Modern Medicine

Let me start out by saying, I have issues with modern medicine. This is, of course, a result of things that I dealt with in my past. (Umm, how many people like to be hooked up to electrical monitors for days straight, take medication that makes their hair fall out, and travel to half a dozen doctors with no results?!) .
Add to that the info you read about here. Be sure to check out the possible side effects.
Finally, the latest news about the drug used to treat the flu. (I like the part that states, “The vaccine is known not to fully protect against infection.”) By the way, I am NOT anti-vaccinations, but I do think that one should definitely do their research before jumping on the vaccination band wagon. Find info on the various vaccines (from reliable sources) and see if their are other alternatives (e.g. homeopathic, naturopathic.)
All this to say, that when my kids get sick, I am reluctant to take them to the doctor. Every time that I have done so, I have regretted it. For example, my oldest son was sick with a fever and terrible cough. He woke up choking and gasping for breath. This was not something I had seen before in any of my kids, so I rushed him to the urgent care. They took his pulse/ox and informed me that I needed to take him to the ER immediately. Fearing for his life, I took him to the hospital in good ol’ Hemet. By the time we arrived there, his only symptoms were a fever and a rough cough. They gave him some Tylenol, and we waited for over three hours in a room with other sick people. I finally decided that the best care for my son would be at home in his own bed. If he was still sick, I would take him to his doctor in the morning (which at this point, was only a few hours away.) I informed a nurse that we were leaving so they could take his name off the waiting list. One month later, I receive a bill for $50 from the hospital. The price of Tylenol has sure gone up.
So today, I notice that my almost 8 month old has a raspy cough and a rattling in her chest when she breathes. I debate within myself for a few minutes and finally call the doctor. (I like how Kaiser lets you talk to a nurse within the hour.) The nurse informs me that I have to take her in. Today. Monday . The appointment is after 3 o’clock and the office is 45 minutes away. If I don‘t hit the traffic getting there, I am sure to hit it coming back. This better be worth it.
Two hours and one co-pay later, I have my peace-of-mind. The baby’s fine. Whatever she has is viral. So how am I supposed to feel? Relief that my daughter does not have a serious illness? Or...embarrassment for having wasted so much time, money and gas? A little of both?
I think when it all comes down to it, we have to do what we feel is best for our kids. While I do not entirely regret taking my child to the doctor, I know that next time will be different. Each of these moments, we file away in our brain, prepared for their recurrence in the future. As mothers, we get to know our children. What is normal; what is not. While we do not take the place of modern medicine, God has designed us to have integral part in the caring for our sick children. I am thankful that He has chosen me for such a position.