All About Bryan and Dylan

Since early this year, Bryan had developed a fear for his PD. Each time he sees his PD, he’ll get a painful jab on his bum-bum or his upper arm. And it is made worse as this year he was admitted to the hospital twice.

Blood samples are required both times and during his stay, he gets his antibiotics via IV. So poor boy had to go through the experinece of having 2- 3 nurses to wrap him up in a sheet and hold him down so that the PD can insert the needles for blood samples & for the IV. *sakit hati-nya*

So it is no wonder that the mere mention of “Dr Sim” brings fear to him. In fact at the hospital, he would cry whenever any stranger - nurse/ cleaner walks into the room. So I had to made sure that he stays in a private room to minimize the number of strangers that will come into the room. Otherwise, the poor boy will be crying non stop.

We had to take him for his Hepatitis A jab this month, and I was worried that it will again be a scary experience for him.

So I tried to use Charlotte’s mommy’s technique on Bryan. I had bought the Dr’s play set for Bryan for months, but he was not very interested in the set.

About 2 weeks before the vaccination appointment, I play the Dr’s set with him almost everyday. I would show him how Dr Sim will use the stethoscope on him, how he will check his ears, mouth, etc.

At first, Bryan would say…”Dr Sim, tah- tah (beat)” or “Dr Sim, mai-mai (no)”

And i would correct him by explaining to him that Dr Sim sayang him and Dr Sim check-check so that Bryan will be well and not be sick. He understands the definition of “being sick” so I guess eventually he understands that Dr Sim is not really a bad guy.

Anyway, yesterday was his vaccination appointment. Again in the morning before we left, i let him play with the Dr’s set. I let him check me, check my mom, and even his teddy bears.

When we arrived at the hospital, he did not protest when we took him to the waiting room. And he recognized Dr Sim’s office, because he pointed to the door, and said “Dr Sim”

He did not start crying or run away, which is an accomplishment in itself, but I could see fear in his eyes. We waited about 45 mins for our turn though my SIL had helped me drop the registration card about 3 hours ago. Yes, that’s how popular the PD is.

While we were waiting outside, I took Bryan for walks around the waiting area to distract him and he happily pointed and named the different cartoon/ animal characters on the wall. He even had to go to the toilet twice to wee-wee (yup, he was diaperless the whole trip).

Then…TENG TENG TENG….it was our turn.

Bryan walked in bravely into the PD’s room. I asked him to say “Hello Dr Sim.” and he did, albeit softly.

Then i seated him on my lap. The PD had to make a short phone call and while he was on the phone, Bryan imitated what the PD was saying on the phone for a short while.

Then he noticed the huge Barney doll nearby and he wanted to play with that. Then he saw the weighing station and he wants to get on that as well. So the nurse came and weighed him…12.2kg, and he cooperated fully. (the last time he was there, about 1.5 mths ago, he was wailing loudly and refused to get on the weighing machine).

After that, I took out a plastic rocking horse and let him play with that. As he was happily rocking himself, the PD finished his telephone conversation, and he begin his examinations on Bryan. He used the stethoscope on Bryan and checked his ear and body temperature. And all the while, Bryan did not resist at all. Then Bryan noticed a McD toy cup on a saucer which can spin and spin. So i took that for him and let him play with it.

Finally, it is time for the vaccination. The nurse asked me to carry Bryan on my lap, and I let him hold the toy McD cup in one hand. Then the nurse held the other arm, and the PD administered the vaccination.

And surprise surprise to all of us in the room. Bryan did not cry at all. He had a slight pained fearful look in his eyes, but no cries at all. Even the nurse was surprised and she kept saying…”Wow you are a very very good boy today, very very good.” and she made the thumbs up sign many many times to Bryan.

The PD was also happy because Bryan has earned the reputation of crying & screaming non-stop each time he sees him. (psst…in his last visit, he cried till vomit)

So as a reward, I told Bryan to ask for some stickers from the PD. And the PD was more than happy to give him the stickers. ( now the car window on Bryan’s side has stickers all over)
My parents were with me at the visit, and all of us were so proud of Bryan!

Bravo Bryan!!!