There are always patients coming to urgent care despite all circumstances and obstacles. I never imagined that there would be a day when the schedule was empty, and I especially thought that last evening because we had a snowstorm and still saw lots of kids. I logged in today to check the statuses of some of the cases of last evening, and unbelievably the schedule is nulled (nullified?). Apparently there was a water main break and all business for the day needed to be postponed.
Presidents Day was horrendously busy. My friend, A, who had driven to NJ and back for a party was the most productive among us. "I'm the Energizer Bunny." she informed us as we worked diligently throughout the day. The sweet young pediatrician told us that he was basically riding on our experience to get himself through the day. No kidding. He was given some stern advice, more than once, by me as he evaluated patients. I had to deal with some truly bizarre phone calls in the meanwhile that could not be translated into words. "What was that about?" I was asked more than once. "I cannot even begin to describe the conversation" was all I could say.
The medical assistant who had been so rude to me was most affectionate throughout the weekend. It bordered on the bizarre but I accepted her friendliness graciously. She had been counseled by administration and human resources in proper etiquette and then given another chance. She asked me," Did you get to play with the pillow of the child you saw earlier? It plays a dance tune and was so cute." I answered, "No, there was no playing. That little one had pneumonia and was pretty sick." If it's busy, I don't play with toys.
Last night struck a frustrated chord for me. This has been a very sick winter for our clientele, with the flu, gastrointestinal illnesses, the common cold, and viral illnesses causing high fevers without a specific source. Again, I must say that young parents have very little tolerance for taking care of sick children. I was told several times over, " I was here yesterday and she is not better today. I want some answers!" "Um, yes, your child has a viral illness and needs supportive care at home." Mostly these parents responded with more anger. Sorry.
My loveliest patients of yesterday evening were my first. They brought in a 4 week old child who had been vomiting at home. A lovely auntie came with the young mother to serve as an interpreter since the mother was a recent immigrant from the Dominican Republic. Anyone in pediatrics who saw this presenting problem would immediately begin to ponder the same diagnosis as I made. The child was still actively breastfeeding and his diapers were wet. His emesis was not projectile, but guess what? I felt an "olive". I did. He had surgery today for pyloric stenosis. I'm sure he'll do well post-operatively.
I am glad to be off for the rest of the week.
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