Ridiculous or justified?

[Mommafirst]

Today my 4 year old went to the doctor for his yearly well child visit. I had to bring Alyssa. Our doctor is in an office of several PCP/general med type docs. The waiting room isn't really designed for kids and that is just fine with this CF mom. We waited quite a bit longer than normal, so I had to keep the kids occupied.

AFter about 25 minutes of waiting, in walked another patient who was on oxygen and was regularly coughing. It may have been another CF patient, but he was older, so I figured he might have COPD or any number of other illnesses that has lung complications. He sat down about 5 chairs away from us. Obviously, he had no way to know that Alyssa has CF, but I do, and I felt concerned that he might be culturing something dangerous to Alyssa. So I went over to the receptionist and asked if our doctor was running late. Then I mentioned that I didn't want to be rude, but that since Alyssa has CF I am a bit concerned that she is in the waiting room for this long with patients that could infect her with something. She went into the back, came back out and told me that we would be next.

We waited another 8 minutes or so and were called back. When the doctor came in she apologized for the wait. Clearly she had heard about my complaint. No one was rude to me about it, and I couldn't really tell if they thought I was being ridiculous (here comes that overprotective/overreactive mom of the CF girl) or justified (let's not make her wait, it could be dangerous for everyone). So I was wondering what all of you do in situations like this. Was I being ridiculous, or was I not aggressive enough???

 

[Mommafirst]

Today my 4 year old went to the doctor for his yearly well child visit. I had to bring Alyssa. Our doctor is in an office of several PCP/general med type docs. The waiting room isn't really designed for kids and that is just fine with this CF mom. We waited quite a bit longer than normal, so I had to keep the kids occupied.

AFter about 25 minutes of waiting, in walked another patient who was on oxygen and was regularly coughing. It may have been another CF patient, but he was older, so I figured he might have COPD or any number of other illnesses that has lung complications. He sat down about 5 chairs away from us. Obviously, he had no way to know that Alyssa has CF, but I do, and I felt concerned that he might be culturing something dangerous to Alyssa. So I went over to the receptionist and asked if our doctor was running late. Then I mentioned that I didn't want to be rude, but that since Alyssa has CF I am a bit concerned that she is in the waiting room for this long with patients that could infect her with something. She went into the back, came back out and told me that we would be next.

We waited another 8 minutes or so and were called back. When the doctor came in she apologized for the wait. Clearly she had heard about my complaint. No one was rude to me about it, and I couldn't really tell if they thought I was being ridiculous (here comes that overprotective/overreactive mom of the CF girl) or justified (let's not make her wait, it could be dangerous for everyone). So I was wondering what all of you do in situations like this. Was I being ridiculous, or was I not aggressive enough???

 

[Mommafirst]

Today my 4 year old went to the doctor for his yearly well child visit. I had to bring Alyssa. Our doctor is in an office of several PCP/general med type docs. The waiting room isn't really designed for kids and that is just fine with this CF mom. We waited quite a bit longer than normal, so I had to keep the kids occupied.

AFter about 25 minutes of waiting, in walked another patient who was on oxygen and was regularly coughing. It may have been another CF patient, but he was older, so I figured he might have COPD or any number of other illnesses that has lung complications. He sat down about 5 chairs away from us. Obviously, he had no way to know that Alyssa has CF, but I do, and I felt concerned that he might be culturing something dangerous to Alyssa. So I went over to the receptionist and asked if our doctor was running late. Then I mentioned that I didn't want to be rude, but that since Alyssa has CF I am a bit concerned that she is in the waiting room for this long with patients that could infect her with something. She went into the back, came back out and told me that we would be next.

We waited another 8 minutes or so and were called back. When the doctor came in she apologized for the wait. Clearly she had heard about my complaint. No one was rude to me about it, and I couldn't really tell if they thought I was being ridiculous (here comes that overprotective/overreactive mom of the CF girl) or justified (let's not make her wait, it could be dangerous for everyone). So I was wondering what all of you do in situations like this. Was I being ridiculous, or was I not aggressive enough???

 

[Mommafirst]

Today my 4 year old went to the doctor for his yearly well child visit. I had to bring Alyssa. Our doctor is in an office of several PCP/general med type docs. The waiting room isn't really designed for kids and that is just fine with this CF mom. We waited quite a bit longer than normal, so I had to keep the kids occupied.

AFter about 25 minutes of waiting, in walked another patient who was on oxygen and was regularly coughing. It may have been another CF patient, but he was older, so I figured he might have COPD or any number of other illnesses that has lung complications. He sat down about 5 chairs away from us. Obviously, he had no way to know that Alyssa has CF, but I do, and I felt concerned that he might be culturing something dangerous to Alyssa. So I went over to the receptionist and asked if our doctor was running late. Then I mentioned that I didn't want to be rude, but that since Alyssa has CF I am a bit concerned that she is in the waiting room for this long with patients that could infect her with something. She went into the back, came back out and told me that we would be next.

We waited another 8 minutes or so and were called back. When the doctor came in she apologized for the wait. Clearly she had heard about my complaint. No one was rude to me about it, and I couldn't really tell if they thought I was being ridiculous (here comes that overprotective/overreactive mom of the CF girl) or justified (let's not make her wait, it could be dangerous for everyone). So I was wondering what all of you do in situations like this. Was I being ridiculous, or was I not aggressive enough???

 

[Mommafirst]

Today my 4 year old went to the doctor for his yearly well child visit. I had to bring Alyssa. Our doctor is in an office of several PCP/general med type docs. The waiting room isn't really designed for kids and that is just fine with this CF mom. We waited quite a bit longer than normal, so I had to keep the kids occupied.

AFter about 25 minutes of waiting, in walked another patient who was on oxygen and was regularly coughing. It may have been another CF patient, but he was older, so I figured he might have COPD or any number of other illnesses that has lung complications. He sat down about 5 chairs away from us. Obviously, he had no way to know that Alyssa has CF, but I do, and I felt concerned that he might be culturing something dangerous to Alyssa. So I went over to the receptionist and asked if our doctor was running late. Then I mentioned that I didn't want to be rude, but that since Alyssa has CF I am a bit concerned that she is in the waiting room for this long with patients that could infect her with something. She went into the back, came back out and told me that we would be next.

We waited another 8 minutes or so and were called back. When the doctor came in she apologized for the wait. Clearly she had heard about my complaint. No one was rude to me about it, and I couldn't really tell if they thought I was being ridiculous (here comes that overprotective/overreactive mom of the CF girl) or justified (let's not make her wait, it could be dangerous for everyone). So I was wondering what all of you do in situations like this. Was I being ridiculous, or was I not aggressive enough???

 

[Rebjane]

Heather,

I understand where you're coming from. I take Maggie to Sammy's appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. It's hard because the office is probably busy and not thinking about the same things as you. I always say"if you want to get sick, go to the hospital or doctor's office". The best scenario is to not bring Alyssa, leave her with a sitter. I realize that is not always possible. I usually bring a backpack of snacks, toys, books so Maggie won't want to touch anything in the doc's office, but usually she'll find some grubby puzzle or book to play with. Maybe, if you can't get a sitter; call the office ahead of time, and see if they can put you guys in a room(not the waiting room) while you wait for the doc?

 

[Rebjane]

Heather,

I understand where you're coming from. I take Maggie to Sammy's appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. It's hard because the office is probably busy and not thinking about the same things as you. I always say"if you want to get sick, go to the hospital or doctor's office". The best scenario is to not bring Alyssa, leave her with a sitter. I realize that is not always possible. I usually bring a backpack of snacks, toys, books so Maggie won't want to touch anything in the doc's office, but usually she'll find some grubby puzzle or book to play with. Maybe, if you can't get a sitter; call the office ahead of time, and see if they can put you guys in a room(not the waiting room) while you wait for the doc?

 

[Rebjane]

Heather,

I understand where you're coming from. I take Maggie to Sammy's appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. It's hard because the office is probably busy and not thinking about the same things as you. I always say"if you want to get sick, go to the hospital or doctor's office". The best scenario is to not bring Alyssa, leave her with a sitter. I realize that is not always possible. I usually bring a backpack of snacks, toys, books so Maggie won't want to touch anything in the doc's office, but usually she'll find some grubby puzzle or book to play with. Maybe, if you can't get a sitter; call the office ahead of time, and see if they can put you guys in a room(not the waiting room) while you wait for the doc?

 

[Rebjane]

Heather,

I understand where you're coming from. I take Maggie to Sammy's appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. It's hard because the office is probably busy and not thinking about the same things as you. I always say"if you want to get sick, go to the hospital or doctor's office". The best scenario is to not bring Alyssa, leave her with a sitter. I realize that is not always possible. I usually bring a backpack of snacks, toys, books so Maggie won't want to touch anything in the doc's office, but usually she'll find some grubby puzzle or book to play with. Maybe, if you can't get a sitter; call the office ahead of time, and see if they can put you guys in a room(not the waiting room) while you wait for the doc?

 

[Rebjane]

Heather,

I understand where you're coming from. I take Maggie to Sammy's appointments, orthodontist appointments etc. It's hard because the office is probably busy and not thinking about the same things as you. I always say"if you want to get sick, go to the hospital or doctor's office". The best scenario is to not bring Alyssa, leave her with a sitter. I realize that is not always possible. I usually bring a backpack of snacks, toys, books so Maggie won't want to touch anything in the doc's office, but usually she'll find some grubby puzzle or book to play with. Maybe, if you can't get a sitter; call the office ahead of time, and see if they can put you guys in a room(not the waiting room) while you wait for the doc?

 

[bono40]

I think you did the right thing. I've had to do this in the past as well. In fact, when I take my son to a general pediatrician (even to his brother's appts.), I request that we be taken back to a room asap because of the CF issue. They are usually very understanding and if they can't accomodate us, we'll simply wait in the hall.

Other issues can be dangerous to your CF child besides other CF children (contagious bugs or course, but cancer patients are also immun. compromised so we have to be careful). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[bono40]

I think you did the right thing. I've had to do this in the past as well. In fact, when I take my son to a general pediatrician (even to his brother's appts.), I request that we be taken back to a room asap because of the CF issue. They are usually very understanding and if they can't accomodate us, we'll simply wait in the hall.

Other issues can be dangerous to your CF child besides other CF children (contagious bugs or course, but cancer patients are also immun. compromised so we have to be careful). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[bono40]

I think you did the right thing. I've had to do this in the past as well. In fact, when I take my son to a general pediatrician (even to his brother's appts.), I request that we be taken back to a room asap because of the CF issue. They are usually very understanding and if they can't accomodate us, we'll simply wait in the hall.

Other issues can be dangerous to your CF child besides other CF children (contagious bugs or course, but cancer patients are also immun. compromised so we have to be careful). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[bono40]

I think you did the right thing. I've had to do this in the past as well. In fact, when I take my son to a general pediatrician (even to his brother's appts.), I request that we be taken back to a room asap because of the CF issue. They are usually very understanding and if they can't accomodate us, we'll simply wait in the hall.

Other issues can be dangerous to your CF child besides other CF children (contagious bugs or course, but cancer patients are also immun. compromised so we have to be careful). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[bono40]

I think you did the right thing. I've had to do this in the past as well. In fact, when I take my son to a general pediatrician (even to his brother's appts.), I request that we be taken back to a room asap because of the CF issue. They are usually very understanding and if they can't accomodate us, we'll simply wait in the hall.

Other issues can be dangerous to your CF child besides other CF children (contagious bugs or course, but cancer patients are also immun. compromised so we have to be careful). <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[izemmom]

I think you did the right thing. As to what they thought or why they got you in "quicker"...doesn't matter. You brought your concern to their attention and they did what they could to alleviate the problem. It makes me think that maybe I don't worry about this stuff as much as I should. I have had to take Emily to Isabelle's appointmnents, and of course, to her own ped. appointments. I am never super cautious. I do use hand sanitizer on her (and all of us) before and after we are in the waiting area and we do our best to sit away from others. Fortunatley, we never really have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Come to think of it, I wonder if they take us back more quickly than the average family. They (our ped's office) are very good about Emily's cf issues. WOuldn;t surprise me if our doc. has them do this...

anyway, good job mom! I think you handled it well.

 

[izemmom]

I think you did the right thing. As to what they thought or why they got you in "quicker"...doesn't matter. You brought your concern to their attention and they did what they could to alleviate the problem. It makes me think that maybe I don't worry about this stuff as much as I should. I have had to take Emily to Isabelle's appointmnents, and of course, to her own ped. appointments. I am never super cautious. I do use hand sanitizer on her (and all of us) before and after we are in the waiting area and we do our best to sit away from others. Fortunatley, we never really have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Come to think of it, I wonder if they take us back more quickly than the average family. They (our ped's office) are very good about Emily's cf issues. WOuldn;t surprise me if our doc. has them do this...

anyway, good job mom! I think you handled it well.

 

[izemmom]

I think you did the right thing. As to what they thought or why they got you in "quicker"...doesn't matter. You brought your concern to their attention and they did what they could to alleviate the problem. It makes me think that maybe I don't worry about this stuff as much as I should. I have had to take Emily to Isabelle's appointmnents, and of course, to her own ped. appointments. I am never super cautious. I do use hand sanitizer on her (and all of us) before and after we are in the waiting area and we do our best to sit away from others. Fortunatley, we never really have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Come to think of it, I wonder if they take us back more quickly than the average family. They (our ped's office) are very good about Emily's cf issues. WOuldn;t surprise me if our doc. has them do this...

anyway, good job mom! I think you handled it well.

 

[izemmom]

I think you did the right thing. As to what they thought or why they got you in "quicker"...doesn't matter. You brought your concern to their attention and they did what they could to alleviate the problem. It makes me think that maybe I don't worry about this stuff as much as I should. I have had to take Emily to Isabelle's appointmnents, and of course, to her own ped. appointments. I am never super cautious. I do use hand sanitizer on her (and all of us) before and after we are in the waiting area and we do our best to sit away from others. Fortunatley, we never really have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Come to think of it, I wonder if they take us back more quickly than the average family. They (our ped's office) are very good about Emily's cf issues. WOuldn;t surprise me if our doc. has them do this...

anyway, good job mom! I think you handled it well.

 

[izemmom]

I think you did the right thing. As to what they thought or why they got you in "quicker"...doesn't matter. You brought your concern to their attention and they did what they could to alleviate the problem. It makes me think that maybe I don't worry about this stuff as much as I should. I have had to take Emily to Isabelle's appointmnents, and of course, to her own ped. appointments. I am never super cautious. I do use hand sanitizer on her (and all of us) before and after we are in the waiting area and we do our best to sit away from others. Fortunatley, we never really have to wait more than 5-10 minutes. Come to think of it, I wonder if they take us back more quickly than the average family. They (our ped's office) are very good about Emily's cf issues. WOuldn;t surprise me if our doc. has them do this...

anyway, good job mom! I think you handled it well.