This is both a question and a vent. My daughter got sick while we were on vacation in Disney Thursday. I called the local family Dr, who said take her to the ER for IV fluids due to her history of always needing hospitalization, IV therapy to get over vomiting. So I couldn't get there as we had two rental carts and I was not one of the licensed drivers who all thought it was too early to take her as she was not dehydrated yet. So, next morning she seemed a bit better, we were heading home. Went to the airport she ate a few animal crackers I was thinking this might be new for her and she is getting over it like a normal kid. Well she started throwing up again on the plane and in the car ride home. we got in late and she just wanted to sleep(I was hoping it was the traveling that started it up again), so we all went to bed and so I took her to the ER next morning(yesterday), since she continued to vomit and dry heave all night. After two days of vomiting she was pretty dehydrated had not peed and they could not get her to pee. I made the apparent mistake of asking when we get to the IV part, at which time I was told I was a terrible parent for wanting to hurt my child. Then instead of sipping juice they brought in a syringe and said 5 ml of apple juice every 5 mins. I followed it exactly giving her 5 ml every 5 mins, still no pee after 2 hours. they took two scans and said there was not much, finally she went a tiny little bit very dark and concentrated(less than an ounce). The dr finally came in and basically yelled at me, that I couldn't even do what they asked. They had left a paper and I checked it off every 5 mins, and did exactly what they told me, so I have no idea what they were talking about. My daughter had fallen asleep and she said I should not let her sleep if it was not her nap time. This is a child who never sleeps in the day, she was obviously very ill, and sleeping from that. I have a hard time getting her to sleep even at night, she is very active, and so I figured she needed to sleep if she was. The Dr said i wasn't giving her enough fluids and that the vomiting was emotional. Despite most of the vomiting occurred while my daughter was asleep. Only twice in the 20 plus times she vomited was she awake, the rest she was awoken from sleeping by the vomiting even in the day she just slept on and off all day. She was very sick, how can a doctor say this? How can they claim something like this is emotional. Her urine had to prove this to them that she was dehydrated. But they didn't even seem to care. They said that she needed to see a counselor and discharged us. She is still lethargic today, she is finally keeping some things down now, but this seems crazy to me. I had a friend there with me who helped time the drinking and we made sure we followed it exactly, why would a Dr say something like that? And my question is, what can i do about it? Luckily my child seems to be getting better, but what if it was something more serious, and something bad happened. My only guess is that they thought she was not producing enough urine because she wasn't getting it in, but she was, which makes me even more concerned. If I gave her that exact amount and she wasn't making urine, why wouldn't they look at why instead of saying I wasn't giving it to her? I still am worried something else needs to be looked at here. But they said they spoke with the family Dr who was in agreement that this was emotional and didn't need to be treated in the ER. I am at a loss on what to do. She still is not peeing much at all, once since yesterday at the hospital and very little. I am pushing the fluids, and she is trying to eat a little toast. I feel like my child didn't get the care she needed and I feel helpless to do anything about it. Of course I didn't want her to get an IV but I also didn't want her to suffer for days on end and end up admitted to the hospital which has happened in the past. I was going by what the Family doctor said and past experience. I am still concerned that there is something else going on, and we are going to be going to chop soon for some strange blood-work results she has had. She has been ill since birth. I didn't realize how much so until after having having my son who is normal. I just feel like we wasted an entire day and I was treated terribly. I could have done the drinking at home, we didn't need to be in the ER for that, I took her because I thought she needed more than that, as did the family Dr. And I know in my heart she did, since she still is so lethargic today. I realize it is always better not to give an IV and my son has never had one for something like this, but my daughter is different, and the one time they didn't give her an IV she was back to the ER 4 days in a row and since then they have always given it right away. Of course I never asked for it before, so maybe that was my mistake(the ER Dr always told me she needed it) but that was what the family Dr told me this time. And I didn't want to sit for 6 hours waiting to get to it this time. So i asked. But what can I do now? How do I handle this? Do I just go on and forget it and hope no other family gets treated this way? I am so frustrated and angry. And worst of all I feel like my child didn't get the help she needed. I wish I would not have taken her and from now on I will be leery of taking her to the ER. I just don't know how to deal with this. Thanks!!!
ETA: Thanks for all the responses thus far. She is puking again, and I I did take her to the only childrens ER in the area, so now we are going to go to a different ER. She was and is dehydrated, I honestly don't know what the Dr's problem was, but for the person who asked, in the past this has happened, and she always has needed an IV, she doesn't yet have a diagnosis, but she is seeing a metabolic Dr hopefully soon down at chop in Philly. Philly is almost 2 hours from here so too far to drive for something like this. At this point I just want her treated and feeling better and then I can deal with what to do. Thanks!!!!
To JL, she was not dehydrated, she got a virus and when she gets a virus she starts vomiting, any virus, even a cold. the 3 days in disney were spent mostly in the rain, no sun, and she was eating and drinking fine until the puking started Thursday night. She was definitely not dehydrated and so even if I had taken her to the ER there they may not have given the IV because she was not dehydrated yet, which was my family's argument about why we should wait. The family Dr knows the history of her getting worse until she finally gets an IV and I believe that is why she told us to go in the first place. However she also said we could wait it out and see how she felt Friday. And i never once withheld fluids from my daughter, I pushed them from the moment she got sick, until we go to the hospital. To Denise: I did take her when she continued to vomit and dry heave all night. she had settled a bit after getting home and i called the Dr again, and we decided to see if she would settle down again since she didn't start vomiting until we traveled. She didn't and I took her first thing in the morning. And to Betty: I did not have access to the keys to the cars, and there was nothing I could do about the rentals, or about getting a car. I suppose I could have called an ambulance but I am not sure they would transport a child who has only been vomiting a few hours and was not even dehydrated yet. As for the family Dr. she did say to take her to the ER for an IV(but like i said after only 2 hours of vomiting she was not dehydrated, the IV was supposed to help her get over it quicker), but she also said I could try the zofran I had on hand for when this happens, which is what I did, she seemed better and was keeping fluid down on Friday so we all thought it best to get home. She started vomiting on the plane and she does get motion sick, she was peeing at this time and did not seem dehydrated yet, this was not even 24 hours after vomiting started. So that night I called the family dr again and decided to wait until morning. I took her in because she was vomiting during the night and was now starting to appear dehydrated, and they initially said they thought she was dehydrated and gave me the syringe to start giving her fluids(which we had been doing all along, just not with a syringe), and I gave her the 5ml every 5 mins of apple juice in her mouth for their oral re-hydration protocol, and that is what the Dr accused me of not doing. Even though the chart was there, I had a witness and the cup was going down. I honestly don't know what this Dr was thinking. She refused to speak with my mother and my friend who were also with me and witnessed me giving her the fluids every 5 mins, she would only talk to me. And all she did was accuse me of not following their instructions. I didn't come to continue what we were doing at home, i came to get the IV. I knew she was getting dehydrated but I also know it wasn't severe, and I think they thought I was overreacting by asking for an IV(Her urine finally showed moderate dehydration). When I told them my family Dr recommended it, she said that was impossible and no Dr would recommend giving an IV to a child. My daughter is 5 BTW. I don't think she was thinking CPS just for the accusation of not giving fluids exactly while at their ER, and I could prove otherwise, I had a friend with me, and that is just crazy anyway. Why would anyone not give the fluids they were told to by the DR. Of course I did it, that is why I was so angry. I did exactly what she asked and then was told I didn't. So anyway, I took my daughter to another ER tonight, and they immediately gave her an IV with IV meds, and we were in and out quickly. She was still moderately dehydrated, not severe like i was worried she would get since they didn't give an IV yesterday, so that was good. But in the end, she needed the IV not due to dehydration but to get over this quicker and avoid getting admitted again(which is what the family Dr originally told me). I think the problem with the first ER Dr, was I asked for the IV, instead of waiting for 6 to 8 hours while they did oral re-hydration(but I had been doing that at home and could have continued that at home), I came to the ER for something i couldn't do at home(the IV). I think she didn't like that I requested something, and she took it to mean i wouldn't follow their protocol, but I did anyway. I have no idea, maybe she PMSing that day, maybe she had any number of things, but she should not have yelled at me, or accused me of something I didn't do. I have no idea why she said emotional issue, Sarah was obviously sick, so i will make a complaint about this ER Dr. because I would hate to see a child come in and not get the correct treatment because she is having a bad day or because she doesn't like to be told what to do. Thanks everyone for the responses. I am not the type to yell or to think quick on my feet, so I was just horrified by this experience and didn't know what to do. I will file a complaint at least and even if it does nothing, I will know I did something. And I will never go back to that ER. It is sad because this is a brand new ER just for children, it just opened and I was hopeful this would be a better experience for my daughter because they advertised it so much. It was worse than the adult ER's IMO. they got us right in and there was no wait, but that was the only benefit I saw. Anyway, thanks everyone for advice and opinions, I appreciate it all!
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D.P.
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Pittsburgh
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"So I couldn't get there as we had two rental carts and I was not O. of the licensed drivers who all thought it was too early to take her as she was not dehydrated yet."
You KNEW she had this history of dehydration! Were the people with you doctors? Sorry, I would have driven the rental "cart" or called a cab.
You waited TWO extra days--and with dehydration--that is very significant.
Why didn't you take her the night you got home since she continued to vomit & dry heave all night?
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A.V.
answers from
Washington DC
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I would take her to a children's hospital ER, even if it's a long drive. Sometimes regular ERs (some don't even have a pediatric staff) don't know how to treat children or deal with families.
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C.B.
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Dallas
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You need to let the hospital know how you were treated- the doctor should not have treated you the way he did- it was rude and very unprofessional. Talk to who ever is at the top and who ever is in charge of the ER and file a formal complaint (ie-in writing) so this doctor won't treat other families like that.
I had a bad experience with a nurse shortly after I had my last baby- it is hard to speak up right there because these people are supposed to be helping you- but you need to speak up now. I hope your little girl gets better soon!
~C.
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J.G.
answers from
Springfield
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In the moment it's very difficult to think of alternatives (so I'm am so not blaming you!), but in the future, who cares whether you are an authorized driver on a rental or not. If your child needs to go to the ER, TAKE HER! Don't worry about anything else. How dare they refuse to drive you! You knew she needed to go. I'd be really mad if someone refused to drive me and my child to the ER when I said it needed to happen.
Sorry, guess I needed to vent, too.
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M.P.
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Pittsburgh
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I don't understand why your family doctor would tell you to take her to an ER so that she can get an IV and then when talking to the ER doctor said that it was emotional. That is where you need to start. First thing in the morning you need to go into your doctor and ask him why he did this. It will be important to keep your cool here...you don't want to sound irrational. You will then discuss with him the horrible treatment that you recieved in the ER.
In the future you should get a pediatrician for your child and make sure to take her to a children's hospital. It makes a HUGE difference in the treatment she, and you, receive. When my son was a baby he had his first huge asthma attack in the middle of the night and I was petrified. I took him to the closest hospital-an adult one-and the treatment was horrendous. Not only did they make ME feel terrible they were not nice to my baby. Or gentle. And they made us sit for hours-and my older son who was 3 was with us also. Never again. Unless it is a matter of life or death I will drive the extra miles to Children's Hospital.
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C.B.
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Los Angeles
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Every hospital usually has a department that handles patient complaints, so you should definitely do everything you can to complain about that ER doctor and the department in general. I know I'm not a doctor, but I've never heard of a child vomiting for emotional reasons. That doesn't make any sense. How can she be vomiting and be lethargic for emotional reasons?? You definitely need to complain about that doctor and the staff.
Call your family doctor and verify that he really talked to the ER staff. It sounds a little suspicious that your family doctor would tell you to take her to the ER in Florida for IV fluids, then turn around and say she doesn't need to be treated in the ER. Either your doctor is crazy, or the ER doctor lied to you about talking to your family doctor; and from what you've said about the ER doctor, I wouldn't be surprised if he did. What kind of doctor accuses you of hurting your child by asking for IV fluids for dehydration due to vomiting? Dehydration in children can be dangerous and usually needs to be treated right away, especially if she's lethargic.
I'm sorry you're going through this. I hope that your daughter starts to feel better soon. Can you get a hold of the family doctor today to see if she needs treatment right now? You could try going to a children's hospital, or an urgent care center, or even a different hospital in your area; it could be that you just got a "bad apple" in that doctor at the ER you went to. :-( Good luck.
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P.M.
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Contact the Medical Director of the Hospital and complain about the many humiliating and grossly negligent embarrassments you had to go thru because you know what your child needed more than the on call hospitalist (Dr).
Then you call your family Dr and ask him how dare he tell you to rush her to the ER to get IV fluids then bad mouth your doing so - which was following his verbal orders - to another medical professional. If he does NOT own his practice... contact his medical director too to make sure your very real complaints get to the right people.
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T.F.
answers from
San Francisco
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Ditto what Teenmom said to do and include a copy to your states Medical Licensing Board. You are obviously doing the best you can and didn't get the partneship you neede from your experience at the ER! What is confusing to me is what they said about your Family Doctor. Am I right in you haven't received that vibe directly from him/her? If you have it's time to look for a new Family Doctor. I hope the metabolic Dr is able to pin point your daughters issues quickly so she can be on the road to recovery.
Added: Be firm but not emotional with these people. Get them to serve you and your daughter with the facts (As they should that's their job) WHY are so many Idoits like this in the medical field? I have said if I get really sick I want to go to the Vet clinic where we take our dog. Geez, their patients can't even tell them specifics and they are so much better diagnosticians, not to mention bedside manner!
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K.B.
answers from
San Francisco
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Definitely complain at the hospital about the awful ER, they deserve to know.
And absolutely have a conversation with the family doc, but instead of accusing, ask questions, because it's entirely possible that the awful ER doc heard only what he wanted to hear, or totally misrepresented what the family doc said. But now is a GREAT time to have a more exploratory conversation about your daughter's health and care. Start by just saying "I believe you heard from the ER doctor, but I want to tell you about my experience and hear your thoughts..."
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B.O.
answers from
Portland
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I want to clarify- While you were on vacation your family doctor, over the phone he told you to take her to the ER for fluids, which was on Thursday. You did not take her while on vacation, but waited until 2 days later when you were at home, taking her in on Saturday.
It seems to me that the home ER doctor was mad about you not taking her to the ER while you were on vacation.
The fact I was not a driver on the rental car, or that I wanted to sleep in after a flight would not keep me from taking my daughter to the ER on a doctors orders. Dehydration is serious, and it only takes a few days for a human to die of dehydration.
I don't think it was right for the ER doctor to yell at you, but I think that I would let it pass. I think it sounds like you might need more support in being able to take your daughter to the ER when she needs to go. Does she have a chronic illness? You might be able to attain patient services through the hospital. Services like medical transport (non-ambulance) can be provided for you.
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C.B.
answers from
Boston
on
I would write what you wrote above to the hospital patient satisfaction department, or some such department. All have them, and I would maybe even send it return receipt requested, and request that they send you their corrective action. Include as many details as you can: dates, names, instructions you were given, comments from the nasty doctor and who else might have heard them. I would even cc someone at my health insurance company, and perhaps include claim details since you probably had to pay for the ER experience. If you know any lawyers I would run this by them - generally the more matter-of-fact you are and specific about what you want them to do (admonish the doctor, pay for your 2nd ER visit, etc) the better.
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P.W.
answers from
San Francisco
on
1) Get a new doctor.
Don't be offended, a lot of doctors are idiots.
My experience (5 months) was that the complaints didn't make a difference. So I don't think it's worth the emotional stress of trying to complain. I think it's better to know you are your daughter's best advocate, and move forward (with a new doctor, if necessary.).
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A.S.
answers from
Miami
on
Your poor little girl!! I hope she gets better soon!
And yes, DEFINITELY contact the medical director to complain. That Dr. had no right to yell at you, especially if what you were doing was the right thing and what they asked you to do. If the vomiting continues i would just take her right back and demand they do some further testing. For her to be peeing only once a day is not normal and this should concern them, especially if she is taking in fluids and/or not able to hold anything down.
Once again, i hope she feels better soon. Best of luck to you.
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J.L.
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Minneapolis
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D.B.
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Charlotte
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V.N.
answers from
Chicago
on
I think that you were mistreated by the emergency doctor and perhaps going to a different ER that specializes in children may rectify that issue. I don't think their was anything wrong with requesting an iv, but perhaps your daughter did not require it.
Previous posters request to yell at your doctor is completely inappropriate.. I don't think any person ever deserves to be yelled at and I find that quite immature. Your doctor made a recommendation on Thursday based on not seeing your child and her best interest. You did not go for a few days, things can change. Obviously it wasn't urgent if you didn't go immediately and perhaps your doctor took that into consideration. Your doctor never saw your child and was basing presumptive treatment from an actual doctor who did see your child.
I hope your daughter feels better.
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M.P.
answers from
Provo
on
Pamela is right! YELL at your doctor for going back on what he TOLD you to do!! That is awful!! I would also then complain to the highest person you can talk to at the hospital! How dare they treat you that way! He must have been going through his male PMS!
Is there another hospital that you can go to near by that accepts your insurance? I would immediately take your daughter to that one, or even back to the crappy one since by now the doc you talked to should be off. (Hopefully) That way you can complain about your last doctor and get your daughter the help she needs.
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D.G.
answers from
Houston
on
Does your family doc have an after-hours number you can call? If he talks to someone at hospital he might get better results.
Also if you get a crappy dr. you can always demand a second opinion from a different doctor.
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R.M.
answers from
Cumberland
on
Take her to Children's Hospital-Philadelphia, Pittsburgh-you pick.
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D.S.
answers from
Allentown
on
Hi, J.:
First of all, what was the diagnoses?
Was it Dehydration?
What caused the vomiting to dehydrate your baby?
What caused your baby to have IV fluids in the past?
Just want to know.
D.
