Work Text:
Student: Dolcio Cioccolata
Supervisor: Dr. Angelo Romano
Sapienza University of Rome
Pediatric Internship (1987-1988)
Bambino Gesú Pediatric Hospital
Observations:
7/5/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 2y 6m
The first thing they told me about you when I arrived, was that you were late at everything. At talking, at walking, as if every milestone somehow escaped you. Where do I even begin with you? You shy away from everything and everyone. You're malnourished. I picked you up the other day and I'm certain I've held newborns heavier than you. You look so fragile, but in reality, you're a storm. All of the nurses dread holding you, and those who must, have bite-marks to tell the tale. Blood work with you used to be a nightmare, but I think we've warmed up to each other at last. At least you don't cry at the sight of me anymore. It must be frustrating not to be able to express yourself with words. It would most definitely make work with you a lot easier too if you talked, but you insist on not giving us a peep. What I'm more concerned about is the fact that you don't seem to put on any weight at all, so I'm starting to consider genetic factors. I couldn't find much information on you, which can be a problem in the long run, if your biological parents have any conditions. Come Monday, I'll start you on a high-calorie diet and measure your weight again in another week, to see if we get any results.
You do enjoy candy though. That you have an appetite for.
8/6/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 2y 7m
You still aren't a confident walker, despite nearing your third year. You took a tumble yesterday and hit your jaw, refusing any further attempts as you sobbed and cried, so I'm giving you a break for now. I will be ruling out muscle hypotonia, since you stand on your feet just fine when I hold you up, and sometimes you even stand on your own when I let go. Your X-RAYs came out fine too. Rather, you seem to lack motivation to walk or perhaps hadn't been encouraged enough prior to my arrival. I learned that you've been in this hospital since you were born, and haven't left since. You're like a lost puppy nobody is looking for, so I'm not surprised you haven't been given the attention you require to reach your milestones. To your credit, you're a pretty good crawler, fast too. Nurse Alice calls you "little spider" and I can't say I blame her. We haven't made significant progress with talking either, but you seem to find the pictures on the animal flashcards interesting at least. Particularly that of the mole.
17/7/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 2y 8m
Who would have thought we have a lover of the arts in our hands? You still won't walk on your own, but you'll jump up and down with glee at the sound of the vinyl Dr. Abella brought in the other day. I was told the band is "Oasis" and the tune you love so much is called "Rock N' Roll Star". I'll keep it in mind for the next time you're fussing during check-ups.
I also got you to say your name today. I suppose you're thrilled at the sound of your own voice, because you kept pointing at yourself and exclaim "Secco!" for at least ten minutes. We'll have to work on expanding your vocabulary a bit, but getting you to finally say something was today's victory.
20/7/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 2y 8m
Our new fight with you is vaccinations. And here I thought you'd hopefully be used to needles by now, after I purposefully showed them to you a lot and even had you feel them on your skin with the cap on. Turns out you had missed quite a few of your shots; that's no good. It further affirms my conviction that you're a typical case of neglect. Even by the hospital itself. I couldn't put my finger on what ever was your case exactly, other than your parents not being in the picture, but after two months in my care, I found out that the lady who comes by occasionally is a social worker, not a relative of yours. I should've known, alas the nurses don't prove to be very helpful when it comes to you.
You poor thing, it's like you're everybody's afterthought, aren't you?
30/8/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 2y 9m
It's been assessed and confirmed that you're fully capable of walking and talking, you just choose not to. You're such a curious case. You'd rather crawl around and babble incoherently, than sit upright and use your words. And then you get frustrated when we don't understand you. Secco, such a fun little patient. Everyday is a new adventure with you, is it not? Some of your teeth are still coming in, so your biting problem has only worsened. Nurse Alice won't dare to lay a finger on you, much less carry you, so I'm left to care for you. You tried biting me the other day, but you know better than actually doing it. I got you some teething toys and miraculously you decided to let us off easy for now. You haven't been socialized properly, so that could explain why you resort to hostile behaviours when faced with something you don't like. I'll see if I have time to take you to the toddler ward on the upper floor tomorrow. There's gotta be some kids your age there, and since you're all set with your vaccinations, hopefully you'll make some friends. Maybe you'll even find motivation to talk normally too.
7/11/1988
Secco Rottario, M, 3y
Happy birthday, Secco. It's your third birthday and coincidentally my last day at this hospital. I wasn't expecting to stay here forever of course, Pediatrics really isn't my calling, although I have to admit our time together has been insightful. Looking back all these months ago, you were a frail, antisocial, hissing and biting creature, and now... you haven't changed much, but you've gained weight and can walk five steps, before choosing to resume crawling like an animal. I heard from your social worker that you're about to be sent to a foster home, so you also won't have to stay here for much longer. Isn't that fun?
I wish you good luck, Secco.