What was he thinking?

Question

My daughter has been having allergic reactions to bug bites since she was 2 yrs old. First it was a black fly bite next to her eye that swelled up so big, she couldn't see and it stayed black and blue for a week. We were afraid to take her out of the house for fear of getting accosted by someone who thought we beat her! Then over the past few years the reactions got lighter until this summer. She has been bit numerous times EVEN with heavy duty bug spray on and the reactions have been BAD! Within 5 minutes, there are hives and within a couple hours, the bite has swollen to the size of an orange, it's flaming hot, res, and hard as a rock. Benadryl works extremely slow and anti-itch cremes do nothing. A whole lot of waiting, normally it takes weeks for the swelling and bruising to go away.

I finally convinced the hospital walk-in care to squeeze us in the other day when she got bit on the face again and couldnt wear her glasses cause her face was so swollen and it hurt. He took one look at her and said "She just got bit in the wrong spot" and proceeded to tell me that she was fine and to take benadryl.

So I pointed out the other bites that were surrounded in hives and swollen as well and explained to him about the other bites she's had in the past and reactions. He seemed to grudgingly listen and then said "well, i suppose that its possible she could have anaphylaxis, if it was just a fluke, it wouldn't have been happening repeatedly and over her entire body. And the fact that the reactions are escalating isnt normal. Normally children ourgrow their childhood allergies by age 5 or 6. The chances that she'll have worse reactions each time she gets stung or bit are pretty good".

He put her on Prednisilone which has been amazing...worked a miracle!!!

I asked him to prescribe her an EpiPen because she hasn't been stung by a hornet or bee yet, but if it ever happens, I want to be prepared if something happens.

Why wasn't he more concerned? He would have just let us go on our merry way if I hadn't pestered him. What's wrong with this guy? Maybe I should just stop expecting doctors to care about patients.

Answer 1

First - that is pretty scary and unusual. i agree that because it was the walk-in, you might not have gotten the complete response you should have. but all in all its really good you got to go and he told you something. i would say try going to your child's pediatrician as soon as you can

Second - you can't not expect doctors to care about their patients. hello - it's their profession, many of them choose it mainly because they want to help you. so it sucks you came across one that could have shown a bit more concern, but it's a good thing you knew better in this situation.

Answer 2

The problem is that it was a hospital walk in care doctor. They are used to serious health problems and injuries. While I agree that your child has a serious reaction to bug bites and you should be very concerned to make sure you don't let her situation get worse I think if you were to see her regular pediatrician she would have received better care. The problem with urgent care doctors is that they have a different definition of emergency than we do as parents and often come across as aloof and unconcerned. You did the right thing and should persist with getting an EpiPen so you have it if you need it. What a scary situation...

Answer 3

I'm sorry you had to deal with this doctor.  Good for you to keep pushing for your daughter's well being.  With you as an advocate, she should do well.  

Answer 4

walk in Dr's are less caring and passionate about there work, they see so many patients in one day in and out in and out, they just want you in and out. pediatricians or family practitioners are much more caring and concerned. that's all.

Answer 5

You should take her to her regular doctor and see what he has to say.  Walk-in/Urgent Care doctors are good for emergencies, but with something chronic, your regular doctor is your best bet.  Good luck.

Answer 6

you are asking the wrong doctor -direct her care to her pediatrician & allergist.  the doctor was concerned and treated your daughter appropriately, but he was an urgent care doctor.  

Answer 7

it might be worth talking to an allergist. They are more trained for this