to not want to see this paediatrician again?

[skrullandcrossbones]

He failed to diagnose (or even test for) DS1's coeliac disease - meaning DS1 went on getting worse for a year and a half despite repeated visits, until by chance we were seen by a different paed, who immediately sent him for a coeliac blood test (his symptoms are bang on the NICE guidelines for a coeliac test).

Just seen him again this morning, after DS1 referred by GP after a urine infection for a renal ultrasound. He said 'oh, there's no need for you to worry, a scan is completely unnecessary'. He has a rather annoying manner (dismissive of my concerns - unlike the other paed who didn't write me off as an over-anxious mother over the coeliac symptoms).for

I said (politely) 'well, in view of the fact it took 18 months for DS1's coeliac disease to be diagnosed, I think I'd like this scan anyway, just to put my mind at rest that nothing else is being missed'.

He has referred us for the scan.

I would like to avoid seeing him again (we are now be on the other paed's list for the coeliac follow-ups anyway). Is it unreasonable for me to ring before appointments and make sure we're not seeing him?

YANBU. I wouldn't trust his opinion again.

Not unreasonable but it could well mean a much longer wait for your DS

I suppose it's something you'll have to weigh up yourself at the time

we got the GP to change paediatricians as the one we had was potentially dangerously useless - he decided that DD2s medical, since proved by tests, condition was due to "deep rooted childhood trauma" and that she needed a psychiatrist. If I hadn't researched and found a specialist myself, she'd have been under so much stress she would have actually needed the psychiatrist .

IME it depends on how the clinic is run - some we've been to there are several doctors at who just take the next file off the pile, some are lists for specific doctors. But your GP should be able to request a different paediatrician, certainly.

Worra - yes, I hadn't thought of the danger of a longer wait, true. It's a shame that Choose & Book doesn't tell you the name of the doctor's clinic the appointment is with, that would let me weigh things up. I don't necessarily want to make a big song & dance about it, which ringing up will probably do - just to quietly avoid seeing him.

IShall - thanks, it's useful to know that. I think that if we need a referral for anything again, I will specifically ask the GP to refer us to the paed dealing with us for coeliac - there are advantages in the continuity of seeing the same person anyway.

YANBU. You have to deal with people you trust when it comes to something as important as your families health.

In your position I'd ring my GP and ask for a call back, then ask for advice on how I get to see the right person. But my GP surgery is helpful like that. Failing that, ring whoever you think you should ring. I'd rather wait for correct advice then be seen sooner and be give the wrong advice. Or, if time is short, I'd try to find the money to go private.

It sounds like you did good by pushing for the scan - Well Done

Thanks Outraged. I think I am a bit of a people-pleaser when it comes to authority, which is an annoying trait. But as you say, my children's health is much more important that not wanting to cause a fuss!

I would actually happily pay to go private for DS, if that would get him better care, but there don't seem to be private paed facilities here.