Q & A...Or Lack Thereof

Thank you, Dr. Genetics for getting back to me in a timely manner regarding yesterday's botched attempt to get Austin's spinal x-ray results. As I understand from our 40 minute conversation, we now have more questions than we have answers about that crazy Radiology report. And yes, you are correct those answers won't change how I feel about Austin; he is still the same lovable kid he was before this all happened.



I won't lie,  I am nervous that this set of x-rays was inconclusive in regards to Austin's cervical spine issue. It would have been nice to be able to put that issue to rest and move on. I am going to look for my own x-rays so that you may compare them, but no guarantees as I have moved across the country twice since then.

I appreciate your candidness about why we need a do-over and the strong possibility of surgery. I am sorry to hear that Austin doesn't simply have a bad case of torticollis. Yes, he keeps throwing us curve balls. Although if you don't mind me saying, I do hope you are wrong and he doesn't need spinal surgery to correct what nature missed. That would suck!

And as to that other little issue of his enlarged heart, I know you will do your best to get everyone on the same page. I appreciate you taking the lead and sending a Cardio referral for an Echo & EKG.  I realize this is not your field and I am thankful you will be emailing all of Austin's specialists in an effort to move this along. 

I wholeheartedly agree with you, that just because this x-ray was intended for his cervical spine does not diminish the other possible findings. I get that something 3D being captured in 2D and the angle at which the picture was shot may have caused some distortion of his heart; plus everyone knows the camera adds 10 pounds. Let's hope that is the case.

I really, really want to thank you for acknowledging that Doctors do not always have the answers. I have long suspected that was the case. Is it wrong to be excited that a "chance" meeting with you and a possibly botched x-ray may hold the answers to Austin's suspected Chronic Lung Disease & O2 needs? Yeah, maybe. But I certainly hope it is none of the things on that list I rattled off to you. Again, that would suck.

No, I do not have a medical background, but I do get asked that a lot.  Perhaps I should consider a career change.  I just happen to hang out around the best specialists in town, other Special Needs moms.  And yes, you are so right, I do know my child better than you do. It is nice to have that acknowledged every once in a while. 

I wish I had more time to talk with you or other doctors like you. Today you have helped to renew a recently dwindling faith in Austin's medical care and in our entire health care system, in general. I look forward to seeing you again and hope next time you have better news for me.

I know you asked me not to panic, so I won't (for now.)  I promise not to Google (much.)

Thanks for peeking,