Medical Stuff

I'm currently feeling overwhelmed....again. Russell, Walter and I all have doctor's appointments consults, follow-ups, surgeries and it goes on.

Russell had eye surgery and ear tubes replaced last week. Tomorrow is his eye doctor follow-up. That was an easy appointment to schedule - they did it for us. For his ear tube follow-up, I had to call Children's Hospital (who is not always easy to get a hold of), wait for a return call, then call Russell's regular ENT and wait for a return call, just to call Children's again.

Don't get me wrong, everyone I've talked to at all the clinics have been great, it's just trying to reach them can be difficult. I've waited on hold for 5 minutes and gave up because I couldn't get anyone. If you are 3rd in line, just hang up. Call around 3:30 - that is when I've had the best luck.

I digress....

Russell is still bottle fed because he can't swallow much. He is finally starting to take some soft/liquid food but not much. We had two tests for that and I think we have to go back. The good news is, all his food is paid for by insurance! We get a lot of similac formula, pedisure, and now "Thick It" to thicken his formula each month.

Next up is neurology for both Russell and Walter. Yup, Walter is getting checked-out too. Since he was born, Walter's body has been very "tense." When he was in the hospital and until he was about a month or so, if you laid him on his back, his hands would shake. While he doesn't shake anymore, and the tenseness is getting better, I want a medical professional to tell me that he will be fine or what we need to do to help him. We think it is withdrawal from one of my medications I was on during the pregnancy. Russell's appointment is the routine check-up to make sure he is developing the way he should be.

Then I have issues with acid reflex, I'll spare you the details, just know it's not pretty or healthy. I almost had surgery but turns out I'm not a good candidate. The surgeon ordered a couple of tests. Two tests took all morning and a little into the afternoon on the same day. The third test was scheduled for 4 hours. I followed all the instructions for the test and made it through 2 hours before my body rejected the eggs they gave me. Unfortunately, there were sensors in the eggs so I had to return for another test. Thankfully, the second time worked. All of the tests results are "abnormal." Well, what does that mean and what can doctors do for me? I'm hoping my GI tomorrow, or the surgeon in a couple of weeks, will have some ideas for me. 

If you know Matt and his health issues, it is a surprise that he is the only one without appointments (Travis had a couple too a while ago but that's pretty much solved).

I'll wrap up this depressing post with some great news - Russell is doing wonderful! All the professionals are very excited about his progress. He is walking now! Russell doesn't have a lot of words but he is very communicative. You know when he is happy or upset - no guessing needed. :) Also great news - Travis is mostly potty trained!