articles
Doctor Mom
Zoe is wheezing. I want to throw up. I came back from 2 nights out of town teaching a trauma course to find Zoe with that tell-tale bronchiolitic cough. (Everyone was asleep when I got home last night. This morning I rushed into their room and Eva at first smiled then began weeping. Whether she’s happy to see me or sorry her “party with Papa” is over, I don’t know.) Anyway, I broke down and stuck my stethoscope on Zoe’s chest today, hoping, I suppose, to simply reassure myself that I’m being overly concerned. Instead I was met with the singsong whistling of trapped air trying to push past swollen little airways.
As I lay down my doctor toys, my husband asked me what the verdict was. I said, “as a pediatrician or as a mother? Because the doctor in me says she has bronchiolitis which is just a viral thing babies get and she’s wheezing but it’s no big deal because she otherwise is doing fine and she’ll get over it.” Then he said, “and on the other hand?”
“I’ve given her my asthma, she’s going to be a sickly child and our lives are ruined.”
He wasn’t terribly thrilled with my “mommy verdict” for obvious reasons. Of course the rational person inside of me is saying, well okay, this might just be bronchiolitis. Or it might be the first episode of reactive airways/asthma, but if it is, that’s okay. We’ll see the doctor, get on the right medications and deal with it. After all, I’ve got some awesome asthma and that hasn’t stopped me from racing in triathalons. (And by racing, I mean my heart, lest you think I actually exhibit any athletic talent.) But the paranoid, worried, parent part of me is scared and in denial. We’ll be going to see the pediatrician this week so that he can talk me out of my freak-attack, just like I would do for any of you if you needed it.
The information herein is not intended to replace the services of trained health professionals, or be a substitute for medical advice. You are advised to consult with your health care professional with regard to matters relating to health, and in particular regarding matters that may require diagnosis or medical attention.
Comments
No Comments yet.
Commenting is not available in this section entry.connect
buy the book
reviews
"WHAT I LIKED: This book is written in a funny, down to earth way that doesn't make you feel like an idiot. I really would have appreciated something like this when my kids were really little and I freaked out over everything they put in their mouths. It has a scenario/question and answer format, with clear answers on when not to panic and when to call 911."
- Chic Book Chick
events
media
media
Find...
- tags:
- ear pain
- dehydration
- bronchiolitis
- feeding
- fever
- vomiting
- wheezing
- asthma
- otitis media
- seizure
- abdominal pain
- foreign bodies
- sunburn
- cpr
- appendicitis
- travel
- deet
- sunscreen
- diarrhea
- constipation
- head injury
- stitches
- food allergy
- vaccines
- choking
- car seats