Tuesday, I had my boat rocked.
In my life, I’ve had my boat rocked many a time. I’m a tough gal. I’m a high-cope person. I am good in a crisis. But yesterday was different. Yesterday it wasn’t about me, it was about my child. And it sent me overboard.
Tuesday morning, Antique Daddy and I took Sean in for his four-year check-up, which unfortunately includes four vaccinations. I was dreading having to put him through the four shots, but as a family that embraces pharmacology, it had to be done. (Your philosophy on vaccinations may be different than mine, feel free to discuss it on your blog.)
Since it was just shots, I agreed to see the nurse-practitioner. Go ahead and judge me now, I prefer the doctor. I’m a doctor snob. One reason I prefer the doctor to the nurse practitioner is because the doctor is not 6’4 and 85 pounds. He does not wear pointy-toed stiletto heels and expensive dry-clean only sweaters to see children who might puke without notice. Her clothing choices do not say “I love children!” Her clothing choices send a mixed message and confuse me. Therefore I am wary of her.
The regular nurse takes his blood pressure and does all the regular stuff and then hands me a plastic cup and orders me to get a urine sample from the patient. So I dutifully take Sean to the restroom and he happily complies as if there is nothing more fun one could do than pee in a cup and put it in a little window. “Can we do this at home?” he asks. No.
We went back to the exam room and continued with an impromptu Tonka road rally and waited. All was well and the seas were calm. A little glint of sun peeked through the windows.
The semi-doctor breezes into the room, stepping through the Tonka road rally in her stiletto pumps and plops down in a chair and announces with no warning that Sean has a sugar count of 2000 in his urine, that he’s an insulin-dependent diabetic, that we need to gather up our stuff and rush to the Children’s hospital emergency room and have him admitted where they can start doing tests and that he will need an insulin pump for the rest of his life and I will have to finger-stick him to check his blood sugar several times a day.
As I’m trying to take in all this information, I’m watching Sean happily bouncing around the room, the picture of health in every way. And that’s when the room listed to one side. On another day, when I was feeling well, I would have put the brakes on. But I am at the tail end (I hope) of a nearly month-long bronchial infection and my reserves are low. In my weakened state, I just sat there with my mouth open and stared at her.
With all the energy I could muster, which was none, I feebly offer that maybe it was the blueberry muffin he ate that morning or some Valentine candy from the day before.
“No,” she dismisses me, “That might raise it to 200, but not 2000 blah blah blah the sky is falling blah…” After that I couldn’t hear anything other than that ch-ch-ch sound of my blood marching in my ears. And then she left the room to call her mother and proudly report the exciting diagnosis she just made. At that point, I felt like I was being burned at the stake. Heat started steadily rising from my torso to my head. The room started spinning and I had to decide whether to throw up or pass out. And so I knelt down on the floor to make either option more convenient.
The regular nurse came in and asked me if I was okay. I said, no, I did not think I was okay and that I needed to lie down. She suggested that I lay on the exam table, so I crawled up there and curled up in a little ball and willed the room to stop spinning. Sean, who is oblivious to all of the drama happening around him, stops sailing a Tonka truck across the floor and climbs up on the table and curls up beside me. He kisses my cheek and pats my side. “I will take care of you Mommy,” he offers. How ironic. I can’t think. I can’t feel anything except the sensation of fire.
Twenty or thirty minutes or hours pass, I’m not sure which. I no longer have a grasp on time. The not-quite-a-doctor and the regular nurse have an argument discuss how to get blood work back STAT. The regular nurse, the one with some sense, sends us to another facility to have blood drawn before we go to Children’s. She hands me paperwork. This is good. I have something in my hands that I can do. I manage to pull myself together enough to check out and get to the car, but the sensation that I’m on fire and my legs are made of jello persists.
We go to the next place and get blood drawn, which on a four-year-old, is almost as fun as four shots in the same day. And then we go home and wait for several hours for the phone to ring. We cherish the next several hours because we don’t know if they will be the last four hours of our previously normal life. We play, we pray. Priorities are reordered.
Three hours later, the nurse-practitioner calls and reports that his blood sugar is as normal as can be. She tells us that she has talked to the endocrinologist at Children’s and that he suggests that the elevated sugar in the urine is a stress response to a recent ear infection.
So then. The semi-doctor yelled “Boo!” and is now calling to say “Just kidding!” I feel slightly relieved, but not. I want to break her 85-pound frame in two just the same. She wants us to come back in for a retest of his urine later in the week and another blood draw next week, but in the meantime to go on with life as normal. I’m not sure how to do that as I don’t normally live in the shadow of a giant scary question mark.
In the meantime, I remind myself that no matter the outcome, that we will cope. That if we have to, we will deal with this as families all over the world do and have. In the meantime, I remind myself that my God is with me always, no matter how badly my boat is rocking.
Praise and Coffee says:
Ok, I’m sitting here bawling because I lived this one. Only, my baby boy was 13 when it happened and it was no mistake. We landed in ICU before I knew what happened, and wouldn’t you know it…Dad was in Israel at the time. Now, 4 years later, he is on a pump and doing well.
I’m so glad that it was a false alarm for you.
I’m praying that’s the way it stays for Sean.
These virtual hugs just don’t seem to cut it, but here *hug* I mean that with all my heart friend.
Sue
February 14th, 2008 at 9:20 am
Momala says:
As the wife of a Type 1 diabetic husband, and the mother of a Type 1 diabetic daughter my heart was breaking for you while reading this post. I am so relieved that Sean’s blood sugar was normal. I will be keeping your family in our prayers.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:21 am
Jan says:
First. Get a Second opinion. always.
Second. Tell your doctor that you do not want to see this woman again. ever.
Third. Keep praying. Which now that I think of it should have been first.
((((hugs)))) and prayers.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:23 am
Llama momma says:
I am so sorry for your drama yesterday. But I’m not the one who should be apologizing. It’s the NP. She should be apologizing all over the place for this one…
Breathe deeply today.
And do eat some chocolate.
(See? All this good advice and I’m not even a doctor OR a NP!)
February 14th, 2008 at 9:31 am
Janelle says:
Goodness! What a scare! I’m glad it seems to have been a misunderstanding and Sean is fine, but I’d have a talk with the doc about the NP and her bedside manner. It could have been handled much better (you know, without sending you into shock). I’ll be praying all of his upcoming tests show that he is fine. My heart goes out to you!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:32 am
Wendy says:
I know how you feel. My grandson has never had an issue with shots until the day he got 6 at one time – now he is deathly, panicky scared of needles of any kind. So after the “well child” check where it took 4 of us to hold him down for blood work – & they never told me he should “fast” as I didn’t know they were going to draw blood – his results came back as “too much glucose”. The next time we did a finger prick – which still sent him into a state of panic – but I knew enough to have him fast & all came back normal. So I will be very optimistic for you & Sean – that all will be just fine!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:35 am
Theresa says:
I will be praying for you and Sean! My youngest daughter was 14 when we discovered her diabetes. Thankfully, she has been able to control it through diet and exercise, and has never had to take insulin. She even made it thru a pregnancy without much difficulty.
My granddaughter (The Lizness’ step-daughter) however, is an insulin dependent diabetic, and you learn to roll with it and make whatever adjustments have to be made to keep her healthy and let her have a normal childhood.
((HUGS))
February 14th, 2008 at 9:41 am
Antique Mommy says:
Apparently you should have no sugar in your urine, zero, so 2000 was off the charts. I would think that someone with urine sugar of 2000 would be dazed and confused or comatose or something, that there would be some external indication. I would think that she would have considered that before she had us heading to Children’s ER. Noramlly I would have demanded a retest. Not my finest hour as an advocate for my child and I am mad at myself about that.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:44 am
Carola says:
This is horrible, and I am with Jan, you do not want to see this woman ever again, unless she deeply apologizes to you. I am so glad it was a false alarm!! un abrazo!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:49 am
jayedee says:
i’m sitting here with the tears running.
first of all, we’re keeping your family in constant prayer!
next, i would happily crawl thru the monitor, if possible, and keep you well supplied with herb tea, comfort foods and a shoulder until next week. but that would have to wait until i throttled the nottadoc!
i’m not much of a spanker, but some peoples children, aka nottadoc, need a darn good one!
of course it wasn’t your finest hour as your kids advocate! you were in shock girl! don’t you dare be mad at yourself because of it. be gentle with yourself and know that you’re a wonderful mama!
February 14th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Antique Mommy says:
We are not sure at this point if it is a false alarm. I want to think that it is. It would seem that it is, but I am too afraid to give in to the feeling/hope/desire that it might be in case it’s not. We do another urine test this morning. If that comes back normal, then I will decline another blood draw. Poor little guy.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:54 am
Anne Glamore says:
Hey– I think you handled it beautifully, especially considering the circumstances, and it’s telling that even in your shock you offered OTHER reasons for the reading, which the RC-prac breezed off.
That’s intuition for you.
Take it a day (or hour) at a time, and if the dx is correct, you’ll be equipped to handle it.
Prayers, and curses to the lack of bedside manner lady!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:09 am
Sister Honey Bunch says:
Saying prayers that this was indeed a false alarm.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Lysa TerKeurst says:
Oh Sweet friend that I’ve never met but feel like I meet with every morning… I want to help you hurt that woman in pointy toed shoes. What was she thinking making such sweeping, life altering statements without being sure? But I guess that doesn’t sound very nice to want to hurt her… so maybe just accidently on purpose step on her squished toes.
I’m praying for Sean. And I’m praying for you. And I guess I should pray for my propensity to want to yank her pony tail after stepping on her toes.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:15 am
pam says:
Oh my, AM! My heart is breaking over what you had to go through yesterday.
I also would love to march my little 5’0″ frame right in there on your behalf . . . and punch her in the bird-like shins, while also stomping on the foot in those stiletto heels. She was SO out of line . . . that’s all I can say without turning from my normal family-friendly commentary.
Praying with you in the question mark and look forward to seeing how God moves.
Sending that elusive virtual “hug” too!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:22 am
Stephanie says:
1. You already are the best advocate for your child. You’ve made a plan and observed his behavior and come to sensible conclusions.
2. Kill the b—-.
3. If killing her is illegal in your state, then refuse to ever have her in the same room with your child again.
4. She gives REAL nurses a bad name. (She was supposed to be a REAL nurse before becoming the practitioner part, but probably went straight from nursing school to NP school and skipped the bedside segment.)
February 14th, 2008 at 10:26 am
AB says:
Jan is right. You have the option NOT to see/pay money for a diagnosis that is made without first researching every other possibility. The fact that this woman lacks a full medical degree doesn’t release her from the responsibility to provide you with the BEST/WORST case scenarios…and not just the worst. I mean…a funny spot on your arm can be cancer…or just a funny spot. She had no right to bombard you with this in the way that she did. There’s such a thing as “bedside manner”. Kudos to you for not smacking her upside the head with a tire iron, even though she deserved it.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Anne says:
I am so sorry for all that you have had to endure. It is amazing how your priorities change when your boat gets rocked!
I agree with the previous comments that you really need to let the doctor know how pointy toe shoe person treated you and Sean.
Stay strong, love your baby. Praying for a normal test today.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:27 am
Big Mama says:
Bless your heart for having to go through all that. I’m praying that it was a false alarm and that the urine comes back clean today.
And that I will have the self-control to not drive up there and hunt down a nurse practitioner with horrendous bedside manner.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:29 am
spiritmom says:
AM…I heard this on the radio the other day and I think you could use it today. Instead of telling God how big your storm is, tell the storm how big your God is. And now I will pray that the second test is the accurate one, and your precious boy will go on with life as he knows it.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:30 am
Kai says:
Hugs to you and Sean! What an ordeal! Prayers to you all for normal sugar levels for life!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am
Girlymom says:
I would have a hard time not telling that woman just where she can put that unpractical stiletto heel of hers! I am so sorry that you both had to go through this and pray that in the next week things will return to normal.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:33 am
CircusKelli says:
Oh my gosh… how completely scary for you… oh dear. I’m glad it’s “nothing” for now. I’ll keep you guys in my thoughts.
((Hugs))
February 14th, 2008 at 10:36 am
adrianna says:
Let’s all pray that research will one day find a cure – or better – a preventative for juvenile diabetes.
As a Type 1 diagnosed in early adulthood 38 years ago, I still hope for that, especially for the sake of young children; even if it’s too late for me.
That said, I acknowledge that living with diabetes is not easy, but it is possible. The insulin pump and current home glucose testing devices are amazing gifts of God through technology.
Praying that all is well. I also suggest a second opinion, especially with an endocrinologist who treats children, if one is available in your area.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:43 am
Veronica Mitchell says:
I hope he continues to be well and the tests continue to confirm a false alarm.
Every mama understands. I will pray for you, too.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:47 am
Beth_C says:
So sorry you had to go through this ordeal. You should make a point to never, ever see that NP again and you should let your doctor know how upsetting her quick diagnosis and over reaction was to you.
Stay strong, because you are right. Whatever it is,nothing or something big,God is right there with you through it all.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:48 am
Barbara H. says:
Oh, my — what a shock. I definitely would not see this person again, both because of how she handled things there and how she handled the phone call afterward.
I do hope it is a false alarm. I know people deal with it and learn to take it in stride, but I imagine they would rather not have had to deal with it, given the option.
Don’t beat yourself up about how you reacted — it’s hard to take in everything a medial professional is saying, anyway, especially when it puts you in shock. She should have been aware of that, as well, and called for measures to check and make sure before suggesting you zoom off to the ER.
Loved your little guy’s “I’ll take care of you.”
February 14th, 2008 at 10:50 am
fern says:
I echo just about everyone else’s sentiments. You should speak with the doctor about how you were treated–no one should be putting you in a panic or making such a quick diagnosis and your doctor should know how you were treated. All she had to say was that his sugar was elevated and that more tests should be done to see what was going on. When my sibs and I were very young my mom switched pediatricians because the new one did not say or do things that would make her worry. He would say “It’s probably nothing, but lets just do an x-ray, blood test, etc. to be sure.
When my son was about 4 yrs old he was peeing all of the time (or so it seemed to me). My first thought was diabetes and I took him to the dr. I was in a panic. Both the doc and nurse said to me–let’s just take a look at him and see what we can find out. They told me that it probably was not diabetes because that in children this young the signs are very clear and very severe and a child who behaves in a healthy way is usually a healthy child. Anytime I think there is something wrong with my kids (and we have had plenty) I just remind myself that it could be a lot worse and that there is nothing that we can’t get through.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:51 am
Sally says:
Oh, I am SO sorry you had to go through this!! I can certainly understand your wariness of this nurse-practitioner that you had even before this happened, but I am sure now that you will never see her again. The way she handled that was TERRIBLE!!!!
Praying that the next urine test will be normal and that this was all a big mistake. Also praying that you can restore your sanity after having your boat rocked so badly. I can only imagine how much that scared you!!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Tammy Marcelain says:
UGH. I am so sorry you had to deal with any of that. When my son was diagnosed with cancer almost 3 years ago I couldn’t think straight when I was packing for Children’s. I packed my bible first, but after that it was 1 sock, a pair of pants and a shirt that didn’t match,…and a bunch of stuff that made no sense at all.
I want to make sure you know about EMLA Cream. There is no reason that kids need to feel the pokes of a shot or a blood draw. Ask your doctor about it and they might have it already or they can prescribe it for you. Comes in a tube, you squirt a quarter sized spot on the site that will get poked, put some Saran press and seal, make sure its the press and seal over it. Wait 45 minutes to an hour, take off the press and seal, wipe with a tissue, and voila, no pain for shots or blood draws.
We used it with Jack all the time. He didn’t care if he had a brian tumor, he just didn’t want to get a shot or have his blood drawn. EMLA, a.k.a., Magic Cream made cancer not only bearable for Jack, but just a bump in the road.
Now we use it for flu shots for all my kids.
EMLA,EMLA,EMLA…I owe you so much, you saved my child thousands of tears.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:58 am
AliAnn says:
I am so, so sorry you had to deal with this. We had a very similar incident. I was bringing my 2 year old in for something routine and he happened to throw up in the night the night before. I mentioned it and completely freaked out the very young new doctor (who was seeing us because our regular dr was booked) Apparently night time throwing up with no other symptoms is completely unheard of in her world and is probably an indication of a brain tumor! I kid you not! She wanted us to get a CAT scan but due to some paperwork problems (the young dr failed to give us a diagnosis code) they couldn’t get us in that day. It was a truly awful day of waiting, then in the night, my son was fine and my daughter threw up with no other symptoms. We called the dr in the morning and we all agreed that stomach viruses were contagious and brain tumors aren’t, so we’re probably safe. Six months or more later and no more throwing up.
Praying everything is fine – I’m sure it is.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:58 am
Jeana says:
Having your boat rocked when your child is in the boat is a whole other thing.
Still praying for you and Sean.
I hear stilettos can be used as a weapon. I’m just sayin’.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Shalee says:
I think we can take her. Meet me in the parking lot and we’ll come up with somehthing good. You might want to leave Sean at home with AD. Then we’ll go out for wine and great food afterwards. My treat.
Praying it’s a false positive and that you follow Jan’s advice. She’s completely right.
Sorry for her inconsiderate methods. It’s obvious she isn’t a mother. If she is, then may God help her child.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:59 am
Mary says:
Hmmm………my hopes and prayers are for you to get the results from today’s tests that confirm that the previous results were a fluke. Then you take a deep breath and thank god that he truly is a great god. Then….you deal with the little miss-pointy-shoe-notta-doc-prolly-not-a-mom woman and tell the REAL doc that you will NOT EVER deal with this woman again. I am ashamed to say that I stood by and held my child down while a REAL MD performed a procedure on my 8 year old son that 2 second opinion doctors told me are NEVER performed without putting the patient under! I have not forgiven myself 10 years later. I learned all about advocating from that experience. That helped me through the agonizing roller coaster when my mother was on life support and I was a better advocate for her. Really big hugs heading your way from a cy ber friend!
February 14th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Heidi says:
One of those stilleto heels should be placed firmly in her eye socket…
I am always disturbed when a health professional completely lacks the human relationship gene.
I am praying for your family.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:01 am
Katherine says:
I’m so sorry. I will continue to hold you close in my thoughts. I’m so confused about that test – 2000!!! Really, in addition to being completely inappropriate in her handling of the suspected diagnosis – she got it wrong? Didn’t she?
I think she got it wrong. How is it possible that his blood was perfectly normal on the same day that he was spilling that much sugar into his urine??
I hope you have already had clean urine this morning.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:08 am
Karen says:
So sorry to hear this. Keeping you and your family in thought and prayer. Knowing God will surely keep His mighty hand on each of you!
February 14th, 2008 at 11:12 am
Jenny says:
Bless your sweet heart, AM! I’m pretty sure that would be my last appointment with the NP. She handled that terribly. I certainly hope that the endocrinologist is right about the cause. I’ll be praying.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:18 am
Susan J. says:
I am so sorry you are having to go through this, whatever the outcome. As I was reading this, I was thinking “Sean? No way.” You, Gigi, somebody would have noticed something. Keep us posted.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:39 am
Heather says:
I’m so sorry you had to endure this at the doc’s office. As a “retired” nurse (I retired at the ripe age of 24 when I chose to stay home with my first kiddo) who used to work in a pediatric office, I do have a couple of thoughts. Make sure it was his urine they were checking (I don’t know how busy the office was that you were at, but stranger things have happened with urine getting mixed up) and also the dipsticks they used to check the urine were not expired.
You have EVERY right to request not to see her again for sure. Bedside manner is a HUGE factor, and as Sean’s advocate, you have to be able to trust who is taking care of him. I will be praying that the Lord will give you discernment for his care and that He will grant you the peace that surpasses all understanding no matter the outcome…you are a good mama!
Also, I have respect for NPs, but usually only let them check my kids when I know they have ear infections…so I guess that is only trusting them a little bit.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:49 am
Katiebod says:
I would most definitely write the practice a letter stating your (oh-so-warrented) concerns about this woman. There was no excuse for her giving you the news in that manner and being so alarmist without identifying other possible causes first.
A letter is in order. That and a swift kick in the boo-tay with one of her own stiletto heels.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:51 am
Cindy says:
Oh, girl, I am so sorry for the stress and drama of it all! And I pray that Sean is completely fine. And if for some reason he is not, that God would grant a miracle that brings him to completely fine!
I keep thinking about those who come after you… that you might bless someone; protect someone if you could talk to the doctor there. Maybe respectfully voice your concerns over how it was handled? No one should be put through that emotional roller coaster. But because you were, I bet you will have an understanding and heart for any mom you come in contact with who has received a devastating diagnosis. You’ll be able to bless them, because you’ve been there, even if only for a short time. Thanks for reminding me to thank God for my healthy children.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:53 am
happy geek says:
So sorry to hear about your horrid day. Trusting everything continues to be OK.
Happy Chocolate Day!
February 14th, 2008 at 11:59 am
pinkmommy says:
Oh my goodness. I don’t believe those that are practicing the practice of medicine should be authorized to make such a diagnosis/prognosis. I wouldn’t want to be her on your next visit.
I will be praying it is a false alarm as well.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:00 pm
Heidi says:
What are people who have no people skills doing in the medical profession? This story made the mother bear in me want to scratch someone’s eyes out.
Poor Antique Mommy! I just want to give you a big hug, pray for you and treat you to a day in bed mellowing out. You’ll have to accept my concern for you virtually.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Beth says:
Oh my goodness!! I am shocked beyond belief at this woman’s manner of presenting this to you.
I hope and pray that this was a false test result. (You know, one I thing I always wonder about when they have that “pee in the cup, put the cup in the window” procedure is how often do these very busy, busy people mix up the cups?)
But it just blows my mind that she didn’t come back in and, say, ask you some questions about how he’d been feeling lately. Or ask what he’d been eating, or even just start out by saying something like “We’re seeing a result from his urine test that seems very unusual in a child who is acting so healthy. Let me explain what it’s showing, and then let’s make arrangements for some more tests so we can clear this up.”
I have a hard time with officious women in pediatricians’ offices. My oldest was getting vaccinations one time and I started to tell her “Look me in the eye, it won’t hurt AS MUCH if you look at me and not the needle.” The nurse let me get as far as the word “hurt” and butted in to say, “It WILL TOO hurt, don’t lie to her, Mom!”
I hate, hate, hate the way they always call you “Mom”, too.
Praying for you today!
February 14th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Chris says:
Oh dear…OK now..I am so glad that Sean is OK. I am disurbed by the NP. When you feel up to it, please call the doctor’s office and tell them you don’t want Sean to be seen by her and tell them why. I wonder who else she’s scared the heck out of with her lack of tact and caring!
Blessings, calmness and peace fill you today.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
Mamacita says:
Oh, I am so sorry you had to go thru that. I’ll be praying for it to come out ok. And for you to get better soon.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
pj says:
Hope everything gets OK soon !
February 14th, 2008 at 12:27 pm
Shannon says:
Think of this as a test to stay in the middle of the boat.
Unsolicited advice: Request documentation of each appointment, blood draw, etc. You may not understand them, but then as soon as you get home, notate in your own words everything you can remember about the appointment. ANYTHING. Then attach that to the document they gave you for the appointment (you’re legally entitled to this, including blood levels) and keep it all together in a well-labeled envelope. Should you ever need this at a moment’s notice, it’s ready.
Next advice: When everything comes back normal next week, get yourself a sitter who would have the capability of bail. Visit the villan-in-stilettos and introduce her to your own version of “overboard”. (Set up a Paypal account – I’m sure we’ll all donate to the bail fund) On the way out, even if you’re in handcuffs, require that as parent and legal guardian, you formally request Dr. Fake is never to have access to your son’s file again. Threaten to go to the medical board if you have to (which isn’t a bad idea, btw, just to register a general complaint – being that the first law of the oath is “do no harm”)
February 14th, 2008 at 12:34 pm
Leigh says:
Oh my goodness. I felt like I was there with you! I would ask to never have to see that woman again…someone should tell her that she is in the wrong profession.
February 14th, 2008 at 12:41 pm
nan says:
Oh boy, I am shivering here! Trying to say prayers for sweet Sean, but I keep seeing the NP having evil things done to her with her pointy shoes. Bad, right? When I get a grip, THEN I will pray!!
February 14th, 2008 at 1:39 pm
nan says:
Hope A. Daddy is coping okay. Hugs to him too!
February 14th, 2008 at 1:41 pm
bubandpie says:
One of the most unfortunate traits for a doctor to possess is a flair for drama. A friend of mine was told by her OB before a routine C-section, “What’s the worst thing that could happen?” (this was not a question my friend had asked) “Well, I’m not going to lie to you – you could die.” Not a good trait in any doctor, whether it’s a specialist or doctor-lite.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
KTHunter says:
(*hug*) I am so sorry you had to go through that. In my opinion, the NP should have discussed it with a full-blown doctor before making such a life-altering diagnosis. Diagnosing a flu or strip throat is one thing, but to make a life-long condition call is quite another. The NP also needs some serious customer service and bedside manner training. You have the right to fire her as your medical practioner, for certain. It seems to me that she only paid attention to the sugar count (which could have been wrong) and not to anything else. She didn’t ask about his frequency of urination or anything else. I would think that someone with a sugar count of 2000 would not be in the good spirits that your son was enjoying at that moment. I’m not a doctor, so I don’t know for sure, but you’d think she would have taken other observations into account. Or even asked if he had had any illness recently. It is a well known medical fact that illness raises blood sugar (in fact, since I’m hypoglycemic, illness makes my blood sugar NORMAL. I can go 3 days without eating more than a cracker and not feel a thing when I’m sick. When I’m not sick, I can’t go 3 hours without something.). She didn’t do her detective work before making her pronouncement.
I hope all is well and that you are okay. I’ll say a prayer for your son and your nerves.
February 14th, 2008 at 1:56 pm
jenni says:
I am so sorry that the NP had such a horrible, inexcusable bedside manner! I can’t even express how appalled I am! But I am so thankful that it seems to be a false alarm…
Your final thoughts are poignant and perfect.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:00 pm
Doug says:
That lady needs to take a clue from the clue bag. Normal blood sugar is 100. A diabetic coma sets in at around 600. 2000 is not even a realistic number and she should have known that.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:03 pm
Elizabeth says:
I wish I knew what to say that would be comforting and help you to cope. All I can say is: God bless your little family and grant you a good answer to that question mark.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
momhuebert says:
This is nuts. I did some research on this, and as far as I can tell, a blood sugar level of 2000 is impossible! A level of 600 has a fancy name, and causes your blood to become syrupy and makes you dehydrated and comatose. That’s the highest number I can find.
Why didn’t the nurse know that? Why didn’t she look at that number and say, “That’s unlikely. Let’s run that again to make sure.” Before panicking the parent unnecessarily. It sounds like the other nurse suspected as much.
Personally? I think that “nurse” mis-read the results. It possibly really was 200, spiking off the breakfast muffin. That may or may not be a problem. But still… Grr. I’m with Shalee.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:04 pm
bee says:
I hate that you had to go through such an ordeal. I’m praying that the next results are ok.
Don’t beat yourself up about how you handled it. Things come at us. We deal. It may not be pretty but we can’t change it. (So says the veteran mom of 20 months who turned to some mutant form of bipolar jell-o during both of her son’s “common” febrile seizures.)
Happy Valentine’s Day!
February 14th, 2008 at 2:09 pm
bee says:
Oh yeah, and if you are indeed gathering up a posse for a little post work parking lot brawl at the pediatrician’s office. I’m in.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:10 pm
shayne says:
I’m praying for Sean. And for you. Take it easy on yourself and watch God go to work. Much love to you.
P.S. How does it feel knowing that like 5,000 are ready to go to war with the Nurse Ratchett wannabe? (O.K., maybe not 5,000 but still…)
February 14th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
shayne says:
5,000 people that is…
February 14th, 2008 at 2:16 pm
Renna says:
Oh. I felt my boat rocking with you. I’ve only been reading your blog for a couple of months now, but long enough that my heart was breaking for you and I was thinking to myself, “no, not Sean!”.
Don’t beat yourself up too badly for your reaction. Think of it as a learning experience, maybe; or just your body’s response to shock (and God created our bodies). Now, that NP on the other hand, is in serious need of correction by her superiors.
Nothing, absolutely nothing happens to us which finds God unaware. I don’t believe He brings bad things on us, for His Word tells us He’s a giver of GOOD gifts, but He does know what encounters and trials we’ll face. He’s already got a plan in place for them. It’s hard to trust when you’ve just been run over by a semi-truck, but He’s there, He’s always there. (((hug)))
February 14th, 2008 at 2:37 pm
Andrea says:
Please, please, PLEASE tell me you are not going to give in to seeing this NP again… I’m sorry you had to go through that, and I would have wanted to break her little 85 lb body, too.
February 14th, 2008 at 2:42 pm
Blog Antagonist says:
Boy, that’s some bedside manner she has. I want to sock her on your behalf.
I’m glad Sean’s second blood test was normal. Sometimes I think that those lab tests are basically just a shot in the dark. They can get mixed up, contaminated, the dude doing the analysis could be hung over or distraught over a recent break-up…yannow?
I know that kind of fear. I know that feeling of wanting to throw up. Just breathe, just breathe.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:01 pm
amy says:
Get a second opinion! And tell your doctor that you never ever will see skinny pseudo-doctor again. That she jumped to where she did without mentioning that it could be false, caused by something else, is inexcusable.
I’m so so sorry. I hope all remains OK!!!
February 14th, 2008 at 3:05 pm
Susan says:
As a nurse practitioner student I am completely horrified by the actions of my colleague-to-be. We are trained to be holistic in our approach, calm and to thoughtfully consider all the things it could be (differential diagnosis) *before* we freak people out. And never in a million years would I diagnose insulin dependent diabetes based on a urine glucose ALONE. @@@ I am appalled and sorry for your distress.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:06 pm
Nicole (canadacole) says:
I have nothing to add that hasn’t been said, except to join the choir singing your praises and encouragement as you recover from this and do whatever comes next. You’re an inspiring mother and well loved. Prayers for your family (and for this NP who so obviously needs a “come to Jesus” wakeup call).
February 14th, 2008 at 3:12 pm
kelli says:
Frankly, I’ve gotten pretty good at dealing with clueless, stupid, insensitive, know it all medical personnel.
So, if you want, you and Shalee go out to the parking lot and wait for Miss Priss NP and I’ll make the call to get her out there.
She’ll never see it coming.
But, on a more serious note- God knows the outcome. It’s hard to fathom and accept. trust me, I’m a walking billboard for “living in the shadow of the giant question mark”. But, deep down, at the end of it, I know He’s got me in the palm of His hand. And right now, it’s nice to see you and Sean sitting there next to me. Safe and sound.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:22 pm
Jen P. says:
You will get through this. We praise God in the good times and we praise God in the bad times. Sometimes the best thing to do is just to be still.
I am praying for you right now. Put your worries to the heavens and know that whatever God has planned for you and Sean, it is his will. And it will be for good, it just takes time to see the real message. I speak from experience. May God Bless you with strength and patience and we will all pray you right thru this.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Carol says:
Everything everyone else said: how awful to have been put through that, and glad it’s (most likely) all OK.
And also… how wonderfully, beautifully written!
CArol
February 14th, 2008 at 3:33 pm
gretchen from lifenut says:
I have nothing to add to what the chorus has said above. She is an idiot and you and Sean are in my prayers.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:51 pm
Aubrey says:
I’m so sorry this happened. Along with everyone else I’ll be praying that everything is ok. I can understand what it feels like to be that NP, though. Even as a full-fledged physician, (though a young one) I often feel totally overwhelmed when I have to break bad news to my patients. Especially if you don’t know the patient well, you may not know whether you should be very direct or break it in more slowly. Some people needs lots of facts, others do better just with the big picture. Obviously, she should have had a little more (or at least some) compassion, and remained calm and tried to get all the info before just dropping that bomb. Plus we always learn that we should “treat the patient and not the lab” i.e. – if your kid is looking very healthy, consider that the lab could be an error. But (sort of) in her defense, delivering bad news, especially about someone’s health (and ESPECIALLY about their children’s health) is very, very hard. At least it is for me. Hopefully I’m not this bad at it, but I do still feel like I’m always stumbling over my words and unsure how to proceed. I guess we can put this in the “here’s how NOT to give bad news” category.
February 14th, 2008 at 3:58 pm
Beck says:
Praying that it was a faulty test result and that he’s completely FINE.
February 14th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
Susan says:
Just a note for all of you who are saying the NP didn’t have a clue because normal blood sugar is 100 and blood sugar level of 2000 is impossible……she was testing URINE glucose and those levels are indeed possible. “Sean has a sugar count of 2000 in his urine”
(stepping off box now…she still should have considered her assessment findings and clinical picture before diagnosing such a life altering disease)
February 14th, 2008 at 4:29 pm
Heather says:
I’d be ready to break her little self in half. Praying for you and your family!
February 14th, 2008 at 4:52 pm
Suzanne says:
Wow. I’m keeping my fingers crossed for you that all will go well now. I think you held up better than I would have, don’t be too hard on yourself.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:00 pm
Becca says:
See? If you hadn’t had those vaccinations….
Okay, okay, I’ll discuss it on my own blog. It all comes from dropping baby Jesus last year, right? Did you really lie down in the exam room? I’m surprised they didn’t test your blood. We in Pensacola love the Antique family and wish for a speedy recovery and pray for the very, very best news.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:14 pm
jean says:
OK, take a deep breath. And maybe a second one. Then do some on-line research while waiting for the second urine test. After you get the results you will be better prepared for anything. You’re a strong woman. While your boat has been rocked, you will stay afloat for as long as your son needs you. Just keep breathing and praying and getting yourself educated. Oh, and when you have calmed yourself down, go over to that witch and maim her. Death would be too easy for what she has put you thru.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:48 pm
Grafted Branch@Restoring the Years says:
Oh, AM…the odds really are against this rare situation without a family history or some weight loss or other symptoms.
Definitely follow up (with someone *else*!) but try not to think too much about it in the meantime. I’ll pray for you because maternal anxiety is my hometown and it’s a yucky place to live.
February 14th, 2008 at 5:53 pm
chris says:
Wow, that is frightening. So sorry you had to got through that, but happy to hear that is was a mistake. Could the urine test have been read wrong?
February 14th, 2008 at 5:57 pm
Fiddledeedee (It Coulda Been Worse) says:
I know someone who can fracture her spindly little toothpick legs. For a reasonable price.
Praise God your boy is okay. And the sea is calmed. Sometimes Jesus walks right up to the boat in the nick of time.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:06 pm
Angie at Sonflower says:
Praying for Sean.
Praying for you.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:16 pm
Teri says:
Praise God!! Sean is not diabetic & you survived the scare.
My granddaughter was 11 months old when she was diagnosed as Type 1. Worse night of my life & I’m just the Granny.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:17 pm
zoom says:
I am so sorry that you were frightened by that insensitive woman.
Prayers going up on your behalf. 1 Peter 7- ” Cast all your anxiety on him because he cares for you ( that means you-Antique Mommy)”
February 14th, 2008 at 6:19 pm
Erin says:
Yeow. I hope that all will work out. I second (third? fourth?) the opinions that you should tell your (Sean’s) doc about your perspective on this issue.
We want our child’s health care providers to be reactionary when needed, but scaring the bejeesus out of you while doing so AND not offering other alternatives is unacceptable. And her boss needs to know that.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:23 pm
Fraulein says:
Dear God — that woman needs to get a job where she’s not working directly with people. If I were you I would definitely follow up with the doctor and make it clear you didn’t appreciate the lack of appropriate bedside manner.
Meanwhile I’ll echo everyone else’s best wishes. Keeping you in our thoughts and prayers here.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:27 pm
Roxanne says:
Well, bless your heart. . .and let me add this. My father came to Houston this week for open heart surgery. A cardiologist that my parents have NEVER laid eyes on blew into the room their first night there and said the exact OPPOSITE of what their cardiologist back home had said. This was VERY disheartening and upsetting as he said it in kind of a snarky way. It was bad.
He proceeded to return the following night to AGREE with what the cardiologist said.
So even at a world class hospital with wonderful doctors people make mistakes.
Let us hope this is one of ‘em. Praying for you and Sean and AD.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:37 pm
Lisa says:
Been here and done this. My DS had the same experience when he was two without the benefit of the NP. A VERY WISE ped advised me to keep the diabetes thing in the back (BURY IT BACK THERE)of my mind but to buy urine test strips at the pharmacy and keep them on hand…test his urine any time he was ill or lethargic. Nearly three years later he was diagnosed with Type I diabetes and is now a healthy strapping 6’2″ nearly 21 year old. I’m praying that the outcome is much better for Sean. If it’s not, e-mail me and I’ll send you to the best support system you’ll ever find anywhere.
February 14th, 2008 at 6:49 pm
a Tonggu Momma says:
I can snap the heels off of her stilettos if you want me to. What a stressful day! I’ll pray this is a false alarm and, if it isn’t, I know God will see you through it.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:26 pm
Cory says:
This was hard to read. That shock, that sudden jarring of a doctor pulling the tablecloth off your table and tossing the dishes all over the floor, happened to me, too. It wasn’t my child, though, but my grandmother. For a year, she had complained to her doctor of pressure in her chest but the doctor ignored her. In December she finally demanded an X-ray, at least.
That was Dec. 18. La, la, la, we all had our holidays – no one more than doctors who of course do not every get back to you during that time. So, January 1st comes and her phone rings. It is the doctor, hysterical because the X-ray showed a giant mass in her chest and she needed to get to the nearest hospital immediately. Then my phone rang. My poor grandmother held her voice steady as she asked me for a ride. The rest is a blur. She did 8 months later.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:31 pm
feefifoto says:
First, congratulations on your completely unwarranted and undeserved false alarm.
Second, I fired our first pediatrician over a similar incident. When my daughter was fifteen months old and hadn’t yet begun to walk, I took her in for her 15 month checkup and the doctor, who previously had tended to forget our names and how many children I had, announced, with zero preliminary chitchat: “Hmm — fifteen months old and not walking. If she were behind on any two of the four things we test for at this age she’d be what you conventionally consider as retarded.”
Aftermath:
1. I picked myself up off the floor
2. I changed doctors
3. Daughter began walking a week later
4. Daughter is so preposterously gifted that she read all seven Harry Potter books in five weeks at age 7 and now has her own personalized curriculum in second grade
Give your healthy boy a big hug
February 14th, 2008 at 7:45 pm
sheilah says:
This NP definitely needs to work on her bedside manner. Unbelievable that she delivered this kind of news without running further tests to confirm.
Here’s hoping and praying that further tests continue to attest to the health of your beautiful little boy.
February 14th, 2008 at 7:56 pm
Kacey says:
It seems to me that this chick needed to have the doctor do an actual exam and history right at the moment she thought the fructosuria was 2000. If Sean looks apparently normal and healthy, how about asking if he is ever excessively hungry (Polyphagia), excessively thirsty (Polydipsia) or excessively going potty (Polyuria)? Since no sugar should be found in the urine and normal blood sugar is 70 to 110 fasting — wouldn’t the sugar in the blood be at least as high as in the urine (since the urine filters the blood at the kidney level)? Anyone with a giagundous blood sugar of 2000 would be in diabetic acidosis, unconscious and smell like a bottle of nail polish remover. (Acetate fruity smell to the breath) You might be looking at some health problem with Sean, but this twit of a P.A. is not qualified to diagnose something like Juvenile Diabetes. Are you sure nobody was drinking 7-UP out of that cup before the piddle test? Jack and I will pray for Sean evry night until we hear that he is the perfect child we see in his pictures.
February 14th, 2008 at 8:20 pm
Just Mom says:
Just wanted to let you know that your little boy has been added to my prayer journal and I will keep praying.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Stephanie says:
Big hugs to you – I’m sorry you had to go through this. I would definitely speak to the doctor. This was a gross breach of professionalism IMO by the NP. I will pray that you will have peace over the additional tests.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:32 pm
Kristin Evans says:
WOW, what a scare! I can’t believe that she would deliver news like that without taking doing others tests since your son appeared so healthy and you were not giving any complaints that might point that direction. Seems like she’s a little green in knowing how to deal with parents. It’s just like in teaching – you may suspect a learning disorder but before you tell all your suspicions to a parent, you better have some tests or things to back it up. I will be praying for you guys, but I’m sure the next news you hear will be good news.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:35 pm
Colleen says:
A 6’4 woman who also wears stilettos while working with children and their loving parents probably has personalized plates on her car that say “Intimidator”.
Or “Big Bully”.
There are many wonderful nurse practioners, but they have learned people skills and honed their bedside manner. One wonders how many other parents have been through the same anguish and uncertainty this one dealt you without having all her ducks in a row.
My thoughts and prayers are with all of you. Even when God allows the boat to rock, he still keeps us afloat.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
Betsy Bird says:
This is the first time I’ve read your blog, and I’m amazed by how terrible your story is and how poignantly and humorously you write about it. I continue to be amazed at how medical professionals can make intelligent people feel stupid. I had a similar experience when my pediatrician sent my now-14-year-old son to a neurologist at six months for what she said was a sleep problem. Before the appointment, another physician in the practice asked me how I was doing handling my “special-needs” child. Checking the file while we waited at the neurologist, I found a letter from my pediatrician to him saying that she suspected cerebral palsy and that “the mother doesn’t have a clue.” Long story short, he didn’t have CP, he had reflux, and the pediatrician never apologized. Let’s hope your PA meets the husband she’s trying to find with those stilettos and quits practicing. Now that I’ll be a regular reader of your blog, I’ll keep up with how your son is doing and wish you and him the best.
February 14th, 2008 at 9:51 pm
edj says:
Oh I don’t like that semi-doctor either! With her stiletto heels and bad attitude and poor skills.
I’m so glad this was a false alarm, and that it’s out of her hands. I will pray for Sean and for you, too, and you’ll get through it. Keep us posted.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Sharon says:
I read your post earlier and said a prayer for Sean and his parents. Since then I haven’t been able to keep him out of my thoughts for more than a few moments. He is a beautiful little boy and I will continue to pray for him.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:16 pm
ShackelMom says:
Yes, I agree with what everyone is saying. My husband is a type 1 diabetic and so are two of my kids, both became diabetic at age 12.
The NP is a menace. If Sean had type 1 diabetes, he would have lost weight, been hungry all the time, craving sweets, and peeing all the time. He also might have some little skin infections that haven’t cleared up. The 2000 sugar level is nuts! He would be in a coma. I agree with Kacey, probably someone was drinking high fructose corn syrup out of that cup.
In my opinion, you have two choices. Never go back to that office again, and find a new pediatrician, or make an appointment and go see the doctor himself, in person, without Sean, and give it to him straight. Tell him (or let him read) the whole story, and what you now know about diabetes, and how quiveringly upset you are about how this was handled. Miss spindle shins should be out of her ear if the doctor has any sense at all. What he does about this might give you a clue as to whether you should change doctors after all. Sean may be fine, but it probably feels like this took 10 years off your life!
February 14th, 2008 at 10:18 pm
Jill says:
I haven’t read through all the other comments so I am not sure that this has been stated, but I hope it has. If that is a practice you frequent I hope that you will call and put in a complaint about how that was handled. That is ridiculous. I know lots of fabulous nurse practicioners and oddly enough they usually have the reputation of being more “patient friendly” than doctors. Make your voice known to that clinic so that no one else has to go through what you just did.
February 14th, 2008 at 10:28 pm
Laura says:
Gosh did that bring back memories for me when I was told that they were 90% positive that the tumor on my son’s liver was cancer. That is the only time I’ve seen my husband cry. Thankfully for us as well the Drs made a mistake, a huge mistake. I’m so sorry you had to go through that and I pray everything continues to be well for Sean.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:43 pm
Joanna says:
I am so sorry for all you went through. Will keep y’all in my prayers.
And I would so kick her butt for you that way you can claim you had no idea how she fell asleep under a car. Grr.
Don’t beat yourself up! It was a sucker punch. You’ll get a second opinion, and your sweet boy will be fine no matter what.
February 14th, 2008 at 11:49 pm
Amanda says:
Apparently you should have no sugar in your urine, zero, so 2000 was off the charts. I would think that someone with urine sugar of 2000 would be dazed and confused or comatose or something, that there would be some external indication. — Antique Mommy
That’s exactly what I was thinking. My niece is a type 1 diabetic, and when her sugars have climbed ot a dangerous level, it’s obvious even to me and I’m neither a medical professional, not am I always around her.
Additionally, I had gestational diabetes and went through an incident where my sugars skyrocketed. I nearly passed out in the checkout lane at Wal-Mart and was brought back to reality by a terrified little clerk. Again, I’m not a medical professional, but I think if Sean’s sugars were even 400-500, you would know. There would be some visible indication — especially for sugars at 2000. (Is that actually even possible?)
February 15th, 2008 at 12:00 am
Robbin says:
Oh. My. God. If it had been me in your place, somebody would have died.
My track record with the medical profession is not kind.
February 15th, 2008 at 12:15 am
jen elslager says:
I can’t imagine what you’re going through. You’re in my prayers.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:00 am
imagine community says:
Hoping it was all just a big mistake.
February 15th, 2008 at 1:11 am
jeanne a says:
I have been so worried for you this week!! (Due to the little break you took.)
In December my precious 10 year old daughter fainted at school. When I went to pick her up from school I started to cry at the Nurse’s Office. Later she asked me why I was crying.
When the Dr. sent me off to the Pediatric Cardiologist, they had to give me directions because I could not possibly remember how to drive there—the brain would not function.
Luckily for me my physicians were excellent, and so far we haven’t found anything wrong.
I think any mother knows what you’re going through!!!!
And my prayers still continue…….
February 15th, 2008 at 4:54 am
Melissa K says:
As I read this I, like many of your readers, shed so many tears for you. We’ve been going through problems with my 9 year old and one of her kidneys. But that initial feeling of helplessness for your child just cannot be compared to news of your own ill health.
Although I want to say that my prayers will be that your little one does not have to deal with this in his life, only God can make that call and I will instead pray for you to continue to find the strength in Him to deal with whatever is in your lives.
God bless.
February 15th, 2008 at 8:30 am
Wendy says:
It’s always shocking to hear that something really critical may be wrong with your child – don’t beat yourself up over the “advocate” thing, since you ARE Sean’s best advocate, and are there to champion him whenever it’s necessary. Sometimes, we all just need a little time to absorb the news before we can react.
My younger daughter (and third child) was diagnosed with cerebral palsy when she was about 10 months old…I cried all the way home from the doc’s office. We didn’t know then how she’d be affected. It turns out she’s got a fairly mild case – she’s able to walk (although she did have surgery to extend ligaments in her leg, which had twisted from muscle atrophy on the side affected by her CP); she can eat without assistance, she doesn’t need a respirator, and all the other things that kids with cases more serious than hers have to live with. She does have seizures about every 45 days, despite anti-seiure meds, but she is otherwise happy, healthy and very bright. I may not have been her best advocate DURING the diagnosis – but I’ve tried hard to do better ever since! She still, at 8 yrs, likes to sit on my lap and cuddle; she has a great sense of humor and several good friends, and although she’ll have various challenges all her life, I know she’ll get through them, and I’ll be right there to help when she needs me.
February 15th, 2008 at 9:59 am
Amy says:
Well, call me a doctor snob, too. Sounds like you went to see our NP. (She’s bit shorter and plumper, though – still NO personality when it comes to working with kids – HELLO!) I definitely prefer the doctor, too. Sounds like some of the nurses in the office agree. Good for them – and you.
February 15th, 2008 at 10:03 am
Maria says:
OMG…I don’t even know how you got through those hours let alone having to do this to him again for a recheck.
I pray that the recheck shows everything is totally fine and that this was just a story you will be able to tell in many years when it becomes just a funny story and not the fact that you were told to rush down to Children’s now.
Jesus, thank God for nurses and why is it that doctors make more money than they do?????
What the hell would a doctor be without a nurse anyway?
February 15th, 2008 at 10:14 am
Pat says:
My heart just broke for you and I totally understand how one minute your world can seem normal and the next completely off kilter. I’m thankful yours has righted itself somewhat and that all is well with the recheck. Vision completely narrows and all you can see is God in the pinpoint of light. I think we all have just fallen in love with little Sean and his sweetness. Take care of yourself – we love you, too.
February 15th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Michelle says:
Oh goodness, I can not believe she did not suggest the bloodwork as a double check before spouting all that horror. You should definitely see the REAL dr. for the next visit and every visit after that. I hope it all works out and I am definitely saying a prayer that all will be okay.
{{{super big hug for your family}}}}
February 15th, 2008 at 11:06 am
Confused Foreigner says:
Just read your post, and i will pray for you guys right now. Hope all is turning out ok with the follow up stuff…..
February 15th, 2008 at 11:46 am
Gretchen says:
Okay…I’m exhausted for you after reading that. Man alive, what incompetence. It sounds like, if her attitude were just one iota human-like, that would’ve made all the difference in the world.
I can always sic my 82 year old midwestern grandma on her. She’s old, but angers easily, and tends to dislike most health care workers (er…except for me).
Sending a hug and a prayer.
February 16th, 2008 at 2:05 pm
Smockity Frocks says:
I am late catching up on this, but wanted you to know that I am praying about it.
We had a very similar experience, with just that much compassion from the medical “professional”, when we were finding out our daughter had a kidney disease.
Also, once when I told the receptionist that I did not want to see the NP, but the real doctor, she told me that a nurse practitioner is the “same thing as a doctor.” Hmmmmm…. I wonder if all those doctors know how much money they wasted on medical school.
February 16th, 2008 at 6:00 pm
jen says:
Some people dont care and some people have no class. NONE.
I’m so happy it was normal. I’m praying for you all. And I’m praying for that 85 pound little ding bat who needs to take classes on people skills.
Hugs to you AM.
February 17th, 2008 at 2:35 pm
The Dairy Wife says:
As a nurse myself, I can only think that this woman obviously was a very NEW NP and took her degree upon herself to diagnose without consulting the Doctor that oversee’s her, or else she’s an oblivious idiot. I think I shall lean towards the latter.
That must have been very scary for you.
You are such a gracious writer. I would graciously write her a letter and c.c. it to the Doctor and would definately NEVER see her again. She will only learn if her consequences are brought to her attention, and she might think twice before she does that the next time to another Mother.
Tanya
February 17th, 2008 at 7:03 pm
MotherPie says:
Let this be an important lesson: things are not always what they seem.
Let this be a reminder: We always worry way more than we should when it comes to our children.
Let this be a chance: to do maybe a bit more to help the staff become more educated in how to handle these situations.
February 17th, 2008 at 7:29 pm
Gini Roskam says:
When my adopted daughter was 5 she had to pee in a cup and it set her off into a complete panic/meltdown. There’s another boy vs. girl difference for you! She is 14 now and we can now laugh about that doctor’s visit. We discovered she had a form of muscular dystrophy when she was 10. 6 hip surgeries later she is doing great – swimming on the swim team and playing basketball in middle school. Jeremiah 29:11 will help you cope and keep your focus on future.
I think every Dr. should have to watch the movie “The Doctor” – an oldie, but goody about a doctor who has a terrible bedside manner until he gets cancer himself.
February 18th, 2008 at 1:04 am
Sarah says:
I can’t even start on bedside manner issues. Good heavens.
When my husband was 5 his legs were too tired to climb stairs. His parents took him to the doctor, who thought he had muscular dystrophy. Duchenne’s to be exact. The one where you will be lucky to reach the ripe old age of 20. It was a week or so before they could get in to a specialist, so they spent Labor Day weekend watching Jerry Kids and crying. After some muscle biopsies it was determined that it was indeed muscular dystrophy, but childhood dermatamyositis, for which he took some prednisone and moved on with his life.
My heart goes out to those with a false alarm of a worst case scenario, and to those for whom it is not a false alarm but a reality. Life is precious. Our children are precious. God’s grace be with you.
February 18th, 2008 at 12:06 pm
Abby says:
Sorry to hear of your saga and hoping to hear of better outcomes in the future! I also hate that the Prada Princess gave NPs such a bad name. My husband is a great one!
February 18th, 2008 at 12:31 pm
Elaine says:
I am suprised you actually got up off the table. I would have been a complete puddle on the floor actually…
Prayers for the continued good health of your son.
February 19th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
Ranee @ Arabian Knits says:
We have one dr at our pediatrician’s office that we try to avoid. I have found that she is useful when your children are sick, but only you can tell, because she overreacts to everything. That’s the only time I can stand her.
Our first run in with her was a check up with our third son. He was born with a tumor that had to be removed, non-cancerous, but brought with it elevated alpha-fetal proteins in his blood, which were being monitored by his surgeon. My husband took Elijah in, the first time he went in without me.
The dr freaked out about his weight. Which was completely in line with the pattern of our elder two boys. She asked Rich about how much Elijah nursed. which he could only answer by saying that he nursed all the time. She wanted us to weigh him before and after each time he nursed, and probably put him on formula. Finally, they called me, and I asked if he was vastly different than his brothers.
Brothers? She didn’t know he had brothers. She hadn’t looked at his chart. “Oh, I see that they did the same thing.” She didn’t know he’d had the surgery until she undressed him and saw the scar. She had us go to the hospital to take a fecal sample which we did because we were concerned she’d report us to CPS if we didn’t. Boy was that fun.
Meanwhile, we went on vacation (the next day), and when we came back, there was a message on our phone that she got the test results, and all was well, of course. However, she was very concerned because she saw that his AFP levels were shockingly high. No kidding. There was a second phone message saying that she had talked to his surgeon, and it turns out that the AFP level was lower than it had been and was on a downward trend. Hmmm. We knew that already, so did his surgeon, so did the other drs in the practice. Argh.
Like I said, she’s good when you know your child needs antibiotics, but he doesn’t show enough for them to take seriously. We don’t do any check ups with her, though.
February 21st, 2008 at 8:08 pm
~*~ Jennifer ~*~ says:
What in the wide world… 2000? I’ve had gestational diabetes and my world was zinging at 200. Hmmm… he wasn’t even zinging?? bouncing?? wired?? Hmmm…
If it were my doctor, he’d have said, “Let’s do one more thing” before he started spouting/vomiting/preaching.
Remember her name and when they say, ‘Your dr. is not in, would you like to see so and so.” JUST SAY NO! LOL
I’m sure you know tha already — because I’m a bit behind on your blog. I’ll keep reading to find out how this all turns out. No need to reply.
March 6th, 2008 at 2:56 pm