3/11/1999
Thursday

Daniel's Good Idea

1:05 p.m. Matthew does have an ear infection, according to Dr. Connick, the pediatrician we saw yesterday afternoon. The last time he needed an antibiotic, Dr. Jennings prescribed the generic version of Bactrim. Maybe because it was a generic or perhaps the CVS pharmacist did not dilute the mixture enough when filling the script, but the formulation was thick and viscous, hard to pour into the measuring spoon and unpleasant for Matthew to swallow. I ended up diluting each dose with a little juice in order to get him to take it. This time I asked for chewable tablets, and Dr. Connick prescribed amoxicillin. After some initial resistance from Matthew, he has complied with chewing a tablet at each meal. He seems much better already today though he has only had three doses.

It was sad to see the staff at the Lawrenceville HIP center for what will probably be the last time. They will close for good on March 31. Yesterday I dropped off five release forms, one for each of us, so that we can obtain copies of our medical records to give to our new docs. We're signing up with Oxford because:

  • it is affordable
  • my former HIP internist and gynecologist both accept Oxford
  • it has the lowest monthy cost of any of the plans the university offers
  • we won't have to submit claim forms
  • it is affordable
  • a friend of mine who experienced a catastrophic illness last year has Oxford, and she was very pleased with the coverage and the quality of care she received
  • it is affordable
  • the copayment is only $10 per visit, except for the annual physicals which are free
    •

    And did I mention it is affordable? The only scary thing about going with Oxford is that I remember hearing some time ago that it also was having fiscal problems. I hope Oxford doesn't go the way of HIP.

    7:35 p.m. I'm taking a few minutes to write while Tab is giving the boys a bath. As soon as the twins get to bed, I'll need to start working on the Prakash sample pages for the Press. I've fallen behind on at least one deadline, and I need to get back in the groove.

    Tonight when we were leaving to pick up Tab, Amber, our young, whippersnapper cat, escaped out the front door. We found her on the street, and sometimes the lure of the wild is too much for her to resist. She dashed immediately for a car parked in the driveway next door and hid underneath it. I could see her but not reach her, and I had no earthly idea how to get her out.

    I turned to Daniel and asked, "What do you think, Dans?"

    He thought for a split second, then said, "I know! I'll get the string she like to play with!"

    Sure enough, when I dragged the string seductively along the ground in front of the car, Amber couldn't resist the chase. I managed to grab hold of her, brought her inside, and tossed her down into the cellar so she couldn't attempt another escape when we returned home. Daniel was very proud of himself for coming up with the winning strategy, and I congratulated him for his idea.


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