I cancelled my son's doc appointment--Am I a bad mom?

[Pajama Mama]

My son is a special needs kid. He was just in the hospital for 3 days about 2 weeks ago. He returned to doctor's office a few days later for a follow-up visit. Tomorrow is my son's yearly well child appointment. I called to cancel it and the receptionist was very rude. I think that my mistake was to explain why I was cancelling it. We are going to Disney in 2 weeks and my son is *finally* getting better. He catches everything and it never goes away fast. He'll develop pneumonia or become dehydrated or some other complication. I don't think he needs the well child appointment at this point. In the hospital, he had an EEG, EKG and tons of tests done on him. He saw all the specialists that he normally sees and they checked his vitals every couple hours. He is not due for any shots this year. Am I a bad mom for not wanting to drag my 3 kids 20 miles away just to hear "he's fine"?

[Melissa in NC]

My dr told me that kids this age need well visits every two years unless there are issues. So here is your free pass. Enjoy Disney.

BTW: I am planning a trip to Disney World in May so any pointers you can share when you return will be appreciated. :D

[Kathy in MD]

wants to run that the hospital didn't. I know my internist checks on a few things my oncologist doesn't, though it's just a few.

[chiguirre]

I'd delay the visit until after Disney, too. Next time, don't offer any explanation to the receptionist, that way she won't have any room to be rude.

[Cadam]

He would likely have caught something in the waiting room! You know he's fine, they know he is fine. Keep him fine by keeping him out of the dr. office!

[Sue G in PA]

1. I think they are a waste of time and 2. When my child is ill, I certainly take them in to see a dr. if necessary. Now, of course, here in PA, I must take them for a school physical each year. Don't feel bad...gee, you can think of ME as the bad mom if you want! LOL!

[Jenny in Atl]

She was just rude because you gave her extra busy work. Goodness, you will go when you get back. Enjoy your trip!

[Remudamom]

What do they do at one? What's the point?

I've got docs in the immediate family and never heard of a well child visit.

[Jennifer in MI]

NO!!! You are an awesome mom!! I do well child visits every two years anyway.

About Disney - you could do it like we did last week. Leave with everyone healthy (first time since Thanksgiving). The first day you're there, your dh comes down with a diverticulitis attack which keeps himout of commission the first 3 1/2 days you are there. Then, your 7 yo would come down with a 104 degree fever and has to miss the first day at the park. (This, the same child who had a fever seizure the last time he ran a fever that high!) Then, when son joins you at the park the next day, he gets lost and then is scared the rest of the day. Then, everyone is healthy for four days when your nearly 2 yo comes down with the 104 degree fever which she keeps for 4 days!!!!

So, NO - you don't want sick kiddos at Disney. You are smart to keep him from the drs. office!!! Now that we've been home for a few days, dh is coming down with a cold and the 2 yo is coughing. Blah.

[Pajama Mama]

I had to search for my post:) Thanks for the reassurances. 2 1/2 wks until Disney--I can't wait!!

[Cathy in IL]

I hope Disney is a great time for you all. I think I would reschedule the appointment when you get back unless his primary is also one of his specialists that saw him in the hospital. If the doc saw him in the hospital I would call and ask the nurse when they need to see him again and if they planned to do anything at the well-child visit that hadn't been done before. My son's hematologist is his primary care provider. She usually wants to do the well-child appointments every three months even if she sees him in the hospital because she has a different focus at the clinic appointments.

If I were you I would have waited until after Disney too. I have put off planning a trip to Disney specifically because I am concerned that my son would get sick. I am hoping for a delightful time for your entire family.

[Lady Katherine]

I would have done the same thing. I think the receptionist was the rude one!