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March 30, 2001
Yesterday, I took Jake to his hearing evaluation. As I may have mentioned, Jake seems to be a bit delayed with his speech. He knows many, many words, but has a hard time communicating. His pediatrician was concerned enough to recommend that I have his hearing checked. She gave me a referral to a Dr. T. that she likes, and who takes Jake’s insurance. I just wish she had paid attention to his location, and how far I’d have to drive.
I live south of the city, not in the city itself, and the pediatrician sent me to a doctor on the far north side of town. I left in plenty of time, got lost several times (because I kept getting caught in the wrong lanes, the ones that peeled off in new directions), but managed to get there 15 minutes early. I was frazzled, and frustrated, but there on time. So we go into the office, and I fill out paperwork while Jake plays with the toys there. Soon enough, we are called back, and meet Bill the audiologist, a very tall friendly guy. Jake is starting to get cranky, as it’s getting very close to his naptime, but Bill handles things well. With a tube widget, he pressurizes Jake’s ears while a computer images the inside. Very cool, I must say. Bill proclaimed Jake’s ear structure to be perfect. :) Then Bill had me sit in a chair in the corner of a soundproof booth with Jake on my lap. Sounds were played on either side, and when Jake looked in the appropriate direction, a black box there would light up and a mechanical monkey would play the drums or cymbals. Jake thought this was hilarious. When we were done, Bill cheerfully told us that Jake has perfect hearing, exactly where it should be for a toddler, and we were led out to the waiting room to, well, wait. I was to consult with Dr. T. after the evaluation.
So we waited. I hate waiting, especially when I’m early. At one point, I heard the receptionist talking to someone on the phone who was hoping to talk to Dr. T. She asked another person back there where Dr. T. might be and it was revealed that he was in his office at his desk. She pushed some buttons and hung up the phone and a few seconds later I hear someone answer a phone with “Yes, this is Dr. T.” and continue a conversation. So I know he was not with a patient. I sat in that waiting room for almost 40 minutes, during which a little girl came in with her mother and tried to play with a toy that Jake wasn’t playing with anymore. Well, he threw a fit and went to hit the little girl! I was stunned! He’s never tried that sort of thing before. Needless to say, I swept him up and wouldn’t let him back down. I was furious and humiliated as he continued to scream and cry and throw himself around in my arms, for about 25 minutes or so. When we were finally called back to see Dr. T. Jake calmed down immediately, perfectly content to wander the exam room and touch things.
When Dr. T. came in, Jake climbed into the dentist-like chair and sat still, allowing the doctor to look in his ears, and down his throat without any complaint at all. I was pleasantly floored. When we go see the pediatrician, he resists these little examinations strongly, and it’s usually a bit of a traumatic experience. (I’m considering finding a new pediatrician. Dr. B. doesn’t seem to have a very good manner with kids. Jake certainly doesn’t like her. And she is far, far to quick to medicate in my opinion, besides being a very long drive for me. I’m going to have to find another pediatrician anyway because she doesn’t accept Medicaid, and this baby will be covered by Medicaid for the first few months.) Dr. T. even got Jake to stick out his tongue. :) He told me this was just to see if Jake could. Apparently not being able to could cause some speech problems.
Dr. T. confirmed that Jake had perfect hearing, reading from the report Bill had given him. He suggested that if I were concerned, I get Jake’s speech evaluated. I told him that the insurance company does not pay for speech evaluations for children 3 and under. Oh well. On the way out, Jake decided it was a good time to throw another tantrum. I had to wait on the receptionist to finish a phone call, and then we left. I was really not looking forward to the drive home. It had taken me over an hour to get there. (sigh)
Despite the good news, I was in a terrible mood, and extremely tense. It took me even longer to get home. I kept missing my exits and not being able to turn around for long distances. I saw I was running low on gas, and managed to get to a gas station. Unfortunately, I had to use the last of my money to fill my tank, so we couldn’t stop at a burger joint like I’d promised Jake. It was past lunch and we were hungry. I was very disappointed. I bought a bag of chips and gave Jake some. He cried much of the way home, in hunger and exhaustion and boredom. I cried a few times too, tired of driving, afraid I was lost *again*, frustrated with Jake, and feeling hopeless about ever getting home. Did I mention I passionately hate driving?
We finally got home, a million years later, just as Jake fell asleep in his carseat. The house was a mess, and I’d planned on doing the dishes at least, but I just sat and tried to relax. About the time my heartbeat was returning to normal, I start to see the aura that comes before a migraine. Great. Just what I needed.
Today has been vastly better. I woke up full of energy, and relieved to not have to go anywhere at all. I cleaned the living room (no small task), made pancakes, and did some laundry. The dishes are next.
On the pregnancy front, I’m now at 34 weeks, and still feeling pretty dang good. My back hurts a lot, but I can deal with it without taking any pain relievers. My next appointment with a midwife is on the 5th. Things are coming together for the arrival of the new baby, and I’m mentally preparing for delivery in 4 to 8 weeks. Things are looking good. :)
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