It’s not often that I tell my story of my life being Thomas’ mom. Tommy and I were 26 years old when he was born on his due date. I used to be a fairly quiet person. Speaking up was not a big part of my personality. Sarcasm yes. I became more outspoken because of my son. In a short time, I began raising my voice and/or yelled at multiple specialists on behalf of myself and Thomas due to lack of professional behavior. Many medical specialists we were referred to 24 years ago were horrific and useless and are still in practice. I would love to know how they kept their licenses over the years. They practice where I live.
Our pediatrician was here. When we were first referred to her when Thomas was a baby she was very understanding and helpful. After a few years she became a horror show. Aside from Thomas being speech impaired she didn’t believe me about his behavior, that he had half hour tantrums, threw things, hit me, you name it. I requested a referral to a child psychiatrist but she told me, “I don’t know any.” Uh huh. I found a center of child therapists and psychiatrists here, but the med trials made me feel as though they didn’t know what they were doing. Turns out they didn’t. Big surprise.
I went online (our first computer when Thomas was almost 6) and found a psychiatrist who treated children on the upper west side. I was impressed with his credentials and experience. I never drove in Manhattan before and the doctor didn’t take insurance. Neither fazed me at this point. I made the appointment and grew a set to ensure I would be ok driving in the city for the first time; alone no less. I adored this man. He listened to me. He believed me. It felt surreal to have someone listen and believe. For real. There were 3 required appointments. The first was me alone, then Thomas by himself, of course I was in the waiting room; and the 3rd was the doctor with Tommy and me to discuss his findings, diagnosis and treatment. When I told the pediatrician, she suddenly had a recommendation for a psychiatrist. Wow. Just wow. I mentioned that she said she didn’t know anyone when I requested a referral previously. Without missing a beat I said no thank you I like my guy.
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 