We're Finished!

After years of appointments, tests, and procedures at both the Stollery and Children's Hospitals, we made what will hopefully be our last trip EVER to the Children's Hospital this week where after a brief appointment, my 9 year old was discharged from the care of her Pediatric Gastroenterologist. She is following her curves on the growth charts. Just over the 50th percentile for height and finally moved up just a hair above the 10th percentile for weight. Unfortunately the doctor identified a benign genetic condition, Gilbert's Syndrome, also known as constitutional hepatic dysfunction and familial nonhemolytic jaundice, which explains how yellow she is sometimes. It could also be the cause of some of her stomach pain.

I can't stress two things enough: how thankful I am for all the specialized, free care she has received over the years. Yes, I know, I pay taxes. But honestly I think what we've paid just covers what we've used. And we never had to produce big chunks of it at once or pay co-pays or give a second thought to whether we could afford to take her to the doctor or not. It has not bankrupt us as a family. What a wonderful country we live in that values the right of everyone to receive healthcare, regardless of their ability to pay. We cannot take that for granted and must be ever vigilant in protecting the erosion of our Universal Healthcare system.

Secondly I'm so thankful for all those healthcare professionals that made it possible for my sweet little child to be sitting happily at the computer and singing while she plays Minecraft this morning. The doctors, from general practitioners, to pediatritions, to her two excellent pediatric gastroenterologists. The nurses and anesthesiologists from her gastroscopies. Clinic nurses, pediatric dieticians, occupational therapists, lab technicians, radiologists. This doesn't even include those essential but overlooked people such as porters, cleaners and medical equipment cleaners. The list could go on and on.

All this for the price of parking.