Chapter 6 - NOAH’S DOCTOR
Dr. Hannah Reed was Noah’s pediatric pulmonologist.
Evelyn hated her.
Not personally.
Professionally.
Dr. Reed believed parents should follow written treatment plans rather than internet theories.
Evelyn called that “medicine by spreadsheet.”
Dr. Reed reviewed the claims that I overtreated Noah.
His medication history did not support them.
Prescriptions matched expected use.
Hospital visits were medically appropriate.
No excessive emergency utilization.
No unnecessary steroids beyond documented plans.
No evidence I fabricated symptoms.
In fact, Dr. Reed had written earlier:
Mother appropriately attentive to respiratory distress; anxiety acknowledged but does not appear to interfere with adherence.
I cried when I read it.
Not because I needed a doctor to certify my motherhood.
Because Evelyn’s narrative had entered my head.
I had started questioning myself.
Was I too vigilant?
Did I make Noah anxious?
Did my fear worsen his fear?
Some answers were yes.
My therapist and I had worked on that.
But imperfection was not unfitness.
That distinction became central.
Dr. Reed also reviewed Evelyn’s actions.
Her conclusion was clinical.
Delaying prescribed rescue therapy during active symptoms can increase risk and contradicts the child’s asthma action plan.
No dramatic accusation.
May you like
No emotional language.
Exactly what the case needed.
