Allergy Testing and Bedside Manner

Hi everyone, just wanted to let you know how Liam's allergy appointment went today.  We had to take Liam off of his Zyrtec for a few days so it did not affect his allergy testing. Over the past few days we have gotten a chance to really see the difference it makes, and its really amazing! Within 24 hours of not taking Zyrtec, Liam had a terrible runny nose and eye buggies around the clock, and became very congested. Over the past few days, he hasn't been sleeping well and has been much more fussy than usual. I was happy when I woke up this morning to get this testing out of the way! So we went on our way to meet Dr. Isreal, although the staff was organized and polite- there was something....sterile about the office. I felt as though there was not one person that was enjoying their job, and I know it sounds silly but it's important to me that you at least try! Granted, our appointment was at 9 am on Thursday...but still, everything had such a generic feel to it. Overall, I was not impressed with Dr. Isreal. As a nurse, it bothers me when doctors have terrible bedside manner. I mean I wasn't trying to dress to the nine's this morning, I threw my hair back, grabbed a sippy cup and off we went. But when you can't even fake a sympathetic smile after hearing what Liam has been through??.... it gets to me. I mean LOOK AT HIM! ... here is he - sitting on the floor of your office, playing with the baby laptop and giggling.....and I am in the middle of telling you that he was born NOT BREATHING with apgar scores of 1,3,6, experienced neonatal seizures and underwent a breakthrough treatment (the FIRST) in the Lehigh Valley....and you don't even blink -- seriously? As a nurse, this is such an insult. In every job we have, compassion pours out of us. It may not look the same, but each of us has our own unique way of connecting with our patient. This is why we continue to be one of the most trusted professions, and I firmly believe that it is not recognized how hard that is..even if it does come completely natural to us. In one day, we can celebrate birthdays, congratulate victories over disease/medical conditions, fight with the toughest cancer patient we have met thus far, and hold a hand for a dying family member- it is exhausting...but no matter what we are always 100% present in the moment. I have had patients come back and visit on the floor just because they missed a few of us that took such good care of them ...I had a patient ask me once when I was working my last shift, "what am I going to do without you, I mean I know they are good - but they are not you.." I told my patient that she would be okay, I didn't perform miracles, all I did do ... was my job. I look you in the eye, I am honest with you. If I don't have the answer I tell you- I don't pretend to know or tiptoe around it, if you ask me a question I am going to give you the answer that will best benefit you- whether it is what you want to hear or not, but I am gentle about it. I pour my heart and soul into every moment with my patients, whomever they may be, dying sick or young surgical prison inmate on a med surg floor. Honestly, today it was hilarious once I told Dr. Isreal (right before the appt was over) I was a nurse - he really perked up! I wanted to say, oh! now maybe we can have a real conversation? UGH! In my opinion, the highest quality in a doctor is one that can interpret the same information to people in all different levels of understanding....and in my career it has been rare to find. Still, I have to say I agree with Dr. Israel's plan for treatment, given that Liam's testing came back NEGATIVE! That's right, he is currently NOT allergic to dust, mold, CHLOE, or milk/nuts/ eggs etc. You are probably asking yourself the same question I did-- then why is the Zyrtec helping? Dr. Isreal explained that Zyrtec can treat non allergic rhinitis......so now the next thing to rule out is immunologic disorders. My plan is to take Liam  to see Dr.  Ververeli on 4/7 for a second opinion, who is a respected pediatric allergist I have heard wonderful things about. I want a doctor who looks at my son for the miracle that he is. I know that might sound crazy, but hey- that's where I am at....if you are in the medical profession you should consider yourself lucky to work with this little man, and I want....no, no I DEMAND a doctor with half decent bedside manner. My child is not just like every other pediatric patient you see, and no parent should EVER feel that way. This child is there for an appointment because they are sick, they have a story, and you should be interested in every detail....in my opinion, if your not - it's a waste of time! I am adding in a picture of the little munchkin's back tonight before his bath -- no welts, but you can see they tested him for a number of things. I have to say, it was horrid having to restrain him on my lap, it broke my heart- no it shattered my heart into a bazillion pieces. He couldn't understand why Mama would hold him down like that and he was getting pricked -- oh the tears flowed for a bit. Luckily, the office had a lollipop and the sugar quickly made the experience worth the trip! I am glad it is over with and ecstatic that Liam was able to take Zyrtec tonight! Tomorrow, we sadly will be saying goodbye to Liam's caregiver in the young toddler classroom. Miss Alexis is leaving for another position in Olympus, I am so happy for her since she is such a bright girl -but I have a heavy heart since I am not ready to lose her. Liam absolutely lights up when he sees Miss Alexis, and we have built such a great relationship that it is going to be hard to change - whoever takes her place will have huge shoes to fill. I guess that is just one of the trivial trials of mommy hood that I have yet to fully accept. I have been insanely busy but will try to update as much as possible on our upcoming appointments. Love to all and Happy Spring!