What's up Doc?

Following a few weeks of listless behaviour, a loss of appetite, and a regular change of facial colour, an appointment was made, via our GP, to see a specialist at Alder Hey children's hospital, and finally discover why our exuberant 7 year old has lost her sparkle of late. Whilst apprehensive at the possible outcome of our visit, (over-reaction being the cornerstone of parenting) it is always a pleasure to go as it restores one's faith in human nature. Each child receives attention and care of the highest order, and I have nothing but the upmost respect for all of the staff there. The other wonderful aspect of having an appointment there is the knowledge that your name will be called close to the appointment time, as waiting time is kept to a bare  minimum. Sadly the same cannot be said of adult hospitals where you can wait so long to be seen that you forget why you are there in the first place, (a cunning ploy perhaps?.) 

Anyhow, back to Alder Hey and, as predicted, they were waiting for us at exactly the appointment time we had been given. 5 minutes of questioning and probing later and the doctor cleared his throat and prepared to deliver his diagnosis. Both Jane and myself braced ourselves for the news, with tears gently welling up in our eyes. But what followed was to amaze and astonish us both as he informed us that Ellie was suffering from Severe fatigue Syndrome, as a result of a virus she had just before Xmas. For the first time in my life I almost argued back as I could scarcely believe my ears. I kept my counsel however and listened intently as he explained to us what we must do next. "You must ease her back into her routine gently," he explained, "And you mustn't make her do anything she doesn't want to." During our appointment Ellie had been doing her best to look ill, and her face carried an expression that demanded sympathy. I swear however that there was a glint in her eye as the doctor was advising us, as she saw an opportunity to do nothing for the foreseeable future. He also said he would write to us with an appointment to see the Chronic Fatigue Team. My mind immediatley pictured a clinic full of people wearing white coats asleep at their desks. After a blood test, during which she showed bravery way beyond her years, we left and headed home. Whilst happy that there was nothing  serious going on in her young body, we couldn't help feeling a bit surprised at the outcome. But who are we to argue??? The concern about her illness has gone, replaced with a worry about how we will get her to do anything ever again. She was wily enough before the Doctor gave her permission to withdraw even further. Thanks Doc, your a pal!.