ok- my child has a language ld and math ld. He also has asthma and allergies. He is on allergy injections. Today, at the doctors office ( as always) he has to blow in a peak flow meter to check his lungs before receiving the injections. He always has a hard time following all the instruction about breathing in and blowing. Anyway, the nurse gets all frustrated with him and today she said he was not trying hard enough. We also have a hard time when he has to use the inhaler. He has a hard time following all the instructions about when to breath in and out. I think he is trying his best. but i can see where someone would think that he is not. what should i say or do?
Re: child with ld -problem at doctor
I took my dd to an eye dr appointment and before hand I explained that she didn’t know the ABC’s yet so could they please use the directional chart…she was 6 at the time. The dr was so obnoxious…he insisted on using the ABC chart even though I reminded him that we had agreed on the directional one. In this booming voice he said things like, “Oh come on, she can do this. Can’t you honey?” When he found out I was home schooling he blamed her inability on that….I was furious. As we walked out the door my dd said, Whew! The big guy with the loud voice stressed me!” I hoped he heard her.
Re: child with ld -problem at doctor
I would speak to the doctor. I have asthma and find it very difficult to accurately use an inhaler. Most doctors understand that it takes lots of practice. My guess is that the nurse has never had to use the peak flow meter or inhaler. It’s much harder than it looks!
have you tried the chamber?
I truly understand your concern with this issue. Personally, I would like to embarass the nurse right in front of everyone (but I know that is not the proper thing to do).
Speaking from experience there is no way around the peak flow except for patience. But for using the inhaler, ask the doctor for a chamber or aspirator bag (you will need an prescription). The inhaler hooks up to this, you administer the meds into the bag or chamber and then breathe normally. It is actually the preferred method for ALL children under 14 because NONE of them use inhalers properly. This method guarantees that the dosage is administered properly.
Good info!
That is really interesting about the aspirator bag! I have friends whos children have a hard time with the inhaler and that is really good info to pass on!
I also wanted to say that although I know, and posted, the right thing to do would be to speak to the nurse in private, I would have embarrased her on the spot, my son would have probably had me examined if I had not said anything!! I am trying to learn to be more patient!
K.
here's the names
Found the names:
“Inspir-ease” is the bag and “Aero-chamber” is the rigid plastic chamber. My 12 year old daughter prefers the bag. She’s used it since she was 5.
Re: child with ld -problem at doctor
That’s terrible. I hope you have found a good doctor since then. I wasn’t impressed with the doctors my children were seeing until I got a recommendation from someone at Easter Seals. I think asking around in the disabled community in your area is the best way to find doctors, dentists etc… Both our doctor and dentist are great.
How about privately speaking with the nurse and asking her to be more compassionate and to have a little more patient? If you feel it is necessary, explain your son’s disability. If that doesn’t help, maybe you should privately approach the Dr. and speak to him or her, since that would be her boss.
K.