A Nice Doctor

I met with a very nice doctor today.  I almost didn't go.  I got a call on Monday reminding me that Sam had an appointment with the developmental pediatrician.  I totally forgot about it and my first thought was to cancel it.  THere is really no role for a developmental ped. at this stage of the game.  We don't need a diagnosis and he doesn't handle meds.  It is one of those appointments that you have to make about 8 months in advance so about 8 months ago someone probably said to me, have you followed up with the developmental pediatrician?  and it seemed like a good idea at the time. 

I wanted to cancel because dragging a baby and Sam (Maya had camp) to one of the worst areas  (the hospital is surrounded by "gentleman's clubs") just made me want to vomit.  But I thought about it for a while and realized that if it went terribly, I just wouldn't go back.  If it went well I might leave with some suggestions. 

Sam was a complete nut, throwing things that whole time. Hannah was a doll.  The doctor was very kind.  He didn't offer any new information but he did give me some suggestions of psychiatrists who work with severely disabled kids.  None of them take my insurance, of course but I will at least call to find out their fees. 

And he said he was sorry things turned out this way.  He was the one who originally said he thought would turn out to be on the higher functioning end.  He didn't say it in a condescending way.  It was sincere and well, just kind.

He even called me when I got home because he thought of another specialist in another state I might want to call - also doesn't take my insurance but that fact that he continued to think about Sam was very nice. 

Losing teeth and losing faith in doctors

Sam lost another tooth yesterday.  I only found out becasue I happened to look in his mouth at the right angle.  He had no idea.  Or if he did, held no significance for him.  So far this makes 3 teeth out.  THe first he got a bit upset about, the second he must have swalloed in his sleep and then this one must have come out during the day.  I am sad that this developmental period means nothing to him but I am happy that it is not overly upsetting to him.  I suppose it could be worse.

After weekly follow up calls to the meurologist, I finally got a call back about 2 months after I sent the video of Sam foaming at the mouth.  The doctor still hadn't been able to open the video and said we woudl just talk about it at Sam's next appointment - in August.    AUGUST.  So he hasn't seen the video and has no idea if it is something serious and he says don't worry about it we will talk in August.  I would love to find a new neurologist but I really don't think there are any fantastic doctors out there for Autism.  I have list from various school with "parent recommendations" but this guy is on one of those lists so I don't know how much help they will be.