Waiting on the Mysterious EEG Report: A Medical Cliffhanger

Today I had another thrilling episode of Doctors Struggle More Than I Do. Noah had an EEG over three weeks ago after a seizure during ESY this summer. Since then, I have called and emailed like an overcaffeinated detective, only to be told the results are still “in process.” Apparently “in process” means locked in a vault guarded by dragons.

After some friendly but firm encouragement from my dear friend Danielle, I decided enough was enough. I called the hospital and finally reached a human who assured me the test had now been marked “urgent.” A neurologist should be looking at it today. I should hear from Noah’s doctor soon. (Insert dramatic music here.)

The problem is Noah cannot tell me if his head hurts, if he is dizzy, or if he feels like a marching band is rehearsing in his brain. I do not know if this seizure was a one-time event or a signal that something else is going on. I took him to the pediatrician the day it happened, the neurologist the very next day, and scheduled the EEG within a week. Now here I am six weeks later, still chasing answers like a contestant on a game show where the prize is basic medical information.

Teachers, behavioral therapists, and I have worked with Noah on identifying his feelings. Occasionally he will say his head or ear hurts, but most of the time I get no clue at all. It is like playing charades with very high stakes.

For now, I wait. Because clearly, patience is not only a virtue, it is a mandatory skill when dealing with hospitals.

Have you ever had to chase down medical results like you were in a marathon you never signed up for?

Noah’s face when he realizes homework arrives faster than EEG results.