Why Doctors Are Terrifying

Tuesday night we went to Robby's 15-month check-up.  Chris didn't even go because these have gotten to be old hat, and he wanted to do some cleaning.  (Yes, I'm a lucky wife.)  So, Robby and I pack up, and head over to the doctor.

Initially, everything's going as planned.  Although, apparently he's been sick way too much, because he immediately took off at a sprint for the "sick kids'" waiting room, to go snag his favorite toy.  After re-directing, and discovering the favorite toy in the "well kids'" room, anyway, we were set.

They called us back fairly quickly, and Robby continues to drop down the percentile charts.  He may end up small like his parents yet.  He weighed in at 24.4 (50%) and 31.5" (70%).  Only his head remained in the 75%.  Sorry buddy, that's my fault.

The predictable first question from the doctor was, "Do you have any concerns?"  I mentioned that the ENT had been concerned when we discussed that Robby had quit talking.  I saw a flicker of concern cross his face, and he started asking me follow up questions, finally admitting that a language drop-off is the most common signal for autism.  AND THE ENT DIDN'T SAY THIS?!?!  He had just told Chris, "You might need early intervention, call this number."  We assumed that was early intervention for SPEECH, not AUTISM.  So, momentary panic.

Our pediatrician then told me that usually they do the diagnostic test for autism at 18 months, but he could do a couple of quick things to put our mind at ease.  This involved talking to Robby, looking in his eyes and interacting, playing peek-a-boo, etc...  He concluded that we have nothing to worry about.  Of course, I was collapsed on the floor at this point.  Not really, but thanks for the heart attack.  I really hadn't anticipated this.

As my heart rate settles, the nurse came in to give him his 2 vaccine shots.  The first one went normally.  Robby flinched, but nothing  to speak of.  The second he SCREAMED, his leg immediately poofed out and turned brilliant red, and he started clawing at it, pulling band-aid after band-aid off of the site.  And, #1 not-so-reassuring thing for a nurse to say?  "I've never seen this happen before!"  Ultimately, the doctor came in again, looked at it, confirmed it was an allergic reaction to the MMR, and I should try and remember this for the next time he gets it at age 4 (but they'd write it in his file, too).  They gave him some benedryl, told me to watch him, and our ped was on call that night in case his breathing became labored.  OH great.

Of course, he was just fine, and I slept through the night perfectly, only to feel a lot of guilt the next morning that I hadn't been panicky all night.  But...long way of saying he's just fine.  After giving me some heart palpitations along the way.