Did anyone get the number of that truck?

Today is the morning after our 2 days of appointments at Children's Hospital, and I feel like I've been either run over by a truck, or used as Mike Tyson's punching bag. It has been an extremely emotionally draining week.

Our appointments started on Tuesday with a bit of a rocky start. The physiotherapist for the day had already not been scheduled, and when we got there, our first appointment was also cancelled. The ocupational therapist was sick. So we had a "break" right away, followed by a 15 minute info session, followed by another "break". We're not morning people, so it was a painful case of hurry up and wait. I was beginning to feel like I was just a tiny, ignored, cog in the wheel. Doug enjoyed the waiting room though. I will certainly give Children's Hospital a thumbs up for their waiting rooms. Every room in that building has it's own little toybox. No matter where you have to wait, the kids have something to do.

The afternoon was tougher. We met with an pediatric orthopedic surgeon, and a neuromuscular specialist. There were a LOT of questions asked. I felt like I was being grilled at the East German border crossing. "Eeef you do not tell uz vat ve vant to know, ve vill take your child avay!" I know they're only doing their jobs, but the depth and breadth of the questions were draining to answer. Every possible area of Doug's life was explored. They seemed to concentrate on the problem areas (which I guess makes sense) leaving areas where he is doing just fine alone. This left me with a big knot in my stomache. It seemed that there is so MUCH that just isn't right. Given some time and space I can remind myself of all the things that ARE right, and that will add perspective. We also had a discussion with the doctor regarding long-term treatments and medications. We've got some serious thinking and soul searching to do. Please pray for wisdom here.

When we got home there was a CCRA "random audit" notice in the mailbox.

Thursday was a lighter day appointment wise. We had 2 tests and a cardiologist appointment. Doug does NOT like EKGs. He has had a bad experience with the "stickers" they use, and clearly has not forgotten it over the past year. Add to the challenge that neither of the two tests can be done unless Doug is calm, and the stress level in the rooms was high. Through some exceptionally good fathering, and some really pathetic bubble blowing by Allison, Doug settled down. He still hated the stickers being removed. You would have thought we were were ripping 8 inch sections of hockey tape out of his hair by the sounds he was making. (and yes, I HAVE heard that particular sound) Our cardiologist certainly seems good. He had a good way with Doug, and besides delivering good news, was pretty good at communicating.

You know - all of our doctors are very good. We're dealing with some really top flight professionals. Professionals who specialize in treating children like Doug. What they have to say sometimes isn't easy to hear, and it certainly isn't easy to share with friends and family. Yes, doctors can be wrong from time to time, but what we need to hear from our friends is empathy. Especially during these emotionally loaded time periods, disagreements over the diagnosis only re-open sore wounds. Just give us a hug. Later, when we all have had time to think things through, we can talk about logical, fact based differences of opinion on treatment options and diagnosis.

And keep praying.