Tuesday, September 25, 2007

Venting...you may want to skip this post...

Hi. Are you ready for this? We had Haley's Pediatric GI specialist appointment this morning. We had to be there at 9:00. There was an accident on Foothills Blvd, and we didn't get there until 9:20. We left our house at 7:45. I was pretty frazzled by the time we got there. The doctor came in almost immediately. She checked her out, went over her history. She stuck her finger up Haley's butt, and pronounced that her poop is hard. DUH! How many doctors have I told that to so far? I know it's hard, because everyday I have to help her get it out! So, once she fished out that hard poop (warned you that you might want to skip this post) she said everything looked good. She said that maybe if she wasn't constipated, she would eat more. IS ANYONE LISTENING TO ME? I have told everyone numerous times, that Haley eats like a pig. She eats everything that is given to her to eat, and wants whatever anyone else happens to have. Having soft poop isn't going to help that. Then - brace yourself - my favorite comment of the visit as said by THE doctor - the GI specialist we cancelled our San Diego trip for - "I just have a feeling her weights going to take off" EXCUSE ME? I didn't come here to hear about your feelings!!!!!!!!!! I want a medical answer of what is wrong, and what is not! Her being allergic to milk protein, all tests have come back negative - so is she, or isn't she? If I wanted to talk feelings I would go on Dr. Phil! Do you know how many doctors have told me that, then in a month realize, oh, maybe it's not? It's been almost 10 months now! What is the deal? She said she's had every test she can think of to do, all of them being normal. The only thing she could do was a scope to check things out, but she doesn't think they should do that by now. If she doesn't gain weight in the next few months, then maybe they'll consider that. Then, she called her dietition in. Said to call her every month of what Haley weighs. The dietition put her on soy milk. (which she just vomitted up). My question is, if she's drinking Neocate now, the most expensive suppossedly best formula there is, and she's not gaining like she's suppossed to, how on earth is a soy formula going to do much better? Other than save me a few bucks? Then, she acted exasperated that we are actually paying for the formula and not getting it free from being on WICK! It was like she couldn't believe we are actually paying out of pocket for it....what has been our alternative? I'm sorry that some people have good enough jobs that you can't qualify for WICK, but have idiot health insurance companies that won't pay for it - (unless being administered through a feeding tube) but those people also don't make enough money to afford $600 a month for formula! So, after 1 1/2 hour drive to the hospital, a $15 copay, watching the doctor fish poo out of Haley, and hearing about her "feelings" we still know nothing...I cried the whole way home. I told Troy I was done. If the doc "feels" all is well, then what is the point? I told him I couldn't do it anymore. No more weekly weight checks, fighting the doctors...I'm not strong enough emotionally to deal with it all anymore...I'm done! Troy can procede how he sees fit!

9 comments:

Erin Fonnesbeck said...

OOOOOOO so frustrating! Just getting no answers is enough to put anyone over the edge. I could feel the frustration as I read and I can completely see myself feeling the same way you are if I was in that situation. My only advice is to remember the good of the situation otherwise you will go insane. Remember that she is a happy baby and so smart in every way. Remember that as of now, there is nothing physically wrong with her other than she is small. Easier said than done, I know, but it may help to ease the frustrations a little. I wish I could make it better for you. That stinks.

Cheney Family said...

I am soooo sorry!! Sending hugs your way!! After what you have been through I think I would be done too!!

Emily said...

Oh Jen, I can't believe how terrible your doctors visit went. I'm so sorry. Hang in there. I hope the rest of your week is better. Emily Schmidt

Pricilla said...

I am so sorry that this is happening to you. I do know how you feel like you are done. On the other hand this is what I have told myself at times like this with Dallin. No one in the whole world cares about your child more than you and if you don't fight for her, no one will. You are a fighter and as her mother, YOU know what is best for her even more than a stupid doctor that doesn't even take the time to understand the history. So for me, after sleepless nights and fighting to put the anger aside, I have had to look forward and say okay, whats next. You are doing a great job, just keep standing up for what you know is right. For me, we moved our whole family to another state after exhausting our options, and have still been waiting 6 months for all the help that we need when I know in my mind that the "window" of what you do before they are 5 is vital to the rest of their life and my son is already aproaching 4 and a half so the bells are blazing. I guess I am saying hang in there, keep up the good work and be strong for Haley. You are her best advocate. Once you can somehow find the strenghth to put anger toward someone aside, you will be able to figure out what is next here(speaking from experience). Sorry this is so long, I just wanted to offer support and I don't have your email address.

Jen said...

Thanks Pricilla! I have since calmed down a bit. I am still irritated, but don't really know what my options are. I need to talk with my pediatrician, and follow up. Thanks for the support! Love you! Good luck with getting help for Dallin!

Unknown said...

Jen,

Reading your post and knowing your history reminds me of the show "Mystery Diagnosis" on Discovery Health. Have you ever seen it? It seems like everyone that has an uncommon problem struggles to find the right provider to help them get answers and treatment. It sure doesn't sound like this doctor is the one for you. Hopefully you'll be able to find someone to help you get some answers soon. You're in our thoughts.

Marenda

Nurse Heidi said...

Oh what a *crappy* appointment. I'd be mad too. Some specialist. I'm sorry that you had to miss your trip for THAT.

Unknown said...

That stinks. The saddest part is this is sweet little Haley we are talking about...it's like the Dr's forget their patients are real people...that and their parents are usually the best judges as to know when things are wrong. We'll keep you in out prayers!

Bethany said...

I wish I could give a real big hug right now. It can be so frustrating, I've had some experiences with super insensitive, don't want to do anything, physicians lately and I could have just punched him in his face. I could only imagine what you're experiencing with Haley. I know I've said this so many times, but I sure hope something works out soon. I'm thinking of you!