An open letter to Dr. Grumpy

Dear Dr.Grumpy Grunke,

I feel the need to express my displeasure with the way you handled my phone call last night. I realize that it was three in the morning, it was three here too. I realize you were tired, I was exhausted…in fact, I’ll bet you had more sleep than I did. I realize that you perform forty surgeries a week, but I have only one little boy and he has had only one surgery. I was not hysterical, I was not sobbing uncontrollably, I calmly explained the situation and did not deserve your condescension.

Please keep in mind that I was given a post-op directions sheet to bring home and read. On that sheet, it clearly stated to call if the patient’s temp reached over 102. Therefore, I felt justified in calling when Little J’s fever reached 102.4. I actually had a valid reason to call, I wasn’t just trying to get my jollies by waking you up in the middle of the night. Apparently you disagreed. The response of “It’s post-operative pain, give him codeine and go back to bed.” in an annoyed tone was not quite the reassurance I was looking for. I did not deserve the response “If his temp goes up to 104 and STAYS there, THEN you should be concerned. Then just take him to the ER and don’t call me.”

Our doctor, who performed the operation, has treated us with nothing but care and concern. I can’t imagine that he would approve of your offhanded comments and snotty demeanor. I don’t know if he has a say in who covers his patients when he is away, but we will have a conversation about it at Little J’s follow-up appointment. In the meantime, why don’t YOU try a better bedside manner with a side of compassion. I guarantee it won’t kill you.

Signed,
One Pissed-Off Mother