth.
6. I cut out dairy in mid December bc Eliz wasn't gaining weight and she dropped from 90th percentile to 50th. We did a weight check in Feb to see her progression... she's held 50th percentile. Good. I was then told to give her pediasure with her oatmeal to up her calories. I AM OFF MILK. Pediasure is MILK based. Dr J *knows* I gave up milk.
I feel like her practice has gotten too big and she's being sloppy. That's a brave statement but I just feel overlooked and misdiagnosed. You don't have to have great bedside manner. My OB isn't price charming but oh-my-goodness I wish that man could deliver e.v.e.r.y one of my kids. He is cautious, knowledgeable, confident and all around awesome. No I don't have a super fun fantastic relationship with him. He is my OB. I am his patient. But I love him and his practice more than I can express bc of his office environment, and exceptional care. Period. I don't need to be your best friend but I expect good care. I feel like I lost that with Dr. J.
So yeah. I'm looking elsewhere but dragging my feet. I feel like it's a breakup... almost like I'd be unfaithful by even considering to look elsewhere. A cheater. But it's my kids' health and my sanity at steak. Can you TELL how much this stuff bounces around in my brain?! Constantly.
Our chiropractor recommended a pediatrician down in Easton. She'd be a 35 minute drive but she has a really good stance on vaccinations and her reviews online look great. So that's where I am. Knowing me it will take a while to even consider calling to get information about switching but I doubt my stance on Dr J is going to change. Man. I really liked her until Josh had "issues."
See... never easy. And when you are a thinker like me, it's insane how much harder things are made. I just think and think... and think. And then I think some more. I sit here in my little corner of the world THINKING. But it's better than not thinking and just blindly raising my kids with mediocre... everything. You can't say I'm not trying. :)
From my brain to yours, over and out!
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