…another trip to the pediatrician. With all three girls. By myself…..
I don’t know why these trips are so incredibly stressful for me.
That’s a lie. I do know. I am there to get information about my child’s health. I am trying to give all the pertinent facts and answer all of the questions so that I can then listen to the doctor’s diagnosis and advice. Is that asking too much? Apparently my children think this a time to entertain the doctor. I don’t think we’re on the same page….
Once Dr. M has entered the room and greeted the girls she turns to me and asks “What brings you in today?”. My children see that as a golden opportunity to tell the story of their day/week/month/year. Our current doctor is great (all of our pediatricians have been great, FYI). She patiently listens to each of my daughters ramble on for a few minutes before subtly helping them wrap up their story. The girls have gotten all of their important words out into the open so Dr. M. and I can finally start talking about why we are there. Now the girls start to touch stuff. Anything silver and shiny and off-limits. Let me interject here and say that, in the grand scheme of things, my daughters are not being that bad. They are not screaming, hitting, kicking, biting or disturbing other patients. They are just disturbing my patience. I know exactly what is going on. They are at their doctor where we are talking about their issues and they want their attention. I know that. I understand that. I have no problem with that. It is very simple. However, when I am sitting in that room trying to determine if my child needs to be referred to an ENT about her ear issues, I tend to forget that principle.
I have yet to completely “lose it” at the doctor’s office. Somehow in the presence of a health professional, I can muster the fortitude to hold in my frustration. I wish I could do that all the time. As I said before, I am not talking about serious misbehavior – they are just being the curious, talkative little girls that they are. So why do I have such a problem? I think it has to do with my belief that the doctor’s time is precious. I know how fortunate I am to have good health insurance and the ability to get the health care my family needs. I am very aware of how many others are in the waiting room also needing to be seen. I don’t want to be the person who takes up valuable time with meaningless chit-chat. But I digress….
The most tedious trips are the last minute ones when someone is in need of an ear check or strep test or what have you. That happened today. But I survived. I even managed to pick up medicine on the way home. Did I mention that Laura didn’t have a nap? Did I forget to tell you that Robert is out of town? HA HA HA HA. BRING IT ON!
The girls are in bed, there’s chocolate in the kitchen and my alma mater is about to kick off in the BCS National Championship. Life is good.
