Almost a year ago, I had serious cause to appreciate our local health network when my daughter experienced a number of health issues within the span of two weeks. Looking back now, it’s amazing to realize the speed, ease and professionalism that the doctors and health professionals in our community dealt with my 4 year old Minchkin and how comforted that they made me feel.
It started with a simple bladder infection. I called my wonderful doctor, Dr. Michelle Vilcini, and learned that she was on a much deserved vacation. I was quickly directed to another member of Dr. Vilcini’s Family Health Team and was given an appointment for that evening at 5:00. I left work to dash to Norwood to pick up my uncomfortable daughter from daycare and arrived (late) at the Medical Centre to see Doctor #1. This doctor was so sweet to my girl that she left feeling better, even before she started the broad antibiotic that we were prescribed. I was asked to follow up in two days.
I did as I was told and called Doctor #1’s office in 48 hours. I was informed that my Minchkin needed to be on a more targeted antibiotic. I picked up the new meds and started giving them to my daughter that night. This is when the fun began. Two days later, my daughter’s father called me and said that my Minchkin had a bit of a rash. By the time I got to her, 45 minutes later, she was covered from head to toe in a red, puffy, angry looking rash. Fearing an anaphylactic reaction, I rushed her into emerge and, relatively quickly, saw an ER Doctor (#2). He prescribed Benadryl and immediately took her off of the antibiotic.
That started a 24 hour drowsy period for my daughter so she stayed home with Grandma, a retired nurse. The Benadryl did nothing, the rash just got worse. So, I called Doctor #3, another Family Health Team member, who fit us in right away. I arrived at the Medical Centre (late) with my child that now resembles a dodge ball more then my daughter. Doctor #3 was so sympathetic to my daughter’s discomfort that she brought tears to my eyes. She prescribed prednisone and baths and suggested my daughter stay home from daycare for the next few days since she would be drowsy. I had to call in the troops in my family and was lucky that my aunt, another retired nurse, was available to watch her for a couple of days.
My Minchkin was feeling much better and was starting to look more like herself in about 2 days… which is when she decided to shove a bead into her ear. Yes, that’s right, A BEAD IN HER EAR. My aunt called me in a panic and we all headed back to emerge where we saw Doctor #4. Unfortunately, my daughter had done a great job of pushing the bead in and it was impossible for Doctor #4 to remove the bead in the ER. So we were booked in for out-patient surgery the next Saturday morning at 7:00 am.
We were met by Doctor #5 bright and early the next day. I was happy to recognize him as the doctor that had dealt with my daughter’s ear infections when she was younger. Even though this brought some comfort, I still cried as I watched my daughter walk down the hall in her little hospital gown, gripping her stuffed kitty.
20 minutes later, she was returned to me in relative perfect health. Bladder infection free, diminishing rash and bead removed. We went home, curled up on the couch and slept for two hours.
Doctor Vilcini (Doctor #6) and her staff followed up with us upon her returned from vacation and it was determined that my daughter has an allergy to penicillin which we now manage together when the need arises.
Today is Doctor Appreciation Day in the Greater Peterborough Area and I wanted to share my story. Please consider supporting the efforts of our local doctors, hospital and family health teams by making a donation to the PRHC Foundation or the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation.
Posted by: Kate Young, Communications Officer
