October 22nd 2010
Today we had our visit with development services called complex care at Children's that I have been very much looking forward to. After checking in and sitting down I looked around the room at the other children. Children that were very severely handicapped and will never be out of the care of their parents or able to live on there own. Couldn't feed themselves, would never graduate from college, get a job, get married or be able to have children. Children in wheelchairs with trecs. This CAN'T be the right place for MY daughter! It just can't be. Erin, who looks perfectly normal, interacts with us, smiles, eats and sleeps well is not going to end up this handicapped. I just can't accept that outcome. I am still of the mind set that she will grow out of her development delays and then they send us to a place like this? It was a huge reality check/wake up call that I didn't want to let penetrate because then it's as if she really won't be that bad off. I still believe with enough prayers and time she will advance and be a normal kid.
We were called into the office and met someone who I think is going to be a very important part of our lives for the next few years. Dr. Laurie warmly greeted us and sat down and gave us a thorough interview regarding Erin and her developmental/medical history then proceeded to her physical exam. After everything was discussed she said she wanted to see how she progressed in the next 3 months and re-evaluate her progress. Once we saw how she advanced she would have a better idea/plan for Erin. I was happy with that outcome because if she sent us out with another list of doctor's to see that would've been worse than "ok, see you in 3 months!" So we go home and see how it goes!
Overall I was very pleased to meet someone who will finally help us navigate through this process with the best possible outcome and resources for Erin and our family. I feel hopeful and am optimistic about the future. Thank you Dr. Laurie! You are everything I hoped you would be and more!
Erin Rock'n Piggies!
2 years Old
Friday, October 22, 2010
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Children's Hospital...again!
Tomorrow we have a visit with a special needs coordinator to discuss Erin's developmental delays and to see if we can get plugged into the system to get some help for her. I am actually looking forward to it. It's lonely having a child with developmental delays when all of your friends children are excelling and thriving. Don't get me wrong! I am very happy that they are, but they don't understand how upsetting it is to see your child roll around on the floor struggling to sit up flailing around from side to side and finally giving up because she relents.
Erin's Developmental Journey
I have started a medical journal for after each of Erin's Dr. appts. to keep everything in order for future appt.s with other specialist.
It's mostly for me but I'm posting it as notes to keep friends and family informed who are following Erin's progress.
September 30th, 2010
15 month Visit
Weight 19.65
Height 29"
After a very thorough 2 hour visit with Dr. A the following issues were discussed: Vaccines, global development, spit up, height, weight, head size; nutrition and potentially working with a special needs coordinator for possible support equipment to assist Erin.
Spit up: Her spit up is being contributed to her overall soft muscle tone so her esophagus muscle isn't closing as tight as it would if she had regular muscle tone. This is causing spit up especially upon position changing. Because she is not experiencing any aspiration, choking, discomfort they didn't find it concerning. Keeping her elevated as much as possible will help.
Vaccines: (Flu shot 1 of 2), Dip, Polio, Hib - follow up made for 2nd Flu shot in series.
Next visit in 3 months for 18 months appt.
Hips: Tomorrow we have an appt. at Holy Family to have her hips scanned for potential congenital hip disorder to rule that out. It's not an x-ray but more of a screening.
Nutrition: Dr. gave us a referral for a pediatric nutritionist; this is just informative and not a top priority at this time because her weight is perfect for her height so her spit up is not causing any kind of malnutrition.
Because she has more than one issue he recommended working with a special needs coordinator to help me keep everything in order. We will address this after Kate is born. Not top priority for this next month.
Neurology/Development: Erin's pediatric neurology appt. is Oct 5th at Children's in Boston followed by genetics in November. Dr. A. said to ask the pediatric neuro if they feel Erin could benefit in any special chairs/strollers to help with her lack of muscle tone.
Hopefully I won't be in labor or induced on the 4th otherwise my husband will be taking her on the 5th by himself because we had to wait 3 months for this appt. The only wrinkle will be if they want to induce on the 4th because then Sean won't be able to take her if I'm in mid labor. I will be really pushing for induction on the 5th so we don't have to miss her appt.
Happy that we have some more information, direction and potential options for her. God has given us this beautiful child to care for so I'm not letting this get me down. We will address all her needs as they come the best we can and continue to love and nurture this little angel to help her reach her full potential.
Prayers and continued support for Erin is always appreciated.
It's mostly for me but I'm posting it as notes to keep friends and family informed who are following Erin's progress.
September 30th, 2010
15 month Visit
Weight 19.65
Height 29"
After a very thorough 2 hour visit with Dr. A the following issues were discussed: Vaccines, global development, spit up, height, weight, head size; nutrition and potentially working with a special needs coordinator for possible support equipment to assist Erin.
Spit up: Her spit up is being contributed to her overall soft muscle tone so her esophagus muscle isn't closing as tight as it would if she had regular muscle tone. This is causing spit up especially upon position changing. Because she is not experiencing any aspiration, choking, discomfort they didn't find it concerning. Keeping her elevated as much as possible will help.
Vaccines: (Flu shot 1 of 2), Dip, Polio, Hib - follow up made for 2nd Flu shot in series.
Next visit in 3 months for 18 months appt.
Hips: Tomorrow we have an appt. at Holy Family to have her hips scanned for potential congenital hip disorder to rule that out. It's not an x-ray but more of a screening.
Nutrition: Dr. gave us a referral for a pediatric nutritionist; this is just informative and not a top priority at this time because her weight is perfect for her height so her spit up is not causing any kind of malnutrition.
Because she has more than one issue he recommended working with a special needs coordinator to help me keep everything in order. We will address this after Kate is born. Not top priority for this next month.
Neurology/Development: Erin's pediatric neurology appt. is Oct 5th at Children's in Boston followed by genetics in November. Dr. A. said to ask the pediatric neuro if they feel Erin could benefit in any special chairs/strollers to help with her lack of muscle tone.
Hopefully I won't be in labor or induced on the 4th otherwise my husband will be taking her on the 5th by himself because we had to wait 3 months for this appt. The only wrinkle will be if they want to induce on the 4th because then Sean won't be able to take her if I'm in mid labor. I will be really pushing for induction on the 5th so we don't have to miss her appt.
Happy that we have some more information, direction and potential options for her. God has given us this beautiful child to care for so I'm not letting this get me down. We will address all her needs as they come the best we can and continue to love and nurture this little angel to help her reach her full potential.
Prayers and continued support for Erin is always appreciated.
Monday, July 28, 2008
Oh Boy, Elevated Thyroid and Prolactin Levels!
So I am just a tad freaked out...early today I just received a phone call from my doctor - that's never usually a good thing. Normally, if all is well with your bloodwork or appointment you don't hear back from them, you just receive your insurance statement and move on. Not the case!
My OBG called to tell me that my bloodwork showed an elevated thyroid and prolactin levels (whatever the Heck that means!) and to make an appointment with my primary doctor as soon as possible, again NOT happy fun words! I have no idea what this means medically, but I DO KNOW, it means more bloodwork - one of my absolute biggest fears and dreadful deeds ever.
I have a feeling I may be getting over it sooner than I think. I was told you have your thyroid levels checked frequently once you get put on meds and once you become pregnant even more regularly - Oh Joy! Conveniently I had an appt. with a new doctor already scheduled for Friday afternoon. Hopefully all will be sorted out and corrected without anymore scary tests and additional bloodwork...
All I want is a baby people ~ count your blessings to all your woman that just get pregnant when your husband breathes on you. I know I need to do whatever is needed to manage this situation because it mentioned various dangers if you get pregnant without fixing this problem. Please keep me in your prayers and ask the Lord to heal me so I can go forth and multiple! :o)
My OBG called to tell me that my bloodwork showed an elevated thyroid and prolactin levels (whatever the Heck that means!) and to make an appointment with my primary doctor as soon as possible, again NOT happy fun words! I have no idea what this means medically, but I DO KNOW, it means more bloodwork - one of my absolute biggest fears and dreadful deeds ever.
I have a feeling I may be getting over it sooner than I think. I was told you have your thyroid levels checked frequently once you get put on meds and once you become pregnant even more regularly - Oh Joy! Conveniently I had an appt. with a new doctor already scheduled for Friday afternoon. Hopefully all will be sorted out and corrected without anymore scary tests and additional bloodwork...
All I want is a baby people ~ count your blessings to all your woman that just get pregnant when your husband breathes on you. I know I need to do whatever is needed to manage this situation because it mentioned various dangers if you get pregnant without fixing this problem. Please keep me in your prayers and ask the Lord to heal me so I can go forth and multiple! :o)
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Hurry up and wait...
My doctor asked me to take my basal body temperature each morning at 6AM, regardless of whether I have to pee really really badly I cannot get out of bed until 6 AM so I can take my temperature. The doctor said I must take my temp before stepping out of bed - so that's been fun! I basically think I'm part vampire because each morning my body temperature has been below 98.6 and dropping. This morning it was 97.2 ??? If this keeps up I'll be frozen by Thanksgiving!
On a happy note; a huge feat was accomplished yesterday. A person was able to get blood out of my body! My doctor told me I had to go and get my hormone levels checked on the 3rd day of my cycle - so I had no choice. If I'm serious about this baby stuff than I could not show up at her office without having done my part. I worried about it all day until I made my husband bring me to the Quest office. It's been about 8 years since I had a blood test, and I have worried about it each visit to any doctor I've seen. So after much anxiety and worry, I came to the conclusion that I must go get it done and overwith. I basically felt 10 years old again, sitting in the big scary torture blood giving chair that they strap you down to, with my husband by my side reading me a joke from the door to distract me. I cannot believe how much I made of it ~ it was so easy and painless. I know I am going to have to have several when I do get pregnant, so I'm so happy that I found a good and pain free phlebotomist who knows what she is doing. Thank you Elenessa! You have rid me of my fear of the needle...
On a happy note; a huge feat was accomplished yesterday. A person was able to get blood out of my body! My doctor told me I had to go and get my hormone levels checked on the 3rd day of my cycle - so I had no choice. If I'm serious about this baby stuff than I could not show up at her office without having done my part. I worried about it all day until I made my husband bring me to the Quest office. It's been about 8 years since I had a blood test, and I have worried about it each visit to any doctor I've seen. So after much anxiety and worry, I came to the conclusion that I must go get it done and overwith. I basically felt 10 years old again, sitting in the big scary torture blood giving chair that they strap you down to, with my husband by my side reading me a joke from the door to distract me. I cannot believe how much I made of it ~ it was so easy and painless. I know I am going to have to have several when I do get pregnant, so I'm so happy that I found a good and pain free phlebotomist who knows what she is doing. Thank you Elenessa! You have rid me of my fear of the needle...
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