Yesterday, we took Cameron to see a neurologist as recommended by his ENT, pediatrician, urologist, anesthesiologist and several therapists. I have learned that for every one good doctor around here, there are two bad ones. The neurologist we saw wasn't mean like Dr. A or condescending like Dr. B but instead a tad dismissive and flippant. You could tell that he had not even reviewed Cameron's file before coming in the room. He was unaware of the previous sleep study, referrals, and the Autism until we filled him in. I'm not a doctor, but would it not make some sense to review your patients file for a minute before coming in the room? Especially when the child is referred because a bunch of other medical professionals feel that there is some significant neurological issue that needs to be checked out?
I will give the man some credit for spending a great deal of time with us while we gave him Cameron's history. He did second the Autism diagnosis based on what we told him and from watching Cameron a bit while he played. He also told us that Cameron has a lot of work ahead of him but that he was going to be ok. Alright Mr., tell me something I don't already know! We told him that that the urologist and anesthesiologist were requiring clearance before doing surgery in June. I swear the man slightly rolled his eyes and laughed a bit as he made some comment about doctors often making that request. Well you know what? I agree with those doctors. I would like to know that my child is not at risks for seizures and choking before putting him to sleep. He said Cameron was fine and did not need any further testing. Yet five minutes later he changed his mind and said he needed a sleep deprived EEG. Huh? What made him change his mind? Was that not included in the sleep study we just did? Did we not do the sleep study so that we would already have the info for when we went in for this neurology appointment? I'm so confused and honestly, I think the dr. was too.
We left with no answers. I was hoping that he would be willing to take all of the pieces of the puzzle and find a way to relate them and hopefully give me some direction. I feel like the best way to help Cameron heal is to know exactly what we are dealing with. Are there any genetic disorders that might be the cause for this? Is there damage in the brain? Did I go to the wrong doctor? Yes. I think I did.
Is there such a thing as an Autism doctor? There sure needs to be.
6 comments:
:-( Bless your heart! I don't understand why doctor's don't do that. I don't think there are autism doctors but life would be simpler if there were!
Find someone to give you a second opinion STAT!
Andrea, you don't know any good ones do you?
I'm so sorry for your frustration Allie!! I know Hedy has experience with sleep deprived tests, maybe she can help you? I know it is so frustrating to watch a doctor walk in with your chart and then have him ask you everything that he could have just read for himself!
I will pray for your family to find the best physicians for little Cameron and that the ultimate physician will keep His hand on him.
I remember when Josiah was 2 and we were told he needed eye muscle surgery. No big deal in the long run but I wanted a couple of days to pray about it first. The doctor was VERY dismissive and told me to go ahead but prayer wouldn't change anything. (It would have given me PEACE, doc!) I was in tears and angrily told his nurse that he had the worst bedside manner I had ever seen! I later found out she was his wife. Oh well. We eventually found a wonderful (Christian, home school dad) pediatric eye surgeon and stayed with him until Josiah no longer fit in the exam rooms! :) I pray you will find an equally wonderful doctor for Cameron!
Developmental Pediatricians are supposed to be able to handle autism patients. And there are doctors called DAN! doctors that specialize in ASD.
Jayce had a sleep deprived EEG. I actually do recommend it. Although Jayce did not have a seizure disorder, my good friend's son did and putting him on the right medicine made a huge difference in the progress he made in therapy.
Post a Comment