Published: August 30, 2008 12:45 pm            

The red panic button

Families have been devastated.

Neighbors are worried about the sick.

Churches are gathered in prayer.

The recent outbreak has rocked our community to its core. It seems we all know at least one person or family who has been affected by it.

The fear and not knowing has caused many of us to repeat rumors that do nothing more than fuel the flaming fire of panic. I too was nearly brought to tears by someone who had no sense of self control during a trip to a physician’s office this week.

My son, who is 13 months old, and I took a relative to the doctor for a completely unrelated visit. While there, the thought crossed my mind that maybe I shouldn’t have brought him. I dismissed the thought and went on about my day. It wasn't until I visited with a nurse in the office that fear raised its ugly head and brought with it the bright red panic button.

She told me how amazed she was that parents are brining their kids to the

doctor's office while all of this is going on. She continued with how contagious the infection is and tells us about a patient, someone I happened to know, who is going on kidney dialysis.

Now, instead of telling us how to prevent my son from getting sick, or explaining how the bacteria spreads, she went on to tell me her own stomach had been hurting and she was not feeling very well. She also said the office has been so short handed that they have not even had time to wipe down the waiting room.

Before she leaves, she does take time to ask me not to tell the doctor that she discussed any of that.

At this point, I’m near tears, feeling like the worst mom in the world for bringing my son along. Not sure what to do, I grab the wet wipes and immediately start cleaning my son’s hands and face. You see, while we waited to go back to the exam room my son played with the toys and books in the office. Toys and books that other kids had surely played with that day. Since he’s still learning to walk, he also held on to the chairs in the waiting room to steady himself. Chairs affected people might have sat in, had their hands on.

By this time, I feel a full panic forming in my gut. I think ‘oh no, I’ve made my son sick. I was so scared that he too would be overcome by E-coli. Okay, so you’re reading this shaking your head, thinking how silly. Or maybe you’re judging me for taking him with me. I admit it was probably foolish to take him but in my defense I thought the bacteria spread by people not washing their hands after using the toilet.  

After my relative’s visit with the doctor was complete, I asked the doctor if it was a mistake to have brought my son. The doctor kindly explained how the infection is spread and told me to make sure and wash his hands and mine. No dooms day announcement and no pushing of the panic button.

Feeling relieved, I left the office without telling the doctor about the nurse. But after a lot of thought, I decided she shouldn’t have disclosed any of that information and I should have told the doctor.

First, in my opinion it was unethical for her to scare me. I’m not sure, but isn’t rule number one in the medical profession, do no harm? Isn’t it harmful to create fear and panic?

Secondly, it was very unprofessional for her to tell me about a patient’s condition or if they were going to be put on dialysis. Even if I asked her who it was, she should never have told me. What about confidentiality?

Third, I personally feel she should never use her position to scare people. She should use her position to educate. By educating the public you help them understand the situation and how to stay safe.

Lastly, I feel she knew she was wrong for repeating any of what she told me or she wouldn't have asked me not to tell the doctor. That should have been my first red flag.

I guess the whole point of this is I feel medical professionals, from the receptionist to the doctor, have an obligation to heal and protect. Not scare and panic. It is their responsibility to keep patient information confidential at all times. It is also their responsibility to educate.

I felt much better after visiting with the doctor and I am being cautious just in case.

After my trip to the doctors office I began to really put the whole situation into perspective. It wasn’t just a story. I wasn’t something happening to someone else. I began to get a little more understanding of what the families are going through. I don’t pretend to know how they feel, but I do know they need our help.

I wondered what can I possibly do to help them. The only thing I can really do is pray. So please join me. Please pray for those who are sick. Pray for their families.

I also think it is important to remember the family of Chad Ingle. He lost is life during this outbreak. If we do

nothing else, let us pray for those he left behind.

        

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