Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Dose of reality

I have been talking to Ryan for a few months now about switching Pediatricians and I kept putting it off.  Now that we are possibly a few weeks away from meeting Isabelle I finally took the time to make the call this afternoon.  We love our current Pediatrician and have been with him since Ethan was born.  He has been there for the boys through everything.  But, the office is way out of our way and this new Pediatrician's office is just a couple of miles from our house.   We have heard great things about him so it is hard for us to think of any reason not to make the change. 
So, I make the call this afternoon and give her Aiden's medical history- which she had no issues with and then I started to explain my pregnancy and Isabelle.  After I got finished explaining that Isabelle will have DS and also has a heart condition that will require open heart surgery she paused briefly and then said she will have to get with the doctor to make sure he can accommodate her needs.  She was very nice and careful with her wording but I never even thought about a doctor not being able to accept Isabelle as a patient.  I just assumed that any Pediatrician could be her primary doctor especially since she already has a cardiologist.  I am thinking the hesitation was due more to her heart condition and not the DS but for some reason, that news hit me hard.   I am learning very quickly that I have no idea what I am doing so far with Isabelle.  I am sure I will learn very quickly but this was my first dose of reality... my new reality.
I should receive a call tomorrow afternoon to let me know if he is able to be Isabelle's doctor.  If not, then we might just stick with our current Pediatrician and pray he would be able to take Isabelle.

5 comments:

Becca said...

Okaaaay, that would give me serious pause. I would be uncomfortable if Sammi's diagnosis would have to be *considered* by the physician, even if they eventually agreed to take her on. I have never met any resistance from any of the pediatricians we've taken her to (we moved and my insurance changed once, so we've been through a few). If they agree to take Isabelle, you should probably ask them a few pointed questions first, like why they had to think about it first...

Krista said...

Tonya, totally know what your talking about. I went to a Dr. @ WW BWB and was totally blown away by the lack of manners and concern for my feelings. After bringing ayla home from NICU she had to be seen within 24 hours so we took her there (knowing we would end up with Dr Rigby @ WWFWB-head of pediactrics and special cases) but he was out of town. That dr. went on to tell me that ayla has "so many problems" she didn't know where to start. I was blown away and so hurt.

If you need a suggestion I would suggest Dr R. He is amazing and was Larry's Dr when he was born. He has never blinked at any of Ayla's issue and has sometimes been more knowledgable about her condition than specialists. He is not "right down the road" but with Issabelle you may not have that luxury unfortunaetley.

I have had multiple Dr's suggest I send Ayla to ER to avoid seeing her with a GI issue when Dr R is away. It's very sad and makes you angry but it does happen.

You will find a Dr. who is right for you. Let me know if you want me to speak to DR R. He doesn't accept new patients. But has accepted every person I have spoke to him about.

Angela said...

Wow, that would give me concern, too. We *love* our pediatrician and she's always been right on top of all of Benjamin's needs, whether it's something that she could take care of or referring him to another doctor. I hope you find someone who is wonderful for you!

June said...

Are you considering ABC Pediatrics. If so, maybe the reason they had to "consider it" is because Dr. Gomez isn't always there nor is Dr. Barbon. Often times it is only the PA (who I love, I like her more than the rest although I love them too). Maybe it was about a "Dr" not always being available. I am only assuming that is where you are trying to get (since I heard you talking about them with several others). I'm thinking though it sounds crazy that they would have to consider it regardless of who it is. However, it could just be God closing the door on people who wouldn't be the best possible choice for Isabelle, he sees the big picture. Praying for you.

susan said...

I found your blog from Kelly Korners. I felt like I needed to write you and say that if you have any ?'s regarding Down syndrome I am here. Our Princess Jana was born 6-10-08. She does not have any heart defects. But being two years down the word I may have some advice or at least can listen. We have two Boys then had Jana. We also had another baby girl 10 months ago. Praying for you and your sweet Baby girl. I can say that Jana's Doctor is amazing and do not second guess yourself for a second about getting a Doctor that undestands Down syndrome. Take care Susan