neurologist
Routine medical care for adolescents with severe disabilities
Tomorrow I have an appointment with a local M.D. who has a unique practice that combines alternative and traditional medicine. I am feeling fine, but am in search of a different type of doctor to assist us with Quincy.
Adolescents with severe disabilities fall into a funny place when it comes to routine medical care. We have our specialists, like our pediatric neurologist, who are brilliant in their areas of specialty. And, we have a pediatrician that I find is most suited for well-baby visits, immunizations (which is an issue between us), and ear infections. It has become clear to me that Quincy is a bit more complicated than what most pediatricians deal with and they really aren’t the foremost authority on what she needs. I have spoken to my gynecologist about Quincy and she is willing to take her on as a patient, but again, I think she will mostly be useful with women issues that is stuff I ’m not quite ready to face.
I need a doctor that understands the basic, yet unique, health needs of a child who sits in a wheelchair, is unable to do any unassisted weight-bearing, and requires total care for all her needs. Because children, particularly teens like Quincy, who have these challenges have very different needs for every day health. I need to understand more about her nutritional needs and I am interested in the alternative medicine because it is generally less invasive. Lord knows Quincy takes enough pills and has had enough invasive procedures to last a lifetime, so I don’t need another doctor who wants to poke and prod and prescribe more medication.
I hope my interview disguised as an appointment goes well. Because I, too, need a doctor who understands the issues I face on a day-to-day basis. I need someone who can advise me on my health and who won’t simply tell me to get more rest or find some help. I need someone who understands that my life is what it is and to take that into consideration when treating me. I have done this type of interview before and have not yet found what I am after. I will keep my fingers crossed that maybe this new doctor will fit our needs.
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National Vaccine Information Center (NVIC)
