Doctor Visit

Over Spring Break we made our trip to the psychiatrist's office. I really appreciate the doctor we go to- he has worked really hard to help our kids and has always been easy to work with, and willing to go the extra mile to assist us. I would and have recommended him. The only complaint I have is the location. His office is 230 miles from our house. We visit him every 3 months. The day goes something like this: We leave in the morning (sometimes really early depending on the appointment time) drive the 230 miles stopping at a lot of restrooms and McDonalds on the way. When we get there, we eat lunch and try to do something fun- the park, the zoo, shopping, and then sometime before or after the fun, we have our appointment. At the appointment, the doctor and I go over what has been happening- behavior, sleep, etc. We go over blood test results; make the necessary medication adjustments, etc. Then we drive the 230 miles home stopping at lots of restrooms and McDonalds on the way. It is a long, sometimes traumatic day. It is easier now because they are older. We started this almost 5 years ago, when Josh was 2, Hailey was 4, and Ashley was 6 years old. Back then Ashley and Josh weren't potty trained and Hailey would get car sick. Now everyone is potty trained, and usually we can leave Hailey at home, since it is not her appointment. We have had all sorts of crazy things happen on these trips. One time I hit a deer, minimum damage but it was scary, one time Ashley opened the car door on the highway, one time I came down with the flu halfway through the trip. Overall it is unpleasant. On rare occasions Jason goes with us, which makes it easier. Of course it is just 4 bad days a year and a lot of phone calls, but the kid's day to day life has improved greatly since they started receiving treatment there. I have always felt very blessed that we have encountered so many wonderful doctors. We have had very few negative experiences with doctors over the years. Originally posted March 29, 2011