Did I make the right decision?

[AraGalactic]

I have a 3 and 1/2 month old daughter. She’s the love of my life but it’s been hard as a first time parent. She’s very healthy but I noticed her fontanel seemed to be bulging more slightly than normal and took her to Children’s ER. I read it could be a medical emergency so I opted to do this. The doctor said she wasn’t presenting with severe symptoms but went ahead and ordered a CT scan to rule out possible factors. I wasn’t in a right frame of mind, I feel like I didn’t think my decision through and accepted the scan. Of course it came back normal and I’m so worried about needlessly exposing her to radiation and possible risk of future cancer. I’m losing sleep and cannot find relief no matter how I try. I don’t know if I made the right decision.

Sounds like you are suffering from health anxiety and maybe should speak to a GP yourself. You can't unmake the decision so you cant keep torturing yourself over it

The doctor is trained to understand the risks as well as the possible diagnostic benefits of a CT scan. Absolutely you are right that as a parent you are able to consent or withhold consent on behalf of your baby, but honestly the doctor would not request a diagnostic scan if he/she had been certain your baby was 100% well, so refusing the scan would be the riskier choice. You are only now worrying about the (very small) chance of negative consequences of the scan because the outcome was good! I promise in a years time you really won't be worrying about this.

Thanks to both of you! Tomorrow I’m calling to schedule and speak to my doc about possible postpartum depression and anxiety. I made the best choice in the moment and it is tortuous to beat myself up like this.