I am writing this review right after leaving, so it is fresh in my mind…read more
I have a 15 year old with a bizarre needle phobia.... like off the charts. She had a bleeding disorder as a young child that involved weekly blood draws. The draws just never went well, and as each one happened, my kiddo became more and more damaged.
Don't get me wrong, my daughter is TOUGH. Like she will shoulder thump a bigger kid for being a bully. She is not scared of a single thing in the world. She has taken on steep skiing slopes, and handled herself in a raft going down a class five.
But pop her in a doctor office with a teeny tiny needle, and the girl is a freak-out, sobbing, kicking and screaming MESS. It is BAD.
Over the years, we have gone to places for shots that have held her down, snuck up on her and criticized her to get the shots in her (ZoomCare). So of course, all of these tactics have only made things worse.
Today I took her in for 3 vaccines. We have been a bit past due because of the issues. You see, Metro Peds won't give the shot without consent.
And so for the last 2 years, I have brought my kiddo in numerous times hoping that today would be the day. Only with no luck, at all.
Today we went in again. She was prepared. She had her numbing cream, she had done her self talk. She felt ready.
And once again, we spent an hour in the office, with no luck. I was so pissed! It was not one of my finer mommy moments.
You see, they told us that today was the last try, if she couldn't do it today then she would have to start exposure therapy with a behavioral health clinic. And as a single mom with three kids, one of which is currently dealing with some severe medical issues that require numerous weekly office visits - my brain just could not wrap around the idea of one more kid in my house requiring weekly doctor visits.
I lost it. Like legit.
We left the office, and as we went into the hallway towards the elevator, my daughter was profusely apologizing. And, well, I just didn't care. I told her I knew I wasn't handling the moment well.... but come on! Then she felt horrible and wanted to go back in, and I said no dice. "They told you that was it! They said no more office visits until you go through therapy!" And she was sobbing begging to go back and make it right. And I was crying.
This lovely lady came out of a side office door, and asked us to come into her office. I was immediately mortified. I glanced in her office door and saw the couch, the teddy bears, the boxes of tissues, along with the inspirational quotes on the wall - and I thought to myself "great, the shrink needs to see me now. Awesome" I was absolutely mortified.
I tried to pass, tell her we were fine, we would just be going home. But she insisted, and explained she was the clinic manger. She wanted to talk and find out how she could help.
My daughter gladly stormed into her office, so I had no choice. And I was quickly feeling like the worst mom ever.
The woman (I wish I caught her name), talked us through what was going on, and asked me if I would allow her to give Olivia another chance at getting her shots. I figured, what a waste of time, but whatever. She seemed confident, I knew there was no way, but why not really prove to her how crazy the situation is.
I just could not stop crying; between frustration, exhaustion, embarrassment... I was a mess.
She brought back the same MA that had already spent an hour trying to give my daughter her vaccines. They talked strategy, they came up with a plan.
So... long story short. It took another hour, but my kiddo got her vaccines! And she walked out proud with her head high. And I walked out still crying but for so many other reasons.
I am so grateful to this clinic. I have no idea where these ladies get their patience from, but they are saints.
I really respect their "consent only" policy with shots. And I am so grateful that they did not give up on my girl.
This is the best in the business, and a very safe place to take your children.