A Visit to the Hospital
The other day I took my youngest to Boston Children’s Hospital to visit the chief of Orthopedics to take a look at my daughters back and feet.
Any visit to the hospital is daunting…regardless if it’s for you or a loved one. You hold your breath and don’t exhale until you know everything will be alright. We had a good visit and will start some physical therapy shortly to help our daughter and some pain she is experiencing.
I have some take aways from our visit that I feel are nice to share with any parent that is going in for a visit to a huge hospital.
1. Always ask around for recommendations for doctors from those that you trust. This could make a huge difference in outcome. I personally use my friends and family before even my everyday physician for physicals.
2. Try to make an appointment with the Chief in the field if at all possible. The risk you take going to a busy hospital is that you MAY not actually SEE them. But, if all the stars align you WILL most likely see them.
3. Boston Children’s Hospital and Tuft Floating Hospital simply are two of the best hospitals for youngsters in the world, and I’m happy it’s so close by. Try and find the best hospital in your area if you can.
4. Going to a hospital setting for an appointment is scary for kids. If your child is going for treatment, that is one thing, but going for a preliminary appointment will have your child very weary and nervous. Talk them through it calmly and positively. I find these early experiences influence how they view medical care in the future.
5. Explain to your child WHY you are going and for the reason. Preventative medicine is so valuable.
6. Go with your gut Moms and Dads! Listen to your child and be observant.
7. Take bits and lessons from every practitioner you encounter and make the final decisions on behalf of our child. Each has something to offer you.
And finally, I wish all of you and your children the best of health!
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