Follow up day at the pediatric clinic

So, it is time to follow up with the pediatric clinic today. A new doc- literally since we saw a resident, and the consulting physician did not feel it necessary to come in (we did not know that one either) - and a repeat of all the same paperwork. However, this form had a new question, right below the question about any smokers being present in the house; Are there any firearms in the home? And how exactly is this related to my child's medical history and/ or current treatment?! None, and that information is none ya business!

Don't these people share information within their system? Seriously, they did not even know why we were there! The nurse commented that Deborah's paperwork said, "followup for a rash"; not even a note about the Kawasaki's. They had none of her medical history, no record of the treatment she had or the amount of time she was in the hospital, nothing about the aspirin regimin she was sent home on, nothing.

All said and done, we spent 20 minutes educating the resident about Deborah; her medical history, her symptoms leading up to treatment, what the hospital did, and what we are currently doing. The nice young doc. checked Deborah's heart, ears, eyes, mouth, throat, lymph nodes, and reflexes. She also asked her about school and what grade she was in. When Deborah replied that we homeschooled, the doc came back with questions about Deborah's scholastic abilities; can she add, etc. Basically a well child check.

And then this fresh out of the box doc recommended a flu vaccination. Seriously?!! The paperwork given to us at the hospital is very clear; no vaccinations for 6 months after treatment with IVIG. And the flu is to be avoided because of the aspirin regimin. I worry about the medical community in this country!

She did ask to make sure someone in the medical community is following up with the aspirin Deborah is taking - we will follow up with the cardiologist for that - and suggested we make an appointment with the clinic for a well child check, since she could not do that today because it was scheduled as a follow up. Okay, whatever. And no thank you. We thanked her nicely - I hope- and went on our way. We will find a pediatrician or family physician of our own choosing for future appointments.

On a more positive note, I now have some confirmation that she has indeed lost weight. According to our scales at home she was 49 lbs mid January (thanks to a school project) and today she weighs 43lbs on the same scale. I did not need the scales to tell me she has lost weight; she is small enough that weight loss is noticible in her face and at bathtime. But, I thought that I might be fabricating issues just because I am worried about her, so outside confirmation eases those fears a great deal. I do want to start weighing her more regularly so I can have a better idea of when she starts gaining again.

Most importantly, there was nothing to cause the doc concern, and that is a blessing! Her eyes are still not clear, but you need to look closely to see the webwork of veins now; definitely an improvement. And naps are becoming a favorite time of the day - for Mommy too!