Where to start?
Monday morning at 4am, Collin woke up choking on his own spit-up. We attributed that to his cast being too tight, so we made a plan to go to Dr. Sims to get his tummy cut out again. At 6 I gave him his normal bottle and he proceeded to projectile vomit all over his room and me. They aren't kidding when they say projectile. I got everything cleaned and then worried that maybe he had caught the stomach virus that was going around Mimi's last week. Les met us at Dr. Sims' office and they cut the cast up his tumble and flared it out. They also assured us that on Friday he will mold the cast to give room for his tummy to expand and grow. Les got the rest of the day off and Collin kept down pedialyte and then formula starting in the afternoon.
He slept 10-6 this morning and I had to wake him up at 6 so he could eat and I could make sure he kept it down. He did great and barely spit up at all. Mimi texted me during the day saying he was choking on his spit up and still spitting up a lot. I called the pediatrician to see what I needed to do and they wanted to see Collin.
A few hours later, we took him for his appointment and he was diagnosed with infant GURD (Gastroesophageal reflux disease). The plan is to change formulas to Enfamil AR and take Zantac. If the formula doesn't help, then we can try going back to Similac Sensitive with rice cereal to thicken it up. We also need to elevate his head when he is asleep. We are also supposed to elevate his feet (from the blue swelling issue) obviously we can't do both, so we have to try to prop him slightly turned to the side to sleep. If that doesn't work, then Dr. Young and Dr. Sims will have to work on a solution. If that doesn't work, we would go see a pediatric gastroentarologist in Lubbock. I'm sure I spelled that wrong.
So we should see improvement in the next 2 days, but then of course his next closed reduction surgery is Friday.
Tuesday, April 19, 2011
Saturday, April 16, 2011
The waiting game
With 5 weeks down and 6 days to go until the cast change, having enough patience to make it is tough work!!
Collin's "re-circumcision" is healing, but we are definitely going to have to be mindful of that because we have heard stories of that happening multiple times to a child.
Within a week of Collin's first cast getting put on, I took him to get a slit cut above his diaper line because he was spitting up a lot and having bowel problems and we just felt that it was too tight. Well, with a week to go it's the same scenario. I am sure this time it has something to do with 5 weeks of growth and getting the cast reinforced last week. But we've been having an off and on constipation issue for the past week and the spit-up has increased dramatically over the past few days. It is irritating that people think it's because of a sensitivity to formula, when if you reach into the cast you can clearly feel his tummy has absolutely zero room to expand. We did switch to a sensitive formula, but that is to try to decrease spit up since there is so much pressure on his tummy. That worked until he grew so much to increase pressure!
Feeding wise, he is still eating 4 oz every 3 hours. Usually around this age, they eat around 6 oz, but less frequently than 3 hours. We tried giving him a 6 oz bottle last week and he spit up the last 2 ounces, so we are sticking to this schedule until he is cast free and then will gradually adjust his schedule.
We've been sleeping on a slightly different schedule for the past week which has been a hard adjustment. Collin went a week straight where he slept through the entire night. Before that week, he was getting up one time to eat at around 2 am. That was a good time for him to get up because it gave me sleep from 10-2 and then from 2-5. So his feeding was kind of in the middle. This week, it was going to sleep by 10 and waking up at 11:45 and being up until 1 and getting up at 4. Still doable, but a bit harder to adjust to. Les has also had a busy week, so all in all the Covington family did not have a restful week.
With all of the budget cuts, we got notice of what the new insurance is going to look like come July. It sucks big time. I have heard many complaints about IMS from people that don't have IMS, but also from a few people within the district. Throughout all of the health problems that Collin and I have both had over the past 4 months, IMS coverage has been great. But if this would have all happened after the policy change, then I definitely would have been one complaining. I think our prescription insurance is what really sucks, but thankfully we haven't needed much of that in the past 2 months. Hopefully, we will be in the all clear by July with surgeries being completed and just seeing the pediatrician and orthopedic on occasion for check-ups.
We had our first successful family restaurant adventure last night. We went to Red Robin and made it through with no fussing :) Collin was so cute, he kept putting his arms on the table and crossing them like a big boy sitting so distinguished.
Praying for a normal week, with Collin's tummy settling down and less spit-up for the next several days. We have had weight gaining issues, so we need to make sure what he eats stays in his tummy. Prayers on Friday for progress made when they do the arthrogram and CT scan, for no reactions to the anesthesia this time, and for our sweet boy to have no pain or hard adjustment period with his new (bigger!) cast.
Collin's "re-circumcision" is healing, but we are definitely going to have to be mindful of that because we have heard stories of that happening multiple times to a child.
Within a week of Collin's first cast getting put on, I took him to get a slit cut above his diaper line because he was spitting up a lot and having bowel problems and we just felt that it was too tight. Well, with a week to go it's the same scenario. I am sure this time it has something to do with 5 weeks of growth and getting the cast reinforced last week. But we've been having an off and on constipation issue for the past week and the spit-up has increased dramatically over the past few days. It is irritating that people think it's because of a sensitivity to formula, when if you reach into the cast you can clearly feel his tummy has absolutely zero room to expand. We did switch to a sensitive formula, but that is to try to decrease spit up since there is so much pressure on his tummy. That worked until he grew so much to increase pressure!
Feeding wise, he is still eating 4 oz every 3 hours. Usually around this age, they eat around 6 oz, but less frequently than 3 hours. We tried giving him a 6 oz bottle last week and he spit up the last 2 ounces, so we are sticking to this schedule until he is cast free and then will gradually adjust his schedule.
We've been sleeping on a slightly different schedule for the past week which has been a hard adjustment. Collin went a week straight where he slept through the entire night. Before that week, he was getting up one time to eat at around 2 am. That was a good time for him to get up because it gave me sleep from 10-2 and then from 2-5. So his feeding was kind of in the middle. This week, it was going to sleep by 10 and waking up at 11:45 and being up until 1 and getting up at 4. Still doable, but a bit harder to adjust to. Les has also had a busy week, so all in all the Covington family did not have a restful week.
With all of the budget cuts, we got notice of what the new insurance is going to look like come July. It sucks big time. I have heard many complaints about IMS from people that don't have IMS, but also from a few people within the district. Throughout all of the health problems that Collin and I have both had over the past 4 months, IMS coverage has been great. But if this would have all happened after the policy change, then I definitely would have been one complaining. I think our prescription insurance is what really sucks, but thankfully we haven't needed much of that in the past 2 months. Hopefully, we will be in the all clear by July with surgeries being completed and just seeing the pediatrician and orthopedic on occasion for check-ups.
We had our first successful family restaurant adventure last night. We went to Red Robin and made it through with no fussing :) Collin was so cute, he kept putting his arms on the table and crossing them like a big boy sitting so distinguished.
Praying for a normal week, with Collin's tummy settling down and less spit-up for the next several days. We have had weight gaining issues, so we need to make sure what he eats stays in his tummy. Prayers on Friday for progress made when they do the arthrogram and CT scan, for no reactions to the anesthesia this time, and for our sweet boy to have no pain or hard adjustment period with his new (bigger!) cast.
Sunday, April 10, 2011
4 month well baby
Collin got his cast cracked finally fixed on Wednesday. They reinforced the plaster with 2 layers of fiberglass. It was so rough, we covered it in teal duct tape. Now he has "pants" ;). WE are glad it is fixed. His feet are okay too, just keeping an eye on them.
Today has been unexpectedly rough.
We went in for Collin's 4 month well baby visit. We had been doing some research on immunizations in a spica cast and pretty much learned they would need to be delayed. There just is no injection site suitable. We were able to get the rotovirus since it was an oral vaccine. Dr. Young was talking about gettig Collin's cast off on the 22nd and then taking him back to the hospital to get recasted. I don't think that will work out, but we are wondering if the hospital could just give him the shots while he's in between casts. We also have the worry of knowing he is already going to have the dye injection, saline, anesthesia, and to have immunizations on top of all that at one time?? Lots to think about and research, but some of it we might not have a choice with due to some pertussis in the area.
Anyways, no one told us that when you have a boy circumcised that you are supposed to continue to pull the skin back. We didn't do that because we didn't know and win Dr. Young checked him, the skin was starting to grow back over, so he had to pull it apart to break that skin growth. Well, it hurt Collin so bad... We've never heard him scream like that. He also bled too from where the skin was pulled apart. So, at every diaper change now we have to make sure to pull the skin back and Vaseline it. Needless to say I have been bummed that he was put through unnecessary pain just because of something we didn't know to do. I haven't let him out of my arms since. We gave him Tylenol and he has been asleep most of the afternoon. Poor kid.
Yesterday I went to a friend's baby shower and she got the cutest outfit for her little boy. It was a superman onesie with a matching superhero rag/animal thing. It was so cute. Collin needs one because he's my strong fighter!!
Today has been unexpectedly rough.
We went in for Collin's 4 month well baby visit. We had been doing some research on immunizations in a spica cast and pretty much learned they would need to be delayed. There just is no injection site suitable. We were able to get the rotovirus since it was an oral vaccine. Dr. Young was talking about gettig Collin's cast off on the 22nd and then taking him back to the hospital to get recasted. I don't think that will work out, but we are wondering if the hospital could just give him the shots while he's in between casts. We also have the worry of knowing he is already going to have the dye injection, saline, anesthesia, and to have immunizations on top of all that at one time?? Lots to think about and research, but some of it we might not have a choice with due to some pertussis in the area.
Anyways, no one told us that when you have a boy circumcised that you are supposed to continue to pull the skin back. We didn't do that because we didn't know and win Dr. Young checked him, the skin was starting to grow back over, so he had to pull it apart to break that skin growth. Well, it hurt Collin so bad... We've never heard him scream like that. He also bled too from where the skin was pulled apart. So, at every diaper change now we have to make sure to pull the skin back and Vaseline it. Needless to say I have been bummed that he was put through unnecessary pain just because of something we didn't know to do. I haven't let him out of my arms since. We gave him Tylenol and he has been asleep most of the afternoon. Poor kid.
Yesterday I went to a friend's baby shower and she got the cutest outfit for her little boy. It was a superman onesie with a matching superhero rag/animal thing. It was so cute. Collin needs one because he's my strong fighter!!
Tuesday, April 5, 2011
LISTEN!!!!
I would consider myself to be an outrageously patient person. I say outrageously because I don't always consider it to be a good characteristic. However, one thing that absolutely makes me lose my patience more than anything in the world is when people do not listen. That would include changing the subject abruptly and asking questions but then interrupting when you are getting an answer.
In my career teaching 4th graders (especially since I have 20 this year), I feel like I always say, "Guys... listen!!!" or "What did I ask you to do?" and so and and so forth. What is really sad is when you want to say the same thing to an adult!
It has been a very trying few days.
Since Collin has gotten casted, we have always been constantly looking out for swelling, blisters, his skin condition, and general wear and tear on the cast. After a few days of being casted, we noticed his diaper area was already experiencing plaster breakdown from the baby wipes. We covered the diaper area with waterproof medical tape to help prevent more wear since that is so close to the hip area, and we reinforced that tape with duct tape. Well, this weekend we noticed a crack had developed on one of his knees and goes around about 6 inches. It can open about 5-7 mm in width and he can also move his leg about that much. You might think it's not a lot, but to be able to move his leg period worries me because if he's in a cast he shouldn't be able to move at all!!! We know this because when you hold him you can feel his leg moving. His feet swelling has been a constant concern of ours as well since being casted, but we have always been told the same thing - switch his positions and keep his feet elevated.
Monday morning, I take Collin to Mimi's house and she comments that his feet seem purplish. She hadn't seen him in a week since Les was just on Spring Break. I slightly freaked out because we knew they had been slightly discolored, but we also see him everyday and are already paranoid about every little change. So, I call the orthopedic at 8:30 and tell them that he has a crack, can move his leg, and his feet are purplish. They took my message and said that my doctor's assistant (Ken) would call me back. I still hadn't heard anything by 10, so I called again and talked to the nurse and she said that she gave him my message but that he was busy and would call back soon. At 3, I still hadn't heard anything, so I called again and got the same reply. Finally around 6:30, Ken called back and said that his feet should be nothing to worry about and that we just need to keep them elevated and change positions. He said they are blanching slowly, but not to a point where it is worrisome. It was also mentioned that the crack wasn't a big concern since it wasn't at the hip, but it definitely would need to be reinforced. Ken said that they would be in surgery all day Tuesday (I knew this, which is why I called so many times Monday), but that Chuck would call me on Tuesday morning so I could come in and get it reinforced.
So today, Tuesday, I tell Mimi that I will be back to take him to the doctor in a little bit. Before I knew it, the school day was over. I called at 3 and this is when I get frustrated. I called scheduling and told them the situation and that I hadn't heard from Chuck and I wanted to know what the deal was. They transferred me to the nurse. I reminded the nurse of the situation from yesterday and told her what Ken had said when I talked to him last night. She transferred me to the Prompt Clinic, where Chuck had been all day. I talked to Shelley, who I repeated the whole situation to and she talked to Chuck, who had never gotten Ken's message about reinforcing the cast.
Shelley said it was worrisome his feet were purplish, so she transferred me back to scheduling and told me to tell them the situation so I could schedule an appointment first thing Wednesday with our orthopedic, Sims. So I start to tell scheduling my situation and they interrupt and say, "let me transfer you to the nurse." and before I can even say, "I already talked to her!!!" they clicked over. Of course, then the nurse didn't answer the phone! Then I had to call back and start all over with scheduling. Of course, it took me 20 minutes to get someone to answer the phone!! Finally, I was able to explain the situation to them and I demanded an appointment first thing. So the lady puts me on hold to look at the schedule and comes back and says, "Well, I guess um we can put you as a walk in at 8:15, or 8:20 whatever". EXCUSE ME!! WHATEVER is not good enough at this point!! So I told her I needed to know exactly what time to be there. So she then told me 8:20. 10 minutes later, Brittney called (I think from scheduling?) and said, "I know you have spent 2 days talking to a million different people here and no one seems to know what to do and everyone is saying different things." Finally some help!! Anyway, she talked to Ken and he told her what he told me on the phone Monday, but that we would need to come in tomorrow to get it all checked out. So she let me pick a time in the afternoon, which was great.
I go to leave school to pick up Collin and not 10 minutes later, they call again (this time Shelley from the Prompt Clinic) and say that if his feet are purplish then he needs to be seen immediately!!! So then I freak out because I've been on the phone with them for 2 days and it's just now decided to be an emergency??? I wasn't too worried about his feet since he was blanching fine, but I took him in and they were waiting for us at the door because they had already closed a few minutes prior. Well, of course his feet were perfectly pink in color and just swollen... not purple. Of course right?? So, I got home and took a picture of his hand by his foot (as good as I could seeing as though he can't bend to get them very close to each other) so that when I go tomorrow they don't call me crazy!!! In all seriousness... should it have really been this difficult to get my not even 4 month old son checked out???
3 and a half weeks down in this cast. 2 and a half more until the next cast change.
In my career teaching 4th graders (especially since I have 20 this year), I feel like I always say, "Guys... listen!!!" or "What did I ask you to do?" and so and and so forth. What is really sad is when you want to say the same thing to an adult!
It has been a very trying few days.
Since Collin has gotten casted, we have always been constantly looking out for swelling, blisters, his skin condition, and general wear and tear on the cast. After a few days of being casted, we noticed his diaper area was already experiencing plaster breakdown from the baby wipes. We covered the diaper area with waterproof medical tape to help prevent more wear since that is so close to the hip area, and we reinforced that tape with duct tape. Well, this weekend we noticed a crack had developed on one of his knees and goes around about 6 inches. It can open about 5-7 mm in width and he can also move his leg about that much. You might think it's not a lot, but to be able to move his leg period worries me because if he's in a cast he shouldn't be able to move at all!!! We know this because when you hold him you can feel his leg moving. His feet swelling has been a constant concern of ours as well since being casted, but we have always been told the same thing - switch his positions and keep his feet elevated.
Monday morning, I take Collin to Mimi's house and she comments that his feet seem purplish. She hadn't seen him in a week since Les was just on Spring Break. I slightly freaked out because we knew they had been slightly discolored, but we also see him everyday and are already paranoid about every little change. So, I call the orthopedic at 8:30 and tell them that he has a crack, can move his leg, and his feet are purplish. They took my message and said that my doctor's assistant (Ken) would call me back. I still hadn't heard anything by 10, so I called again and talked to the nurse and she said that she gave him my message but that he was busy and would call back soon. At 3, I still hadn't heard anything, so I called again and got the same reply. Finally around 6:30, Ken called back and said that his feet should be nothing to worry about and that we just need to keep them elevated and change positions. He said they are blanching slowly, but not to a point where it is worrisome. It was also mentioned that the crack wasn't a big concern since it wasn't at the hip, but it definitely would need to be reinforced. Ken said that they would be in surgery all day Tuesday (I knew this, which is why I called so many times Monday), but that Chuck would call me on Tuesday morning so I could come in and get it reinforced.
So today, Tuesday, I tell Mimi that I will be back to take him to the doctor in a little bit. Before I knew it, the school day was over. I called at 3 and this is when I get frustrated. I called scheduling and told them the situation and that I hadn't heard from Chuck and I wanted to know what the deal was. They transferred me to the nurse. I reminded the nurse of the situation from yesterday and told her what Ken had said when I talked to him last night. She transferred me to the Prompt Clinic, where Chuck had been all day. I talked to Shelley, who I repeated the whole situation to and she talked to Chuck, who had never gotten Ken's message about reinforcing the cast.
Shelley said it was worrisome his feet were purplish, so she transferred me back to scheduling and told me to tell them the situation so I could schedule an appointment first thing Wednesday with our orthopedic, Sims. So I start to tell scheduling my situation and they interrupt and say, "let me transfer you to the nurse." and before I can even say, "I already talked to her!!!" they clicked over. Of course, then the nurse didn't answer the phone! Then I had to call back and start all over with scheduling. Of course, it took me 20 minutes to get someone to answer the phone!! Finally, I was able to explain the situation to them and I demanded an appointment first thing. So the lady puts me on hold to look at the schedule and comes back and says, "Well, I guess um we can put you as a walk in at 8:15, or 8:20 whatever". EXCUSE ME!! WHATEVER is not good enough at this point!! So I told her I needed to know exactly what time to be there. So she then told me 8:20. 10 minutes later, Brittney called (I think from scheduling?) and said, "I know you have spent 2 days talking to a million different people here and no one seems to know what to do and everyone is saying different things." Finally some help!! Anyway, she talked to Ken and he told her what he told me on the phone Monday, but that we would need to come in tomorrow to get it all checked out. So she let me pick a time in the afternoon, which was great.
I go to leave school to pick up Collin and not 10 minutes later, they call again (this time Shelley from the Prompt Clinic) and say that if his feet are purplish then he needs to be seen immediately!!! So then I freak out because I've been on the phone with them for 2 days and it's just now decided to be an emergency??? I wasn't too worried about his feet since he was blanching fine, but I took him in and they were waiting for us at the door because they had already closed a few minutes prior. Well, of course his feet were perfectly pink in color and just swollen... not purple. Of course right?? So, I got home and took a picture of his hand by his foot (as good as I could seeing as though he can't bend to get them very close to each other) so that when I go tomorrow they don't call me crazy!!! In all seriousness... should it have really been this difficult to get my not even 4 month old son checked out???
3 and a half weeks down in this cast. 2 and a half more until the next cast change.
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