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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

To bring a toddler to my neurology appt

25 replies

Maisy84 · 07/12/2016 08:20

I have a neurology appointment this afternoon about a tremor / twitch that has started in some of my limbs. My dh has an all day (once a year) hospital appointment for an assessment of a heart condition he was born with. My mother in law was supposed to be babysitting but has sadly damaged the ligaments in her leg yesterday and can barely walk so can't do the journey. My parents are in another country and everyone else is working! I feel terribly as I know the doctors are incredibly busy and would hate to slow the appointment down, he is pretty transfixed by peppa pig so perhaps I could let him watch that in his pram with headphones? Would they even see me with a toddler in tow? Has anyone ever used an emergency nanny service??

OP posts:
NotBadConsidering · 07/12/2016 08:23

Take him. I can't imagine anyone would be remotely bothered.

ClarissaDarling · 07/12/2016 08:27

Take him, I had to take a 3 month old to my neurology appt- the staff seemed to love it and said was a welcome change from adults!

Rulerruler · 07/12/2016 08:32

Neurology would be fine. Gynae not so much!

Original poster
Maisy84 · 07/12/2016 08:33

Oh thank you! I've been worried they would be really angry, he's reliably good when presented with Peopa and George, my worry is we will have hours to wait and he'll get bored, but I'll bring lots of books etc.

OP posts:
SheepyFun · 07/12/2016 08:34

Assuming it's a meeting with a consultant rather than a set of tests, it's fine to take him - DH has taken DD to hospital appointments (check-ups for him, not tests) before, and it's not been a problem. We didn't even try to get childcare; we save that for the tests/admissions....

ItsRainingDeer · 07/12/2016 08:35

Why would gynae be a problem ruler? I've always had to take my DC to appointments, just take an iPad to sit them in the corner with and get on with it. It really shouldn't be a problem, especially if contained in a pram!

Original poster
Maisy84 · 07/12/2016 08:37

It is a meeting with a consultant, I assume there will be 'stand on one leg' types of tests but nothing was mentioned in the letter! Absurd that the only time myself or dh need to be in hospital all year turns out to be the same day!

OP posts:
NotBadConsidering · 07/12/2016 08:41

Snacks. Don't forget lots of snacks.

Original poster
Maisy84 · 07/12/2016 08:43

Oh yeah, snacks!! The saviour of all long waits! Will certainly be bringing some of those!!

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Rulerruler · 07/12/2016 08:54

Gynae is a problem if invasive tests are needed - we wouldn't want small children in the room and have no one to supervise them outside the room. It would possibly mean having to reschedule wasting an appointment. I've chaperoned in loads of hospital clinics - most are fine for small children to be taken to but definitely not Gynae if there is even the slightest chance an examination could be needed.

ItsRainingDeer · 07/12/2016 09:02

That's interesting to hear. I've had a smear test and internal scan before when DS was grumbling in the buggy and the gynae picked him up and lay him on me for the duration. It's not like they're running around if they're in a pram. I've always taken mine with me. What should I have done, rescheduled for 5.5 years time when my youngest was at school?

MrsBobDylan · 07/12/2016 09:03

I have dc with lots of appointments and we regularly have to attend as a group (9,7 & 2) as I don't have alternative childcare.

I take snacks, iPads and a couple of toys. They know they have to sit down, no walking/running around and that they need to be quiet in the consultation room. The consultants are always nice to them and I think it happens alot so they don't mind.

Good luck with your appointment - must be a stressful time for you.Flowers

P.s:your toddler may well get obsessed with the water dispenser and want to fill up cups - try to keep it out of view!

CountUpTo3 · 07/12/2016 09:18

Should be fine for initial consultation, but wouldn't work if you needed MRI or similar at some point.

I know you said that DH/MiL usually babysit, but might be worth scoping out another reliable babysitter in the off-chance they aren't available in the future. I've looked after friend's kids at short notice when they had to rush DP off to hospital, and I know they'd do the same for me.

bloodydrama · 07/12/2016 09:55

I always have DC in tow at appointments. Just what you do when you have young DC!

NothingMoreThanFelines · 07/12/2016 10:12

I had a coil fitted with DD observing from the pram.

BeautyGoesToBenidorm · 07/12/2016 10:15

It shouldn't be a problem at all - I'd imagine they're quite used to it. I've had to take noisy, attention grabbing DS2 to psychiatrist appointments before, luckily the receptionist loved him and took him out of the room so he could 'help' her do some filing Grin

I hope your appointment goes well, OP - I know how scary it is, believe me Flowers

Maudlinmaud · 07/12/2016 10:17

I have a neuro appoint on fri, my youngest is coming with me and after we are going christmas shopping. It's fine op.

honeysucklejasmine · 07/12/2016 10:18

I can't imagine not taking my dd with me, even if I were seeing my gynae. If she's in a pushchair with a toy, I don't see how it's a problem.

We don't have childcare options. She will have to come.

Spudlet · 07/12/2016 10:18

I took DS to Dbro's endocrinologist appt. Dbro needs an appropriate adult with him and there wasn't anyone else, and I was still bfing at the time so where the boobs went, the baby went. It was fine.

Lovelyskin · 07/12/2016 10:19

I think for regular appointment, should be ok, but our hospital says no to children at MRI scans, and if you bring one, they just cancel the appointment, they can't provide childcare while you are in the scanner, which can be up to 90 min. I think that's fair enough, but a regular sitting down discussion with the consultant, I think that's fine.

Spudlet · 07/12/2016 10:21

If you're worried though, ring the clinic or the consultant's secretary. I used to do admin at clinics, that was just the sort of thing people would ring about.

Lilicat1013 · 07/12/2016 10:25

My son's have come to loads of neurology appointments with me, we don't have childcare.

One particularly memorable appointment with my older son when he was a toddler he sat under the epilepsy nurse's desk the entire time stroking his shoes and saying 'shoes' over and over again (he is autistic and shoes were the obsession at the time).

Luckily my epilepsy nurse is very nice and has been very kind to both my boys.

user1470997562 · 07/12/2016 10:25

I'd take him. I think they try to discourage it but won't turn you away.

But I would write down history/symptoms to take and hand over - as I found I forgot things after the event, without a toddler in toe.

restinginmyaccount · 07/12/2016 10:46

I second writing stuff down in advance. Good luck.
Treats, game on phone. Anything that works.
Is there no one who could take him (that he would be with). Have been in same boat and had no one to call on either.

Original poster
Maisy84 · 07/12/2016 14:18

Thanks so much everyone! I've spoken to someone on reception and they've said it's fine. I'm going to write everything down now as I'm worried I'll be distracted / nervous when the time comes. Fingers crossed it goes ok and he sleeps! Thanks for all the advice Flowers

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