The (Mis)Adventures of Dr. D

Petite Pedia Plots #159 As part of asthma prevention,  we often ask about known triggers of the attacks. I asked the parents of an asthma suspect patient, “May curtains and carpet po ba sa bahay?” Reply: “Wala po.” Me: “Mga stuffed toys po?” Reply: “Wala din po.” Me: “Mga alagang hayop po?” Reply: “Wala po pero yung kapitbahay po namin...” Me: “May alagang hayop po yung kapitbahay?” Reply (said with so much emotion): “Hindi, doc.  Hayop lang talaga yung kapitbahay namin umasta!”

Petite Pedia Plots #158 While doing rounds on a patient, the mother told me that her child has a stomach ache and vomits every time the antibiotic is given through the IV.  “Dra, as soon as nilalagay yung antibiotic sa swero, nagsusuka yung anak ko. Yung IV antibiotic na nga ata yung sinusuka ng anak ko eh.” #parangstrawlanganganak 

Petite Pedia Plots #157 Ever heard of the “Alphabet Round Song”? My 2 year old patient just sang it.  It goes “A - B - C - D - E - F - G ... - X - Y - Z. Now I know my A - B - C - D - E - F ....” and on and on it goes.  

Petite Pedia Plots #156 I found out that the parents of a patient were both from Batangas and lived just blocks away from each other.  Me: “So, childhood sweethearts kayo?” Mom (said with a little angst): “Naku, ang nililigawan niya nung una ay pinsan ko, Dra.” Dad sheepishly answers, “Wag na natin balikan ang nakaraan, Mommy.”  #meandmybigmouth #mayoutsidethekulambonanamandahilkaydra

Daughter Duties #58 My Mom lost weight over the years due to aging and diabetes.  So, she has been very happy wearing clothes that I have outgrown or ones that she used to fit in when I was much younger. Today, she was proudly showing off a dress from years before.  In fairness, it looked good on her. I couldn’t help and say, “Mom, ang tanda na ng damit na yan ha.” Mom: “Aba, hindi pa ‘to luma ha.  Bago pa ‘to. Kakasuot ko lang nito nung graduation mo.” Dad (sarcastically grinning): “Kelan, nung graduation niya pa sa UP pre-med?” And then it hit me. I suddenly realized when she last wore it: “Mom, suot niyo yan nung graduation ko nung ..... GRADE SCHOOL  pa!!!!”

Petite Pedia Plots #155 Saw a very shy 5 year old in the clinic.  Mom said school has improved his social skills a lot. Me: “Do you enjoy going to school?” Child: “Yes!” Me: “Do you have a lot of friends there?” Child: “Yes, I have 10!” Me: “Oh wow! That’s a lot.  What are their names?” Child: “There’s Jeric, Emman, Roman, Ironman, Spiderman, Batman ...” I could only grin and say, “Aside from being shy, he also has great imagination!”

Petite Pedia Plots #154 I haven’t seen this patient for several months and his Mom and I just correspond through SMS. Finally, they get a chance to visit the clinic.  Mom tells me the little boy and his sister were  very excited  to see me. Mom told me that just before going to the clinic, the boy asked her to please buy me “starbucks”. However, Mom wasn’t sure if I drink coffee at all so she decided to buy me food instead.  When he entered the room, I got an enthusiastic hug.  And after the visit, he shyly gave this to me. You make my heart full, Prince Elsa.  Tita Doc loves you too.