Yes, it's true. Can you believe it? Hives in patches the size of a dinner roll with little white welts inside the red. And oh, the itching which brings on the scratching, crying, kicking and tears. Hives are quite troublesome!
But it is not as you assume. The hives this time belong to Nathan. Can you believe it? (I feel like I've already said that.) He had them last night. I gave him Benadryl. They went away. Today, they are back. We made an unplanned stop at a community clinic we've never visited before (at least it was an adventure of sorts).
The diagnosis: Nathan is allergic to the amoxicillin he's taking for the Strep. Lovely. Now we're up to two kids with allergic reactions to something. That's 1/3 of our children. So instead of taking the antibiotic for 10 days, which would have ended Wednesday, he's taking an antihistamine for 7 days, which now ends on Sunday next week. (Are you paying attention to our drug habits, G-ma B?) It wouldn't be so daunting if he didn't fight taking medicine so much.
Sheesh. That's all I have left to say.
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Showing posts with label doctor. Show all posts
Saturday, March 27, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Hives - the Saga continues
Daniel did NOT get a vitamin last night and he did NOT get hives last night. It was a small step towards victory.
This afternoon/evening, Daniel was bawling (it was quite attractive and pleasant to experience) because his jaw was hurting. Twenty minutes after I gave him some children's liquid ibuprofen, he had hives. Are you just as outraged as I was? I think I hear some of your groans.
I compared the inactive ingredients on both bottles. They both had FD&C yellow #6! (That's all they had in common.) But then I got to thinking that I'd given him children's Motrin on the way to his TMJ appt. on Wednesday and he didn't get hives from that. And that's when I remembered that he'd had hives just around his left eye. It was a different place than what we'd dealt with before. I originally thought he'd gotten splashed with something at his appt. I looked at that bottle. It didn't have yellow #6, but it did have yellow #10 as well as another color.
So I was convinced that it was the food dyes. Now what? Why now? What do we do? I checked with the clinic and the doctor I needed was in tonight, so we drove in. I gave him a brief history and my theory.
As it turns out, he doesn't really care much about the dyes at the moment. He says we need first to try to "turn off" whatever is reacting to the dyes (or whatever it really is). So the course of treatment for now is to give him 1 tsp of Zyrtec every day for a month (to try to override his allergic response) with added Benadryl if he actually gets hives despite the Zyrtec. If the month ends and the hives don't, we move on to more specific measures...whatever those are.
That's probably when we'll have contact with an allergist. The doctor wasn't sure there was an allergy test for specific dyes. Of course, I have no idea.
With the jaw pain that he was very vocal about and the hives that resulted from the medicine, Daniel has been center stage most of the day. As soon as we decided to take him to the doctor tonight, he was all cheery smiles and pep. Is this kid so starved for attention that something like this turns him into the best of personalities? Am I not meeting his needs?
I remember LOVING the individual attention I would get in elementary school when I got sick. I even created reasons to go to the nurse's office. (Are there any schools out there that even have nurse's offices anymore?) I don't think I was deprived attention at home, but the extra stuff still fed me in some way. Daniel is following in my footsteps already! What a special boy.
This afternoon/evening, Daniel was bawling (it was quite attractive and pleasant to experience) because his jaw was hurting. Twenty minutes after I gave him some children's liquid ibuprofen, he had hives. Are you just as outraged as I was? I think I hear some of your groans.
I compared the inactive ingredients on both bottles. They both had FD&C yellow #6! (That's all they had in common.) But then I got to thinking that I'd given him children's Motrin on the way to his TMJ appt. on Wednesday and he didn't get hives from that. And that's when I remembered that he'd had hives just around his left eye. It was a different place than what we'd dealt with before. I originally thought he'd gotten splashed with something at his appt. I looked at that bottle. It didn't have yellow #6, but it did have yellow #10 as well as another color.
So I was convinced that it was the food dyes. Now what? Why now? What do we do? I checked with the clinic and the doctor I needed was in tonight, so we drove in. I gave him a brief history and my theory.
As it turns out, he doesn't really care much about the dyes at the moment. He says we need first to try to "turn off" whatever is reacting to the dyes (or whatever it really is). So the course of treatment for now is to give him 1 tsp of Zyrtec every day for a month (to try to override his allergic response) with added Benadryl if he actually gets hives despite the Zyrtec. If the month ends and the hives don't, we move on to more specific measures...whatever those are.
That's probably when we'll have contact with an allergist. The doctor wasn't sure there was an allergy test for specific dyes. Of course, I have no idea.
With the jaw pain that he was very vocal about and the hives that resulted from the medicine, Daniel has been center stage most of the day. As soon as we decided to take him to the doctor tonight, he was all cheery smiles and pep. Is this kid so starved for attention that something like this turns him into the best of personalities? Am I not meeting his needs?
I remember LOVING the individual attention I would get in elementary school when I got sick. I even created reasons to go to the nurse's office. (Are there any schools out there that even have nurse's offices anymore?) I don't think I was deprived attention at home, but the extra stuff still fed me in some way. Daniel is following in my footsteps already! What a special boy.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
H-I-V-E-S spells Trouble
We are STILL struggling with Daniel's hives. A very perceptive friend pointed out to me that the trouble might be the new laundry detergent we started using when we got the new washer. She may be right! It was within the few days surrounding the arrival of the washer that Daniel started having problems. We just aren't exactly sure if the hives started before or after the washer was installed.
So I stopped giving Daniel the prescribed steroids after 3 days to try to solve the problem through the laundry. I didn't want to give him medication while he was still exposed to whatever irritant we were dealing with!
Unfortunately, I'm working with a 9-year-old boy and it's been hard to make sure that ALL the clothes he's wearing are clothes that have been washed in the right detergent. Every time he's broken out, there's been some question about something he's had on.
At first I thought the offender was the dye in one of the detergents we'd been trying out. But when the hives wouldn't go away, I thought it might be the perfume. While I washed Daniel's clothes separately from the others, I would mix them in the baskets.
Yesterday, I bought a dye and perfume free Tide liquid made especially for high efficiency washers. You can safely assume I didn't find it in the bargain bin! Since then, I have washed EVERYTHING in Daniel's drawers, the clean clothes not put away and the dirty ones in a pile. I have also stripped his bed, vacuumed his mattress and washed all his bedding. I even washed a jacket I found on the floor. Then I washed Nathan's dirty clothes. So the only things I haven't washed are the towels (those are next), Nathan's bedding, the clothes hanging in the closet and Nathan's clean clothes.
Where do I stop being "safe" and start being "obsessed"? Should I pull down the valances in their room and wash those, too? He does have a dust allergy (though it's never manifested itself in hives) and those things have been hanging there since before we moved in.
I wish the hives would break out in a particular pattern and spell out the source of the problem for me. Something similar to the "SOS" marooned travelers make with rocks on a sandy beach is what I'm picturing. Is that really too much to ask for?
If this marathon of laundry doesn't do the trick, and doesn't kill me, I'll have to call the doctor and ask him if I should continue the steroids (4 days left) or make an appointment with him. Heck, I already know what he's going to say to that! I'm thankful that we had Zyrtec in our food storage supplies.
So I stopped giving Daniel the prescribed steroids after 3 days to try to solve the problem through the laundry. I didn't want to give him medication while he was still exposed to whatever irritant we were dealing with!
Unfortunately, I'm working with a 9-year-old boy and it's been hard to make sure that ALL the clothes he's wearing are clothes that have been washed in the right detergent. Every time he's broken out, there's been some question about something he's had on.
At first I thought the offender was the dye in one of the detergents we'd been trying out. But when the hives wouldn't go away, I thought it might be the perfume. While I washed Daniel's clothes separately from the others, I would mix them in the baskets.
Yesterday, I bought a dye and perfume free Tide liquid made especially for high efficiency washers. You can safely assume I didn't find it in the bargain bin! Since then, I have washed EVERYTHING in Daniel's drawers, the clean clothes not put away and the dirty ones in a pile. I have also stripped his bed, vacuumed his mattress and washed all his bedding. I even washed a jacket I found on the floor. Then I washed Nathan's dirty clothes. So the only things I haven't washed are the towels (those are next), Nathan's bedding, the clothes hanging in the closet and Nathan's clean clothes.
Where do I stop being "safe" and start being "obsessed"? Should I pull down the valances in their room and wash those, too? He does have a dust allergy (though it's never manifested itself in hives) and those things have been hanging there since before we moved in.
I wish the hives would break out in a particular pattern and spell out the source of the problem for me. Something similar to the "SOS" marooned travelers make with rocks on a sandy beach is what I'm picturing. Is that really too much to ask for?
If this marathon of laundry doesn't do the trick, and doesn't kill me, I'll have to call the doctor and ask him if I should continue the steroids (4 days left) or make an appointment with him. Heck, I already know what he's going to say to that! I'm thankful that we had Zyrtec in our food storage supplies.
Sunday, February 28, 2010
HIVES!
Daniel can't seem to catch a break. First it's a summer-long jaw pain that ends up being TMJ. Next, he learns he's getting fitted with braces two days before Christmas. It was related to the TMJ problem and so made things better in the long run, but still!
Now Daniel is suffering from hives. He's had them close to two weeks. We finally took him on Wednesday night to have them looked at. The PA (same one who didn't think to check for Sarah's sore throat - I'm possibly holding a grudge about that) put him on some kind of steroid to try to get rid of whatever is in his body causing him problems. After a week of steroids, we're supposed to see the official Doctor if the hives come back.
Well, we couldn't pick up the prescription Wednesday night. All day Thursday, Daniel didn't have a problem. I thought we'd had another miraculous healing. (You know how your kids are deathly ill until the moment you bring them to the doctor? Then you just look like either a nervous parent or someone shouting out for attention.) When it came down to 30 minutes left to get to the pharmacy that evening, I decided to hold off. After all, I don't want to buy any medicine that we don't need! (That kind of spending should be saved for fabric sales.)
I picked up the boys from school for an impromptu run to the mall and asked Daniel if his hives had returned. Nope. Until I got a look at him in the store. Yep. By the time we got home that evening, he was crying and writhing from itching insanity. They're covering him head to toe...literally. So we picked up the steroid Rx on the way home. He's now had it 3 days. So far, the hives are still there.
What is it with this kid's luck? And why is it that we have the types of adventures that cost money? If these hives don't go away, we may have to do some testing. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. Medical testing is never free...unless you're a cadaver. Daniel is very much alive.
Now Daniel is suffering from hives. He's had them close to two weeks. We finally took him on Wednesday night to have them looked at. The PA (same one who didn't think to check for Sarah's sore throat - I'm possibly holding a grudge about that) put him on some kind of steroid to try to get rid of whatever is in his body causing him problems. After a week of steroids, we're supposed to see the official Doctor if the hives come back.
Well, we couldn't pick up the prescription Wednesday night. All day Thursday, Daniel didn't have a problem. I thought we'd had another miraculous healing. (You know how your kids are deathly ill until the moment you bring them to the doctor? Then you just look like either a nervous parent or someone shouting out for attention.) When it came down to 30 minutes left to get to the pharmacy that evening, I decided to hold off. After all, I don't want to buy any medicine that we don't need! (That kind of spending should be saved for fabric sales.)
I picked up the boys from school for an impromptu run to the mall and asked Daniel if his hives had returned. Nope. Until I got a look at him in the store. Yep. By the time we got home that evening, he was crying and writhing from itching insanity. They're covering him head to toe...literally. So we picked up the steroid Rx on the way home. He's now had it 3 days. So far, the hives are still there.
What is it with this kid's luck? And why is it that we have the types of adventures that cost money? If these hives don't go away, we may have to do some testing. I'm hoping it doesn't come to that. Medical testing is never free...unless you're a cadaver. Daniel is very much alive.
Saturday, November 07, 2009
More medical fun
This was Joseph all this week...sick. He had a fever in this picture and Chad wrapped him up in his blanket. Joseph actually stayed where he was put! Do you like his little slippers poking out? :)
After a week of every-other-day fevers and non-stop coughing (no joke) last night, I made a trip to the nearest open medical clinic. Joseph's left ear and throat are nice and red. We got cough medicine and an antibiotic. And as I so rarely get to report, the cough medicine is working! He's sleeping now and he's quiet! This means we'll get more sleep tonight. Ahh...bliss. Oh yeah, I don't get more sleep, just less worry. Chad is the one that gets more sleep.
I skipped my nap today to take the kids (minus Joseph) shopping. I was buying groceries and doing some shopping for Joseph's b-day next week. (He's going to be 2! He weighs all of 21 pounds, and he's not talking, but he's going to be 2!) It was not a good idea for me to take 5 kids shopping (Chad had stayed home with Joseph so they could both get naps.) on a Saturday, after a week of mothering. I had no patience and I was not a nice person. But, too be fair, my kids weren't nice either. They can't talk to each other without fighting, and Leah only talks to people - her parents included - with an air of disgust and impatience. Still trying to figure out how to stop that little problem.
Anyway, we survived, though some of us lost weight through our tear ducts. (I wish that could really happen.) We got home, I fed Sarah and then put Joseph in the van and headed back out again. At least everyone got to go somewhere.
I gave Sarah a bath tonight. As I was looking at her little naked baby body, I was amazed at how chubby she's gotten. She's more than half of Joseph's weight and is only 10 weeks old. She takes after her mommy! But check out this picture...even I have ankles! So very cute.
And here she is two nights ago. She's supposed to be going to sleep. Can you tell?
Lastly, here is proof that I do spend time with my kids. Chad snuck a picture while I was reading them a book. There is Sarah - drooling all over my arm. (No wonder she doesn't fall asleep at bedtime!) You can see (kind of) my haircut and perm.
My hair is naturally straight and very resistant to perms. You're seeing the curly part. The straight part is pulled up out of the way. I'm not quite ready to give up on this new 'do', but I have to do something as the haircut wasn't meant to have some straight hairs falling across the curly ones. *sigh* Nothing is easy.
After a week of every-other-day fevers and non-stop coughing (no joke) last night, I made a trip to the nearest open medical clinic. Joseph's left ear and throat are nice and red. We got cough medicine and an antibiotic. And as I so rarely get to report, the cough medicine is working! He's sleeping now and he's quiet! This means we'll get more sleep tonight. Ahh...bliss. Oh yeah, I don't get more sleep, just less worry. Chad is the one that gets more sleep.
I skipped my nap today to take the kids (minus Joseph) shopping. I was buying groceries and doing some shopping for Joseph's b-day next week. (He's going to be 2! He weighs all of 21 pounds, and he's not talking, but he's going to be 2!) It was not a good idea for me to take 5 kids shopping (Chad had stayed home with Joseph so they could both get naps.) on a Saturday, after a week of mothering. I had no patience and I was not a nice person. But, too be fair, my kids weren't nice either. They can't talk to each other without fighting, and Leah only talks to people - her parents included - with an air of disgust and impatience. Still trying to figure out how to stop that little problem.
Anyway, we survived, though some of us lost weight through our tear ducts. (I wish that could really happen.) We got home, I fed Sarah and then put Joseph in the van and headed back out again. At least everyone got to go somewhere.
I gave Sarah a bath tonight. As I was looking at her little naked baby body, I was amazed at how chubby she's gotten. She's more than half of Joseph's weight and is only 10 weeks old. She takes after her mommy! But check out this picture...even I have ankles! So very cute.
And here she is two nights ago. She's supposed to be going to sleep. Can you tell?
Lastly, here is proof that I do spend time with my kids. Chad snuck a picture while I was reading them a book. There is Sarah - drooling all over my arm. (No wonder she doesn't fall asleep at bedtime!) You can see (kind of) my haircut and perm.
My hair is naturally straight and very resistant to perms. You're seeing the curly part. The straight part is pulled up out of the way. I'm not quite ready to give up on this new 'do', but I have to do something as the haircut wasn't meant to have some straight hairs falling across the curly ones. *sigh* Nothing is easy.
Thursday, November 05, 2009
Down in the dumps
There are few things in the world of mothering that are more tiring than have sick kids. Having YOUNG sick kids is worse.
Joseph is not feeling well and his nose is constantly oozing. The only thing I can't do while wiping his nose is take a shower. I think I've done everything else. He comes up to me, pointing to his nose, saying, "uh, uh." And the coughing is getting Sarah sick. I can hear her nose start to fill up. Great. I just started getting her to sleep in the bassinet again. I expect we'll be back in the swing before the new week begins.
Normally, this would be challenging enough. But I'm running on reduced sleep rations and really only want to get a nice, uninterrupted nap. The night before last, I didn't see the clock during the 11 pm, 3 am and 5 am hours (Joseph came in crying at 6:00). I saw it every other time. Last night wasn't quite as bad...I only woke 3 times before I really had to get out of bed.
Such sporadic sleep opens the door for really interesting dreams. Two nights ago, I dreamt the entire plot for a mystery novel. I was sure I could remember it, and was recalling it during one feeding time. But once the sun came up, it was gone. A literary wonder the world will never know.
So now that I'm so tired (physically and emotionally), I have no desire to clean the house. This is unfortunate, because things are piling up around here. No one else seems to care, so things get worse and my guilt meter rises.
And getting my kids to care requires serious bribing/threatening. That's tiring, too! We didn't get to have prayer this morning because the boys couldn't move their incredibly lazy rear ends fast enough. Daniel ran onto the bus with his coat, backpack and scout shirt in his hands. Grr.. Sometimes I just want to squeeze that boy! More guilt.
Daniel has a TMJ check-up today. I'm taking everyone but Nathan with me (since he'll still be in school) for a 35 min drive on the freeway, each way, because I didn't know who to call to come sit in my house for two hours and didn't want to burden anyone with a sick and cranky Joseph. I guess we'll sit in the van and watch a movie or something while I send Daniel in. Maybe I can get the doctor to talk to me at the back door so I can stay in the parking lot with the kids? Are things supposed to get this tricky?
I got the bill for taking Rebekah to the Dr. to pull the cactus needles...$183. Wow. He's thinking he's a little more skilled with those tweezers than I observed! We'd better make sure to use the free ice cream coupons he gave us. I want to get my money's worth!
And so when the FOP called this morning (Fraternal Order of Police) I hung up on them. That was free.
Now, between feeling sorry for myself and just being in a sorry state, it's a regular fun-fest around here! Woo hoo!
Joseph is not feeling well and his nose is constantly oozing. The only thing I can't do while wiping his nose is take a shower. I think I've done everything else. He comes up to me, pointing to his nose, saying, "uh, uh." And the coughing is getting Sarah sick. I can hear her nose start to fill up. Great. I just started getting her to sleep in the bassinet again. I expect we'll be back in the swing before the new week begins.
Normally, this would be challenging enough. But I'm running on reduced sleep rations and really only want to get a nice, uninterrupted nap. The night before last, I didn't see the clock during the 11 pm, 3 am and 5 am hours (Joseph came in crying at 6:00). I saw it every other time. Last night wasn't quite as bad...I only woke 3 times before I really had to get out of bed.
Such sporadic sleep opens the door for really interesting dreams. Two nights ago, I dreamt the entire plot for a mystery novel. I was sure I could remember it, and was recalling it during one feeding time. But once the sun came up, it was gone. A literary wonder the world will never know.
So now that I'm so tired (physically and emotionally), I have no desire to clean the house. This is unfortunate, because things are piling up around here. No one else seems to care, so things get worse and my guilt meter rises.
And getting my kids to care requires serious bribing/threatening. That's tiring, too! We didn't get to have prayer this morning because the boys couldn't move their incredibly lazy rear ends fast enough. Daniel ran onto the bus with his coat, backpack and scout shirt in his hands. Grr.. Sometimes I just want to squeeze that boy! More guilt.
Daniel has a TMJ check-up today. I'm taking everyone but Nathan with me (since he'll still be in school) for a 35 min drive on the freeway, each way, because I didn't know who to call to come sit in my house for two hours and didn't want to burden anyone with a sick and cranky Joseph. I guess we'll sit in the van and watch a movie or something while I send Daniel in. Maybe I can get the doctor to talk to me at the back door so I can stay in the parking lot with the kids? Are things supposed to get this tricky?
I got the bill for taking Rebekah to the Dr. to pull the cactus needles...$183. Wow. He's thinking he's a little more skilled with those tweezers than I observed! We'd better make sure to use the free ice cream coupons he gave us. I want to get my money's worth!
And so when the FOP called this morning (Fraternal Order of Police) I hung up on them. That was free.
Now, between feeling sorry for myself and just being in a sorry state, it's a regular fun-fest around here! Woo hoo!
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
TMJ
Daniel saw the TMJ specialist yesterday. It's confirmed; my nine-year-old has TMJ. And from the wearing away of the jaw joints, he also has arthritis in his jaw. Isn't that nice?
The doctor worked Daniel's jaw a little yesterday, to improve mobility, but we have to go back next week to have his bottom molars "built up" so that the jaw and bite will be aligned right.
Here are some images from the CAT scan they did in the office. Here is his head. He looks weird without a nose. He looks like he's wearing a helmet. And look at that mouth full of teeth! They are all crowded in there, fighting for their own spaces. So pretty. I thought this image was perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!
These pictures show the jaw joints (both sides). The doctor drew on them to show me that the joints should be round, where Daniel's are flattened.
And the bone is looking a little thin. It should be thicker.
Daniel will need braces and it looks like we're going to be visiting with an orthodontist as soon as this round of treatment is over and we're sure it's working. The doctor only had one orthodontist he recommended as he feels the other ones in the area only mess up the TMJ patients. I wonder if they are relatives?!
When the assistant showed me what the charges for all of this would be, I nearly stopped breathing. We haven't even started on Sarah's and my medical bills yet. This is like getting another 1/2 of a baby! We were planning on our first trip to Disneyland a year from now. We may have to wait another year.
Life doesn't get boring for too long!
The doctor worked Daniel's jaw a little yesterday, to improve mobility, but we have to go back next week to have his bottom molars "built up" so that the jaw and bite will be aligned right.
Here are some images from the CAT scan they did in the office. Here is his head. He looks weird without a nose. He looks like he's wearing a helmet. And look at that mouth full of teeth! They are all crowded in there, fighting for their own spaces. So pretty. I thought this image was perfect for the upcoming Halloween season!
These pictures show the jaw joints (both sides). The doctor drew on them to show me that the joints should be round, where Daniel's are flattened.
And the bone is looking a little thin. It should be thicker.Daniel will need braces and it looks like we're going to be visiting with an orthodontist as soon as this round of treatment is over and we're sure it's working. The doctor only had one orthodontist he recommended as he feels the other ones in the area only mess up the TMJ patients. I wonder if they are relatives?!
When the assistant showed me what the charges for all of this would be, I nearly stopped breathing. We haven't even started on Sarah's and my medical bills yet. This is like getting another 1/2 of a baby! We were planning on our first trip to Disneyland a year from now. We may have to wait another year.
Life doesn't get boring for too long!
Wednesday, July 22, 2009
Daniel and the Chiropractor
Not to be confused with the popular story, Daniel and the Lion's Den. The chiropractor was very nice and not at all like a ferocious, hungry lion. (I have to put that in there, he is the brother of a good friend!)
We all drove to Pocatello yesterday morning to bring Daniel to his doom. Except it didn't turn out that way at all! We got through the whole appointment and Daniel didn't even shed one tear! What am I paying for?
It turns out, Daniel does have a touch of TMJ, but it is a muscular cause. His jaw is being pulled just slightly. The Dr. slammed him against the table several times, causing loud banging noises. Joseph was very attentive during this part. (Actually, the table was made to move with the adjustment and no Daniels were harmed during the procedure.) We are to go back next week for a follow-up beating. If I don't try to figure out the gas, both of these visits combined will be cheaper than the hour of physical therapy we had last year. Maybe even with the gas figured in. It seems Daniel's neck muscles are getting a little mischievous every once in a while and giving him problems. Anyone in the family want to enter the chiropractic field and adjust him once or twice a year? We could work out some kind of deal.
We all drove to Pocatello yesterday morning to bring Daniel to his doom. Except it didn't turn out that way at all! We got through the whole appointment and Daniel didn't even shed one tear! What am I paying for?
It turns out, Daniel does have a touch of TMJ, but it is a muscular cause. His jaw is being pulled just slightly. The Dr. slammed him against the table several times, causing loud banging noises. Joseph was very attentive during this part. (Actually, the table was made to move with the adjustment and no Daniels were harmed during the procedure.) We are to go back next week for a follow-up beating. If I don't try to figure out the gas, both of these visits combined will be cheaper than the hour of physical therapy we had last year. Maybe even with the gas figured in. It seems Daniel's neck muscles are getting a little mischievous every once in a while and giving him problems. Anyone in the family want to enter the chiropractic field and adjust him once or twice a year? We could work out some kind of deal.
Monday, April 13, 2009
80%
We had our 2nd ultrasound this morning. My bladder was near bursting and they called me back half an hour late. I love doctors' offices.
The baby seems to be healthy and was moving about during the ultrasound. Unfortunately, it wasn't moving around enough to give us a really clear view, so the doctor wasn't exactly sure what he could see.
He's 80% sure it's a boy. He'll look again in 4 weeks. Until then, we need to get some boy names rolling around in our heads. I have a girl name all ready.
I hadn't really had any impressions either way what this one was. I would like a girl to even out the numbers in the family, but I've been wondering how Joseph would feel being surrounded by girls. So either way, we'll just be glad for a healthy baby.
So this story has a sequel. Until next time...
The baby seems to be healthy and was moving about during the ultrasound. Unfortunately, it wasn't moving around enough to give us a really clear view, so the doctor wasn't exactly sure what he could see.
He's 80% sure it's a boy. He'll look again in 4 weeks. Until then, we need to get some boy names rolling around in our heads. I have a girl name all ready.
I hadn't really had any impressions either way what this one was. I would like a girl to even out the numbers in the family, but I've been wondering how Joseph would feel being surrounded by girls. So either way, we'll just be glad for a healthy baby.
So this story has a sequel. Until next time...
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
Speak English, PLEASE!
I took Rebekah and Joseph to the doctor for their b-day check ups yesterday. Here are the stats: Rebekah - Height = 25th percentile, Weight = 50th percentile (not so bad...and she does LOVE food); Joseph - Height= 25th percentile, Weight = just missed the 3rd percentile. Well, at least he'll be easy to carry for a little longer. Sheesh! What is with these tiny guys?
Joseph isn't speaking yet, which didn't concern the doctor since it follows the family pattern. Rebekah nearly talked his head off, though.
I did show the doctor a funny thing about Joseph's foot and leg. He's had little brown markings around one ankle, the side and part of the top of the foot and they had slowly been making their way up the back of his leg in a crooked, but thin tan line. They didn't seem to bother him and you couldn't feel them with your finger. I just makes him look like he needs a bath. (That, and the other real dirt marks all over him.)
So the doctor first remarked that his wife has that, but it's a birth mark and doesn't grow. He brought the other doctor in to have a look and they decided that it was just a genetic "thing." I think they would have said defect, but they didn't want to worry me. They said it was harmless, but would likely never really go away. Then my doctor tried to explain it to me. When he was done, I admitted that I didn't really understand what he'd just said, but I was just glad to know that it wasn't dangerous. So he started over, trying to help me "get it."
Essentially (I think), it's a little part of the cells that make skin pigments (melanocytes) that didn't quite get the signal to stop and created some darker skin. They are apparently following a nerve up the leg, but his little 'cheek' there is where the nerve and the line stops. The darker spots may fade between 2-5 years (or was it 3-5?), but that's not certain. There is always the option of zapping them with a laser if we ever get desperate...many years from now.
I was looking around online today and found that moles are just a clustering of melanocytes. I guess that makes it seem a little more normal. Too bad Joseph is such a white boy...that's going to be a pretty conspicuous line going up his leg!
Joseph isn't speaking yet, which didn't concern the doctor since it follows the family pattern. Rebekah nearly talked his head off, though.
I did show the doctor a funny thing about Joseph's foot and leg. He's had little brown markings around one ankle, the side and part of the top of the foot and they had slowly been making their way up the back of his leg in a crooked, but thin tan line. They didn't seem to bother him and you couldn't feel them with your finger. I just makes him look like he needs a bath. (That, and the other real dirt marks all over him.)
So the doctor first remarked that his wife has that, but it's a birth mark and doesn't grow. He brought the other doctor in to have a look and they decided that it was just a genetic "thing." I think they would have said defect, but they didn't want to worry me. They said it was harmless, but would likely never really go away. Then my doctor tried to explain it to me. When he was done, I admitted that I didn't really understand what he'd just said, but I was just glad to know that it wasn't dangerous. So he started over, trying to help me "get it."
Essentially (I think), it's a little part of the cells that make skin pigments (melanocytes) that didn't quite get the signal to stop and created some darker skin. They are apparently following a nerve up the leg, but his little 'cheek' there is where the nerve and the line stops. The darker spots may fade between 2-5 years (or was it 3-5?), but that's not certain. There is always the option of zapping them with a laser if we ever get desperate...many years from now.
I was looking around online today and found that moles are just a clustering of melanocytes. I guess that makes it seem a little more normal. Too bad Joseph is such a white boy...that's going to be a pretty conspicuous line going up his leg!
Saturday, August 02, 2008
Equality
On the last day of swimming lessons over two weeks ago, Leah sliced two of her fingers on the edge of the slide (she was holding on tight because she didn't want to go down!). One finger healed; the other didn't.
I took her to the doctor today to get some help for her and she was given an antibiotic (she has a skin infection). When I gave her the medicine tonight, Rebekah wanted some too.
She said, "I cut my finger on the slide at swimming lessons. I goed to the doctor."
Well, she was unsuccessful at convincing me that she should get some medicine so she went to plan B. Leah has some first aid ointment (think Neosporin) on her finger and a band aid. Rebekah helped herself to some first aid ointment. I'm not sure where she got any on herself, but I'm sure that the counter, floor and several handles in the bathroom will be protected from infection.
I took her to the doctor today to get some help for her and she was given an antibiotic (she has a skin infection). When I gave her the medicine tonight, Rebekah wanted some too.
She said, "I cut my finger on the slide at swimming lessons. I goed to the doctor."
Well, she was unsuccessful at convincing me that she should get some medicine so she went to plan B. Leah has some first aid ointment (think Neosporin) on her finger and a band aid. Rebekah helped herself to some first aid ointment. I'm not sure where she got any on herself, but I'm sure that the counter, floor and several handles in the bathroom will be protected from infection.
Wednesday, February 07, 2007
Time to sterilize
Do the people who put your house in a tent for termites have a similar process for germs? We need to sterilize this house! Daniel came home from school early yesterday and ended up with a fever (and the tears that come with it) over 102. The doctor (yes, I visited two days in a row, with two different kids) was SURE it was strep until the culture came back negative. So we're treating a fever, with a prescription for antibiotics hanging on the messages board in case we don't get rid of the fever.
When I pay a $30 copay, I like to have something a little more certain than this. I don't fault the doctor, just my situation.
Nathan slept the whole day yesterday - his fever reached over 103. By the time Chad and I went to bed, Nathan was feeling a little better and staring-wide awake-into the dark. At 1 AM, when I got up with Daniel who was throwing up spit (didn't really eat dinner), Nathan had finally fallen asleep. But Leah was awake, standing in the middle of her floor. I helped her go to the bathroom, got Daniel finished up in the other bathroom and eventually got to go back to bed.
So, I ask; "When will it end?" Fifth Disease, pink eye, a NASTY cold, sinus infection, possible ear infections, mystery fevers...it doesn't seem to stop.
On the positive side, the scale has started to slide in my favor again. I think it was broken for a while.
When I pay a $30 copay, I like to have something a little more certain than this. I don't fault the doctor, just my situation.
Nathan slept the whole day yesterday - his fever reached over 103. By the time Chad and I went to bed, Nathan was feeling a little better and staring-wide awake-into the dark. At 1 AM, when I got up with Daniel who was throwing up spit (didn't really eat dinner), Nathan had finally fallen asleep. But Leah was awake, standing in the middle of her floor. I helped her go to the bathroom, got Daniel finished up in the other bathroom and eventually got to go back to bed.
So, I ask; "When will it end?" Fifth Disease, pink eye, a NASTY cold, sinus infection, possible ear infections, mystery fevers...it doesn't seem to stop.
On the positive side, the scale has started to slide in my favor again. I think it was broken for a while.
Monday, February 05, 2007
At the Doctor's office...again.
I should ask if they have anything like a reward card or frequent visitor's pass at the clinic here. It seems it would pay off for our family. Of course, they'd probably come up with black out dates to go with it.
I was worried that Nathan had pink eye again (I was up to the third time in my counting). His eyes have been red and glassy. He seemed fine this morning but then I misplaced him around 9:30 and found him in bed with a fever. I didn't know 5-year-olds put themselves to bed. Come to think of it, my 6-year-old does it, too. I wish my 3-year-old would...she just follows us around and screams when she's not feeling 100%.
ANYWAY...I took Nathan in to the doctor. We waited an hour past our appointment time to be told the doctor was too bogged down to see us before a meeting he needed to be to. Did we want to see the PA? NO WAY. I don't have anything against Physician's Assistants in general, but this guy is not my favorite. He speaks monotone as if he's bored, moves at half speed, describes everything in "you-must-be-at-a-disadvantage-since-didn't-go-to-medical-school-so-I'll-explain-it-all-to-you-even-though-this-is-your-fourth-child" words and then hands you a prescription that he's already admitted he wouldn't give to his kids. After an hour of waiting, I most assuredly don't want to face him. So they got me into the other doctor and fast. (They probably felt bad that Nathan looked so miserable there.) A lot of people I've talked to don't like this other doctor, but aside from the B.O., he's not bad. He's very friendly and thorough.
ANYWAY...it turns out that Nathan is suffering from a sinus infection. Poor kid. Why does he always have the fun stuff? We got home a little before 1 pm and he's been sleeping since then (now over 2 1/2 hours). He hasn't eaten since breakfast. It's not good to be skipping meals when you're 5 and don't even weigh 35 lbs. I need to wake him soon so he can sleep tonight.
The bright side? At least it's a sinus infection and not something ultra contagious like PINK EYE.
I was worried that Nathan had pink eye again (I was up to the third time in my counting). His eyes have been red and glassy. He seemed fine this morning but then I misplaced him around 9:30 and found him in bed with a fever. I didn't know 5-year-olds put themselves to bed. Come to think of it, my 6-year-old does it, too. I wish my 3-year-old would...she just follows us around and screams when she's not feeling 100%.
ANYWAY...I took Nathan in to the doctor. We waited an hour past our appointment time to be told the doctor was too bogged down to see us before a meeting he needed to be to. Did we want to see the PA? NO WAY. I don't have anything against Physician's Assistants in general, but this guy is not my favorite. He speaks monotone as if he's bored, moves at half speed, describes everything in "you-must-be-at-a-disadvantage-since-didn't-go-to-medical-school-so-I'll-explain-it-all-to-you-even-though-this-is-your-fourth-child" words and then hands you a prescription that he's already admitted he wouldn't give to his kids. After an hour of waiting, I most assuredly don't want to face him. So they got me into the other doctor and fast. (They probably felt bad that Nathan looked so miserable there.) A lot of people I've talked to don't like this other doctor, but aside from the B.O., he's not bad. He's very friendly and thorough.
ANYWAY...it turns out that Nathan is suffering from a sinus infection. Poor kid. Why does he always have the fun stuff? We got home a little before 1 pm and he's been sleeping since then (now over 2 1/2 hours). He hasn't eaten since breakfast. It's not good to be skipping meals when you're 5 and don't even weigh 35 lbs. I need to wake him soon so he can sleep tonight.
The bright side? At least it's a sinus infection and not something ultra contagious like PINK EYE.
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