Building Block's: Lily's Medical exam and visit to the People's Hospital

Today was the day we families were scheduled to take the children to the Examination Clinic for a general medical examination required by the American Consulate. All seven families, with strollers being pushed ahead of us, set out from the White Swan Hotel. Today was the first time that Lily had experienced a stroller and she instantly fell in love with it. Her daddy added an engine noise which made it even more exciting. She decided very quickly that this was the way to travel!

After a brief stop for photographs that will be used for the travel visa, we headed to the Clinic. This was the first time we'd seen much of Shaiman Island, and it's a historic and interesting part of the city. On the way we passed a couple of schools where we could hear the melodious voices of children reciting their lessons.

Upon our arrival at the Clinic at 10:00 we learned that it was an exceptionally busy day (50 children already in line for examinations) and were told we would have to return at 2:00.

Since we had the time, our guide Michelle took us to the Peoples' Hospital to have Lily's oxygen level checked and see if we could get an eco-cardiogram of her heart. Both of these were recommended by our pediatrician in Seattle to make sure she was strong enough for the long trip home. Lily's oxygen level was only fair and so we are concerned. Hopefully after getting tomorrow's eco-cardiogram we we will be able to get it sent off to our Seattle pediatrician and get good advice on getting Lily home safely.

We spent about 3 hours at the hospital today, and it was a very eye-opening experience. The hospital was absolutely jammed and everyone had to sit in the stifling heat and wait their turn to see a doctor. As is the Chinese way, aggressive behavior helps ensure that you get what you need and, in this situation, that means trying to cut in line to have your child treated. The hospital was like something out of a forties movie with an institutional look and feel, lines of beds, antiquated equipment, and people smoking everywere. And without our guide we would have been at a total loss since no one speaks English.

But our young doctor was very gracious and helped us as much as the facilitiy could enable her to. She scurried around with us trying four oxygen testing meters before finding one that worked on Lily's tiny fingers. She reminded us of the residents we see scurring around on Grey's Anatomy.

We joined the other familes at 2:00 for the examination. Lots of crying ensued in spite of very gentle prodding and probing. To our great surprise, concerns and questions were expressed to us as to whether we wanted to keep Lily, given her heart condition. We were shocked. We have fallen in love with this beautiful little girl. Changing our minds was never a thought that EVER crossed our minds.

Lily was diagnosed with a weak heart (that was not news to us!) a sore throat, teething pain, and a low fever. The sore throat has gone through the whole group of families this week including both of us. We first thought it was a result of the incredible polluted air, but was probably a bug.

After a very long day it was so good to get Lily back to the hotel room and make her comfortable. She was obviously happy about it too. We thought she'd fall off to sleep. Instead she treated us with two hours of entertainment. Everything she has learned to do the last few days was demonstrated for us, including a couple of new tricks. She has discovered her toes and is looking for places to put them... like in her mouth and in our mouths.

Tomorrow we will go back to the hospital and get the eco-cardiogram.

Thanks for checking in.