DEAR ABBY: When I take my children to the pediatrician, we are usually there for one reason -- flu-like symptoms, stomachache, etc. Sometimes my child will happen to have another ailment, like a sore ankle or a fever blister.
I don't feel comfortable bringing up additional issues with our doctor because when I do, I get the "evil eye" from him -- like he's only there to help with the one reason for our visit.
Is it appropriate to talk to the doctor about several medical problems in one visit, or only stick to the issue at hand? -- IN A QUANDARY, KETTERING, OHIO
DEAR IN A QUANDARY: If you are asked by the person who takes the appointment why you're bringing your child in, and you reply that your child has flu-like symptoms or a stomachache, the person will block you in for a certain amount of time with the doctor. If, after your child has been examined, you start talking about the sore ankle, the fever blister, etc., what you're interpreting as the "evil eye" may be stress because the necessary amount of time was not allotted and the doctor will be behind schedule for the rest of the day.
If, however, you feel the doctor is insensitive or not meeting your child's needs, then you should change doctors.