We’re supposed to want to keep drugs away from our kids – right?
Isn’t that the whole point of existence – is to learn when to say NO? Use the least harsh method?
Here’s a glimpse at my ER visit in Florida this morning, July 24, 2012. We are in Rockledge Florida – Brevard County – visiting my eldest daughter. Grace has just come from very arid Montana to very humid Florida. In Montana, there is no pool in the backyard. We swim in the creek, or go to town to the big pool.
Well….Miss Gracey is part fish. She LOVES to swim. She has lived in the pool to a point I almost had to drag her out physically as she was burning her skin. She has been underwater constantly – using a mask – and also used the Hooka underwater scuba trainer – which I’m sure blew some air in those ears under water……
Perfect setup for Swimmers Ear if I ever saw it. Wish I would have thought in advance for it.
Can’t win em all……
So….
Grace had an earache this morning. 4am to be exact – a REAL howler of one – had her howlin anyways.
We wake up Sis – and Tom gets the truck – and off to Wuesthoff Medical Center – Rockledge – ER
We are met with an empty waiting room – and an hour wait. It is visibly apparent Grace is in pain – and we waited….and waited….the whole time Grace lamenting “They wouldn’t do this to me in MT. They’d have me right in there!”
All I could do was hold her – and wait. We FINALLY get into a room – and after another half hour wait in a virtually empty ER we are blessed with the presence of a Dr. G Edward Mallory, DO
Dr Mallory professes that Grace’s problem is due to serious sinus infections and allergies – and recommends we have a follow up with their partner pediatrician within 2 days – to check on her serious otitis media. I asked him if those allergies could have developed in the past 10 days or so since she arrived in Florida – as she has no history of allergies, or serious sinus infections.
Mind you – Grace and I share the same family physician, who has been my personal Dr for 27 years. He delivered Grace. He delivered ALL of my children. He knows EVERY issue any of my kids have EVER had. All my kids saw Jim until they moved out and away. He knows every little intricate detail of their health issues all through their lives, as I have any records from any other visits sent anywhere else to him for his files.
I trust him with my life. I trust him with my children’s life.
Then – this ER Physician? Dr Mallory – well – he has the BALLS to ask me if I would like 2 days worth of vicodin (8 pills – to be specific) for Grace for her pain.
I informed that dumbass that I was highly offended he would even SUGGEST vicodin for SWIMMERS EAR – and told him we wanted the pain drops – and something to dry the ear up. “I am 45 years old and have never taken a Vicodin in MY life – how DARE you attempt to prescribe it for my TWELVE YEAR OLD DAUGHTER!”
Well – that dope dealer scurried right on out of there – Gracie got her drops and is sleeping soundly – and we will be sure to use the swim ear I picked up once her infection is gone.
When the RN came in after the Doc to take care of things – I told her what transpired and that I was NOT happy about it.
She gave me a double thumbs up and told Grace she had a good Mom to look out for her. Nurse Boggs – you have my undying respect.
OH MY GOD FLORIDA!!!! What in the HELL? You tolerate this? Even my 12 year old knew it was WRONG.
HELLS BALLS – get to FIRING these guys before they damage more of our kids! He wanted to be “sensitive to her pain” with Vicodin at TWELVE for SWIMMERS EAR – what the HELL would he do for her at 21 when she is fully addicted???
I learned a very valuable lesson with this one trip to a Dr in Florida. People are sheep! “Do what the Dr says”
How many of you out there would have just taken the pain meds for your children? How many parents out there question doctors? Question their treatment?
“Do what the Dr says” – we are raised with that principle.
Well…..I contend that you need to “Do what the Dr says” after you evaluate things yourself too. ASK QUESTIONS – ask for alternatives – and QUESTION AUTHORITY – especially when it comes to your children.
If I would have taken that Vicodin prescription and given it to Grace I sincerely believe we would not have had as successful day as we had. As it was – as soon as the Aralgan drops went in her ear – her pain stopped. IMMEDIATELY
We got her home – and she slept over 4 hours – very peacefully – and Mom didn’t have to keep checking her breathing or heart rate – as she has never been on a heavy narcotic like Vicodin.
Grace woke up well rested – and not groggy or out of whack.
She has been perfect ever since.
Our children are our most precious commodities – we must protect them. It’s a pretty sad day when we have to protect them from a Doctor.
You must be logged in to post a comment.