"Doctors"

That word evokes either a sense of calm or terror, depending on your situation.   My advice is that it is worth pursuing  one until you get the passionate one who takes the time to assist AND realizes although you don't have a medical degree, you have important input on the child that no one else can have! 

We have had them both.  The bad ones and the exceptional ones.  How to tell a bad one.  They have  slotted  5 minutes for you and they give you 3 minutes and never look at you.  NOT!

How to tell a good one. First, they connect with your child.  They listen to your input on what is happening.  They run late sometimes because if you need them, they are there for you. ( I never mind waiting when I know my doctor is helping a parent with a child who is having a difficult time such as we are!)  AND, in the case of difficult seasons, they give you their personal cell number!  I know that one is hard to believe, but it is possible.   The first time I had a doctor give me his number, I about fell over.  I did not abuse it for every situation and that created a great deal of respect between me and the doctor.  One in the Chattanooga area even carried a satellite phone to Cuba and told me if I really needed him to call!  I actually had to once. 

I do have advice regarding this great opportunity, though.  Although it is great to be able to talk with the doctor at all times of the day, they have lives too!  Making medication changes over the phone must be done carefully. 

If it is simply stopping a med, that is not so bad.   Or making a decision for hospitalization.  But medication changes need the doctor's full attention.  He needs to be able to recall allergies, reactions,  doses, etc and if he is pre-occupied, it can be really frustrating.  My doctor now, usually has a handle on what my son is on, what he has tried in the past and the doses.  When a change is made over the phone, he rehearses to me everything my son is on and then processes what needs changing out loud on the phone.    Previously, however, with another doctor, quick decisions regarding meds were made on the phone that probably needed closer attention and determination.  Lesson learned.

So, in conclusion, search out the best.  Get recommendations on great doctors, who are passionate and you can communicate with easily, via phone or internet.   Use wisdom about how much and when to call.  Use your gut instinct to decide if when you call, the doctor has your full attention and can make good choices for your child over the phone. 

You may think this is a little radical, but like I said before,  you are your child BEST advocate.  Doctors are human and make mistakes.  It pays to be careful, wise, and informed. 

Have a great holiday week-end.
Lynne

P.S.  If you need a good recommendation in the Chattanooga or Nashville area, email me and I will send you some.