Fast forward to 2011. We had a great doctor in Toronto who I continued to see even after the move to Hamilton, then Oakville. However, with two kiddies, making the trek into the t dot o isn't such a smart idea, nor is it practical. Our chiropractor knew of a doctor accepting patients at our local family practice so we now see her. She is kind and remembers us. Funny how those are surprising traits now. I do believe she cares, but she is a little short on experience with youngsters. Her office hours are Tuesday to Friday, and you can never book an appointment for the same week. This has proven to be very problematic when you or your children are currently sick and need to be the same day or the next day, not 8 days later.
Our doctor works in a walk-in clinic which means we often have to be seen by one of many revolving walk-in doctors. Our experience has been dismal to paint a rosey picture. Our illness of choice is currently bacterial eye infections. Ro was diagnosed by a new walk-in doctor, who I did like, believe it or not. He took his time with us, did a pretty thorough examination, and made a solid diagnosis. He prescribed an antibiotic (*cringe*), but said her eyes did need the drops. I couldn't argue with that as a green snot-like substance was oozing out all over her face. By day 4, Ro finally said that the drops "burned like fire" . I felt horrible, but we finished the prescription. Six days later, Vi's one eye looked red and was emitting some gooey substance. Boo! A pharmacist recommended another walk-in clinic, so we headed there yesterday.
The clinic opened at 9 am and we were there at 8:58. Yes!! We were the first people which meant no wait, right? Wrong! We waited until 9:45 before the doctor saw us. He arrived around 9:35 and then shut himself in the back room whose door was labelled with a "staff only" sign. He spent 2 minutes with us, hardly looked at Vi's eye, and ended up prescribing the same antibiotic for my 3 month old that was prescribed for my 3 year old AT THE SAME DOSAGE! On Sunday, a pharmacist had told me this medication wasn't recommended for children under 2. Hmmmmmm......
Needless to say, after consulting with Ben (who is out of town this week), we decided to fill the prescription but only use it if we deem it necessary. I am treating her eye with breast milk (a.k.a. booby juice in the Smith household) and a cleaning it with a warm cloth. Breast milk is recommended as a remedy for many things, so we are giving it a go.
I have become pretty passionate about finding natural remedies for different ailments. I have a friend from Columbia who is a fountain of knowledge when it comes to these things (shout out to MARIA!). Please don't think I make a habit out of playing around with my childrens' health. However, it has been my experience that doctors overprescribe and we aren't big on treating things with chemicals (yes, my children aren't vaccinated). I have a "buck the system" vein that runs through my system. If I am told I should do something, I generally try to not do it. This can be a real shortcoming in many areas (I have had to ask for forgiveness many times), but it can also be to my and my family's advantage. I think when it comes to our health, it has been to our advantage. I am open to exploring non-traditional medicine (we see a chiropractor once per month for general health and well-being, we see a massage therapist whenever we can, I have had foot reflexology, we have all seen a naturopath, I have had accupuncture, we have all had homeopathic remedies for different things, and we are HUGE fans of midwifery).
All this to say I miss Dr. Dickson (who retired several years ago), I miss being able to trust my doctor, and thank goodness that there are alternatives available.
Trying to keep my little chicks as healthy as possible,
Tam
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