9.650

I brought meimei to the clinic last Monday morning to see a doctor for her persistant cough over the past three days. Actually, her cough wasn't very serious but it pained me whenever the little one engaged in one of her phelmy coughing fits like an old woman. Sometimes she would wake up in the middle of the night to cough her lungs out. I waited over the weekend to see if her condition would get better but it did not. Her voice changed and her usual hearty appetite was affected too.

I took her to a pediatrician mainly because we saw her just a fortnight ago for her stomach flu. Actually, I dislike going to her because I feel her clinic is too pro-formula. They display tons of phamphlets from various formula companies and even have packets of milk powder samples to give away on the counter. Nevertheless, I must say the PD seems to be very experienced and confident in her diagnosis albeit not pro-breastfeeding. In my all visits there, I have never heard her utter a single word of encouragement even though she was aware I am a breastfeeding mum.

Coincidentally, husband has an uncle who lived in the same block above the clinic. We ran into him the last time - he said his grandchildren go to the Singapore Baby Clinic at AMK because he felt this doctor is not as 'clever' (in his own words). Not sure what he meant by 'clever' but anyway, there is a Kids' Clinic at Rivervale Mall which is even nearer to our place. I have heard some good feedback on the PD there on the forum. Maybe I will consider going there next time.

Back to the Monday visit - I was horrified to know there were 18 people ahead of me when I arrived. So I decided to go to the nearby Compasspoint to do some shopping. Unfortunately, most shops only opened at 11am. Still, I managed to get some CNY clothes for the girls and hubby. When you are pressed for time, shopping becomes more efficient, I say! I spent about an hour at Compasspoint before I dashed back to the clinic, thinking I was late. But there were six more patients to go and I ended up waiting for another half an hour. Duh! The PD said meimei's cough and runny nose condition was 50% due to virus and 50% due to teething which is causing a lot of saliva to accumulate in her throat. The consultation was over in a less than 5 mins.

The medical damage was worse than my jiffy shopping - $60+ in total; $40 for a less-than-5mins consultation and the rest for 3 sm bottles of medicine (for cough; runny nose; clear chest). Everytime I settle the bill, my heart would be filled with regret - why did I not study harder to be a doctor when I was younger???? Haiz.

I am now wondering if I should have gone to a polyclinic or a GP instead since the wait is equally long. That would mean a savings of at least $30. I really wonder if the medicine prescribed by a PD is 'better' than those prescribed by a GP. Hmmmmmmmm............... :/

P.S. Found out at the clinic meimei weighed 9.650kg. She was 9.325kg about two months back. If all goes well, I think she will hit 10 by her first birthday! Ying Ying did not hit 10 until she was about 18mths. I still remember feeling despondent why she took so long to hit 10!

P.P.S. I later bought my favourite bubble tea at Punggol Plaza and was totally miffed to know that they have jacked up their prices from $1.20 to $1.50 as of that day. That's a 25% increase! In the midst of the on-going recession?!??! I am going to boycott that stall from now onwards and overcome my addiction to bubble tea for good!!!