It has only been 3 days into my paediatric posting and I am feeling down and depressed, on one hand, yet tremendously grateful on the other. In fact, I am rather convinced paeds are not my cup of tea, and I certainly hope this discipline would not be my calling. I struggled to keep my professional composure at work and found it challenging to cope with the emotional roller coaster ride the moment I am out of the hospital.
I love children and I think they are beautiful gifts from God. So it pains my heart to see the little ones suffering. Oh, I forgot to mention I am posted to paeds surgical ward. Looking at infants or toddlers born with congenital conditions and hoping for a chance to lead a normal life post surgery is heart wrenching. Of course there are a handful of them who are admitted for minor conditions and their speedy recovery plus angelic laughter are a joy to many.
However, there is this one child who makes my heart ache even at this very moment. She was admitted for second degree burns (scalded by boiling water) due to abuse/negligence. My heart sank the moment I saw her. Wrapped up like an ancient Egyptian mummy, I could tell she is about the munchkins’ age. The quiet child, who refused to talk for the first 2 days, finally opened up and answered my few questions yesterday after I gave her Princess and Thomas & Friends stickers. Later on, she cried softly when we wheeled her for dressing change. After coaxing her, I promised to get her some Strawberry Shortcake stickers today. And I hope these little items would bring pain relieve and joy to her on her journey to recovery.
I spoke briefly about her condition to the munchkins last night. Told them about her burns and the fact that no one truly cares for her (I have not seen any visitors except for police officers and social workers). En graciously (lived up to her name) offer to give the girl her Thomas & Friends piano while Xuan fret over which of her favourite toys to give away. In the end, I chose a ball which changes colour when it is thrown in the air, and asked if Xuan would like to give away the ball. She nodded with a smiley face and that warms my heart.
So now, I’ll have to go pack the stickers and toys in a nice paper bag and get ready for work. Keep praying for me too, that nothing will happen at work that I'd be unable to handle. Thank you!
8 comments:
Hi,
I chanced upon your blog and was sad to read about the little child suffering from burns. I can't imagine a parent doing this to a little kid. This is so sad. I hope she recovers soon (physically and emotionally) and will not be traumatised for life.
I too have twins (fraternal) and an older child.
Hi Sin Yee
I'm sorry I'll have to remove your comment due to patient's privacy. Hope you'll understand. :)
Faith
Hi Olivia
Thanks for "dropping by" my blog. I believe no parents in their right frame of mind would do harm to their kids, so I feel really sorry for the parents as well. Anyway, the little child had been discharged after a month in the hospital. I too pray she'll recover emotionally from the ordeal soon.
Are you a full time mommy? 3 kids including twins must be really tough to handle! How old are your twins?
God bless!
Faith
Never mind, Faith, I understand, did you say that the little child had been discharged after a month in the hospital.
If yes, I'm glad to hear this news...
God Bless!
Poor child.. While my son was in the hospital I met a little boy that was born with a physical deformity and couldn't speak. I felt so sad for the poor thing because you can tell from the look in his eyes that he was sad and miserable. In the 2 days we stayed at the hospital I didn't see anyone visit the poor thing at all.
I can't handle those things emotionally...
A paediatrician has to treat children like dear one. Children that are frequently abused are usually fearful. The way you treated this abused child is quite exemplary.
I thought it was a good exercise you did to ask the girls to give something of theirs away... talk about teaching empathy huh :)
I've an older boy and a pair of twins too! :) came by your blog from A Husband's Voice...
Hi everyone
Just for your information, I received news from the medical social worker that the child had been discharged and placed in foster care. The social worker sees her when she is due for review at the hospital. The physical scars healed well, and the child is happy and laughs quite a fair bit now. Thank God!
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