Andrew Update

[jennifer2005]

Andrew was admitted to the hospital with Bilateral Pneumonia and bacterial infection. He has been going to the Pediatrician over and over again with colds, congestion, asthma etc since he has been born! Well, when I kept insisting that she take a xray she didnt want to! Well, look what happen, my 3 month old DS baby ended up with pneumonia, double pneumonia at that! I am defintitely changing physicians, but wanted some advice from Uno Land!

[heidiashliesmom]

I have had some bad experiences with peds. But after switching twice I finally found one I LOVE!! She is Wonderful and loves Ashlie to death. She doesnt have many patients with DS so when I switched to her she took Ashlie's chart home and read from birth onto current records to see if anything had been missed by any of her previous docs. She even went and bought a current copy of DS Medical book and enrolled in a medical website for updated info and tests for kids with DS. And if Ashlie has a problem she knows who to refer us too and its great so I have no worries.

So Personally I would fine one that you are comfy with, Before you decide you can call different clinics and see how many patients they see with DS. Its important to feel comfortable with your ped and if you are having doubts which I dont blame you as I would too I would definitley look into switching.

Hugs
Heidi

[ValerieC]

Ditto!

[andrewsmom]

OMG... I'm so sorry to hear about your son. I agree, and am in the process of getting up courage to switch myself. It's not easy. Good luck and keep us posted on Andrew. {{{hugs}}}}
-Trisha

[updowns]

Hope Andrew is on the mend and I agree with the others - change your ped.

Stella

[momofrussell]

Well, that just stinks the doc didn't listen to the mommy a bit better! They have that diploma but who are we, JUST the mom? OY! I am sorry your baby is so sick! Poor baby!!!

As far as docs and changing.. I go by comfort.. if I just am not comfy, for no matter what reason, I change docs. And it could be for various reasons.. but I am one that needs to make bonds with docs whether they be for me or my kids... so if there is no "connection", then I bail. If you aren't really comfy , maybe it IS time to check out some new ones. After Russell was born we actually lost our wonderful ped we had since Regan was born (med facility closed down) and searched for a new one. I actually called and "interviewed" so to speak. Just to make sure they were comfy with a child w/spec needs, if they were familiar with DS, ect... they didn't have to be omnicient with DS.. but to know or have the skills to find out was good!

Good luck! I'd ask friends who they use. Also, do you have a children's hosp near by? They usually have a doc referral service and can help you too.

A.

[Valerie]

If you aren't comfortable with your doctor for WHATEVER reason, definitely switch!

I sure hope your little one is feeling better soon!

[Emilysmom]

I'm sorry to hear that Andrew has been so sick!!! On the one hand, changing docs is a perfectly understandable thing to do, and I probably would be looking for a different one too. You just have to be comfortable that whoever is responsible for your son's medical care is going to listen to the people who are with Andrew 24/7! The only thing I would suggest, before you choose another doctor is that you go in and talk to her and tell her that you are very concerned about the fact that you asked for a simple chest Xray and that would have gotten him appropriate treatment more quickly........but she did not trust your judgement. Let her know how unhappy you are about that situation! It might truly make a difference with the next baby whose mom requests something. Otherwise, she learns nothing from this experience. Please do not let this make you second guess your best judgement. If you think something is wrong, you need to go with your gut feeling and get the doc to see your concerns as being serious.
I hope Andrew gets well quick!!

Susan

[Kristen]

We had some real bozos at the beginning, too. It took a while, but I finally found one I like pretty well. I am always a bit reserved because I have been burned a lot, but he specializes in autistic kids so even thought Carter does not have autism I thought, oh good, a child with special needs won't freak him out! Turns out he has NEVER had a child with DS as a regular patient before - when he was in an office with associates they had them, but never him. He downloads special growth charts and reads all the lists of tests and things to do and check for - it's kinda cute how nervous he gets, actually! He really seems to like Carter and Sydney both, so he's a plus so far (even if I hate the hospital he is now associated with).

[firerose98]

If your doctor is not taking care of you and your children, SWITCH! There are lots of good doctors out there, but you have to be proactive in finding one. Good for you about insisting on the x-ray. We have to be our own advocates and advocates for our children, especially when they have compromised health or physical conditions.