Would you look for a new pediatrician? long

BoxTer

Background:N isn't making advances with language between her 12-15 month appts. Dr. suggests we contact EI for evaluation. I freak out, cry, am very upset, but contact EI. They say she is language delayed and assign her a speech therapist but suggests we also look into hearing issues. We do that too. See the ENT - she has a lot of fluid in her ears and suggests tubes. We get tubes. Dramatic improvement - she's talking, walking better, following directions, teachers at daycare tell me over and over again how pleased they are with her progress. The therapist is also working with her once a week.

Here's my issue with her doctor, who I've liked up until this point. She knew N had a few ear infections but never had us come in for a f/u appointment to see if they entirely went away. N was never fussy with her ears so I figured she was OK. When I called the pedi to ask for a referral to the ENT, she said she didn't think it was her ears that were causing her delays. Well, she was wrong. And I feel like she should have ruled out the hearing issue before sending us through the EI process, which was very stressful and upsetting. I was talking to her teacher this morning and we aren't sure she even really needs to have a therapist work with her. Would you switch? Talk to her about it? Stick it out and see how it goes in the future? In a way, she was being proactive by suggesting we seek help for N but in another, I feel like maybe she missed a basic step that could have saved us a lot of stress.

beebe929

Yes I would. Our pedi did a referral to the ENT after DD's 3 or 4th ear infection.  She didn't take any chances.

I am sorry this is stressful for you.  But you should completely trust her doc, it is someone you will rely on for many years.

Good luck!

howleyshell

I would.

The trust is gone.

You'll be second guessing her from here on out if you stay.

You're a consumer.  If someone hadn't done a thorough job steam cleaning your carpets you wouldn't think twice about not using them again. 

Medical services shouldn't be any different. 

madhatter2003

I would. My pedi very specifically said the reason they have us come in for a follow up so often is to check for fluid and avoid delays.  Seems like a biggy to miss.

k8enewlywed

I would switch. It sounds like you have already lost confidence in this doctor. That is so important when dealing with health care. Look around and find someone who you feel comfortable with! I am glad that your daughter is doing better! GL!

RoxBride

If you don't feel comfortable, switch, there is no reason not too.

But I don't think the doctor did anything wrong.  They found a delay, sent you to someone for help, who did help by setting you on the right path.  You had a good outcome, and the therapists that you worked with, per your doctor, helped get you there.

laura1

It is up to you if you think you can trust her in the future.  I switched when my DS was 1 month old because our old pedi had prescribed Zantac for his reflux (fine), but a huge dose (I am also an MD).  I gave him the first dose, then actually stopped to figure out the # of mg I gave him, and freaked out.  When I called the office, the Dr. said that he always prescribes that dose and there was nothing wrong.  However, because he didn't do things the way I would have done them, I switched to another pedi (who is a lot further away from my house) that I knew personally, and I am so much happier.  She explains exactly what she is thinking and that is what I want.   So if you find someone else that you like better, definitely switch! 

sasa625

I think I would always be wondering what else is being missed... that, and the fact that you asked for a referral and your concerns weren't validated.

My niece had frequent ear infections that affected her language development. She did need speech therapy even after she got tubes and cleared up the fluid issues. My sister also sought out her own ENT and changed pediatricians, since she realized that the pedi and her weren't on the same page. I am a speech therapist, so I really pushed her to seek an ENT's opinion as well as speech therapy, since it's always best to do more than not enough.

kittylove

howleyshell:

I would.

The trust is gone.

You'll be second guessing her from here on out if you stay.

You're a consumer.  If someone hadn't done a thorough job steam cleaning your carpets you wouldn't think twice about not using them again. 

Medical services shouldn't be any different. 

Ditto! 

CMM05

Um....wow! Yes....find someone new.

I was concerned about DS's speech and he's had several ear infections. My pedi sent us directly to an ENT to rule out hearing issues. He is fine, but I was happy that she sent us there to rule it out.

Also, 12-15 months is really early for intervention (in my opinion.....). DS was just saying his first few words at 12 months......and he barely had an increase by 15 months. My pedi doesn't really worry until they are 2.....

BTW......DS just started talking a lot more and combining words in the past month or so (so after his 2 year b-day....)