Tuesday, August 21, 2007

True Love

I have found a new man. And I love him. There is none like him anywhere else.

Right after we moved here, Hannah came down with a 104 fever, sore throat, and a stomach ache. Classic strep, right? I had not researched a pediatrician yet, and so I was left to scour the insurance company's website to find one that was close.

If only I had known just how lucky I was that day I'd have gone to Vegas and bet the farm.

We made ourselves an appointment with Dr. Cheng. He was a round, bubbly, middle-aged pediatrician who seemed very intent on getting my daughter well. Unlike THESE stupid doctors that wanted us to audition for their precious skills and knowledge (I'm working on not being bitter, can you tell?).

While we were seeing Dr. Cheng, I mentioned that I was needing to have my kids' immunizations on Missouri state forms for the school. He said it might be difficult to get them all appointments at the same time, but that he was more than willing to come in early or stay late to accommodate us.

Yes, you just read that right. He was going to accommodate us. And he did. He came in early so the kids could all be seen at the same appointment.

Later that night, still reveling in the quality of care we had received, the phone rings. Who is it? It's Dr. Cheng. Not his nurse. Not his receptionist. Him. Wanting to know if Hannah's fever was down.

I've never had a doctor follow up like that. I was shocked and thrilled at our new find.

Fast forward to yesterday. Chase and McKay both came down with the flu this weekend. Chase had it much worse, and McKay was feeling a lot better by Sunday night. By Monday morning, I was starting to worry that Chase was getting dehydrated. His lips were all dry. He had not peed in two days. I could not get him to hold any liquid down for more than ten minutes. So in to see Dr. Cheng we went.

He was immediately concerned. Sat by our bedside in the clinic for 45 minutes - trying anything he could to get Chase to eat or drink and be able to keep it down (because the next step was an IV at the hospital, and he - being the perfect man that he is - was trying to avoid that for my sake). He did get Chase to finish a popsicle (sitting by his side, tenderly holding the popsicle for Chase), but it came right back up before we even got to the elevator. In a last-ditch effort to avoid spending eight hours in the ER, he gave me a prescription for an anti-nausea medication and said to call him that night if Chase threw up after taking it.

Call him. Which means he actually gave me his personal beeper number. Not the answering service. Not the office number. His.

You see why I'm in love?

And then I got a phone call last night AND this morning from the good doctor himself, just checking to see how Chase was feeling. The medication had done the trick and Chase is back to his old self today (albeit a little weak and pale, but functioning nonetheless).

In my almost ten years of pediatric practice experience, I have NEVER seen a more attentive, thorough, and kind doctor. I'm used the ones that are polite enough, but in and out - leaving the nurse to do most of the legwork. The Husband is incredulous. He cannot believe it either. The annoying health care consultant in him remarked at the inefficiency of such a clinician. Maybe, but I don't care. I have now pledged my deep and undying love for Dr. Cheng.

So much so that Hannah eyed me suspiciously at dinner last night and asked, "Are you in love wiff our doctor, Mama?"

Yes, baby, I am. Not because he's handsome or dashing. Because he is as concerned about my babies as I am. And once you find something that good, you never, ever give it up.

16 comments:

Scrapbooks by Amanda said...

I'm so happy that you got a great doctor, and I am also tempted to move to St. Louis so he can be our pediatrician too.

Annie said...

Wow. He IS a keeper. So glad someone's looking out for you and your crew...

Kimberly said...

Okay, I am convinced we need to move to Missouri! I agree, it is very rare that you find a Doctor like that. Don't ever move again!

Jake said...

you are sooooo lucky! it sounds like he is worth a cross-country move...

Holly said...

He is a rare bird. I wonder how long the commute from Texas to Missouri might be? Sounds like it would be worth it.

How wonderful you found Dr.Cheng and he was able to help. So glad everyone is on the mend--dehydration is so scary!

{B}dreamy said...

I love the way you write... what an awesome doctor! Why can't they all be like that (heaven knows they should!)? *B

Wendi said...

He sounds great. Are you sure you aren't "in love wiff him?" j/k

That's true though. Physicians like that are priceless.

danandcindy said...

I was going to comment on why I think he gave you such great attention, but out of a desire to maintain the dignity of my sister and her blog, I will hereby refrain.

Travelin'Oma said...

I had a doctor like that. Does anyone remember Dr. Homel? The kids all thought he was weird because he actually spent time with us. He did a house call once and checked Dee, too! I guess he was weird.

Bill said...

I remember being sick with strep throat about 53 years ago (yes, that would be 1954) and having our family doctor come to our house and treat me lying on our living room couch. Ah, those were the good old days. Too bad the doctor turned out to be a quack (he misdiagnosed my father’s fatal aortic aneurism as kidney stones) and a pervert (you'll have to ask my sister for more details).

Cara @ Gardenview Cottage said...

I am a fan of your blog. I love to bop in and check no and then. I have to say, you are so LUCKY to have such a great Dr. They are rare and very hard to come by that's for sure! Maybe you should write Oprah and get him an award or something. Show those other shmucks out there that what we realy want and need is attention!!! I am lucky enough to have a great Dr. -bad ins. so I have to pay cash for her but I do so without binking an eye. She's that good!

Unknown said...

That is awesome!!!!! It's nice to feel like someone else is as worried about your kids as you are...well probably not quite as much, but atleast somewhat concerned. Does he have a brother in Utah? I would love a pediatrician like that!

Michelle said...

Perhaps moving is the key to getting the best Dr. Our Dr. here is the same way. He always calls personaly to check up on the kids after they have been sick. It really is wonderful to have a great pediatrition.

robynandjoe do you live in St. George? I could hook you up with ours.

Diane said...

Man oh man....those days of finding the perfect pediatrician are stressful! I'm glad you found yours in record time. You must be living right! Doctors will come and go, but it seems we all remember our pediatricians. The ol' Dr. T. Bill mentioned was the doctor for the entire surrounding area. I think everyone had to go to that quack with half a nose! He scared me to death! I would have hidden under the couch if he had made a house call!

Bridget said...

Wow, amazing. Does he have a twin doctor brother/sister in Portland? That truly is amazing old-fashioned service. Is he cute too?

Darilyn said...

Once, only once in 13 years of pediatricians did I ever have one that good and of course I've never forgotten him. It's rare to find one that great. You have every right to be in love. I'm in love too and I've never met him. So happy for your find.