http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Sunday, October 16, 2011
Faces of Spina Bifida Video
This is a video put together by my friend Christy and I for a recent Spina Bifida Association of Colorado fundraiser.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v
Wednesday, September 7, 2011
On A Positive Note...
A while back I realized that every time I sat down to do blogging, something bad was going on. Whether Evan was sick, or I was having a problem with insurance, or I was just having a down day. I want this blog to be an outlet, but I am not a negative person and I don't want this blog to represent me as that. I tend to be upbeat and positive on most days. I know there are hard times and struggles, but somehow it always works out in the end, or maybe doesn't work out, but is the way it should be.
The last time I sat down to blog, I was fuming about Evan not being able to get the insurance to cover the extra physical therapy he so desperately needs. Half way through my ranting, I got a call from the nurse at my doctors office saying she just received the approval.
Honestly, things are pretty good. I have a beautiful daughter who amazes me with how smart she is everyday and above all she is a great big sister. Nothing sounds better when she and Evan are laying on the floor together laughing over absolutely nothing. Evan has changed my world. His smile...melts me.
I have always wanted to be involved with something that I could contribute to and I have found it. Well to be truthful, it found me. I am working on two different committees with our local Spina Bifida Association and I take great pride in both of them. I am doing some serious thinking about running for our board. At first I was hesitant as I have never been on a board and wasn't sure I could offer much to them. Now as I consider it more, I realize it could be a great learning and growing experience. And, above all, it is obviously a cause I believe so deeply in.
The lights of my life!!!
The last time I sat down to blog, I was fuming about Evan not being able to get the insurance to cover the extra physical therapy he so desperately needs. Half way through my ranting, I got a call from the nurse at my doctors office saying she just received the approval.
Honestly, things are pretty good. I have a beautiful daughter who amazes me with how smart she is everyday and above all she is a great big sister. Nothing sounds better when she and Evan are laying on the floor together laughing over absolutely nothing. Evan has changed my world. His smile...melts me.
I have always wanted to be involved with something that I could contribute to and I have found it. Well to be truthful, it found me. I am working on two different committees with our local Spina Bifida Association and I take great pride in both of them. I am doing some serious thinking about running for our board. At first I was hesitant as I have never been on a board and wasn't sure I could offer much to them. Now as I consider it more, I realize it could be a great learning and growing experience. And, above all, it is obviously a cause I believe so deeply in.
The lights of my life!!!
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Medical Madness
The last few weeks have been a whirlwind of appointments. Last week Evan came down with a high fever that was not subsiding. He was lethargic, sleepy and refused to eat. Of course as any SB mom would do, I immediately thought shunt....
The fever started on early Saturday morning and on Tuesday I finally decided to take him to the pediatrician. They did the usual urine culture and blood work they do when he gets this way. We are always hoping its just a bad UTI. That sounds funny to say, but I would take a UTI over a shunt revision any day.
On Thursday when the urine culture came back it showed a mild infection but our pediatrician wasn't convinced that it was our culprit and after 2 days of a strong antibiotic things were not improving. If I've never mentioned it before I LOVE our pediatrician. We were just assigned her when Lauren was born and fell in love. Of course with Lauren we really only saw her for well checks and the occasional cough and cold. When I was pregnant with Evan I found out our insurance was going to change and we would not be able to see her anymore. I cried, and cried, for days. After a year our insurance changed again and we were able to see her again!! When we go, she never makes me feel like I am paranoid for bringing him in, yet again. She spends tons of time with us and never makes us feel rushed. She emails to check to see how Evan is if she happens to get a note that we saw one of our specialists at Childrens. She calls on weekends to give us test results, and she calls from vacation to make sure things that he needs are getting done. She truly spoils us and I hope she knows how much we appreciate all she does for our family. As much as I love her though, I was not to excited when she thought our best course of action would be to go to the ER just to assure nothing was going on with his shunt. So Thursday night we trekked to the ER. He had bloodwork, another urine culture and MRI and renal ultrasound. We were sent home...with nothing. They assumed it was just a virus and it would go its course. Friday, our doctor wanted to see him again, as she was concerned his fever was still there. When we got there, in perfect Evan style, his fever was mysteriously gone, his smile was found and a rash appeared. They diagnosed him with Roseola.
Thankfully, he has been well since then. Yesterday we had our long awaited swallow study and he did amazing. They cleared him to have all liquids except water. They said since water has no smell and no taste some people have don't trigger their swallow reflux and choke. This means that we are one step closer to getting rid of his g-tube!!!!
Today, we took him in for his first brain and spine MRI under sedation. As always he was such a stud. He work up from the anesthesia happy as can be. We were lucky enough to be able to meet with the neurosurgeon today as well and get results. All is good!! Nothing looks concerning at all. It seems like this was the first test since I can't remember when with normal, good news.
Thank goodness school hasn't started yet and Lauren has been at her daycamp everyday having fun, while all this was going on. Sometimes I like for her not to know the day to day stuff. She is a kid and needs to have fun and not worry about her brother.
Now we get a few days off before meeting with his ortho doctor on Friday.
Evan and Lauren never ceases to amaze me with their spirits and resiliency
Waiting patiently for the doctor!
The fever started on early Saturday morning and on Tuesday I finally decided to take him to the pediatrician. They did the usual urine culture and blood work they do when he gets this way. We are always hoping its just a bad UTI. That sounds funny to say, but I would take a UTI over a shunt revision any day.
On Thursday when the urine culture came back it showed a mild infection but our pediatrician wasn't convinced that it was our culprit and after 2 days of a strong antibiotic things were not improving. If I've never mentioned it before I LOVE our pediatrician. We were just assigned her when Lauren was born and fell in love. Of course with Lauren we really only saw her for well checks and the occasional cough and cold. When I was pregnant with Evan I found out our insurance was going to change and we would not be able to see her anymore. I cried, and cried, for days. After a year our insurance changed again and we were able to see her again!! When we go, she never makes me feel like I am paranoid for bringing him in, yet again. She spends tons of time with us and never makes us feel rushed. She emails to check to see how Evan is if she happens to get a note that we saw one of our specialists at Childrens. She calls on weekends to give us test results, and she calls from vacation to make sure things that he needs are getting done. She truly spoils us and I hope she knows how much we appreciate all she does for our family. As much as I love her though, I was not to excited when she thought our best course of action would be to go to the ER just to assure nothing was going on with his shunt. So Thursday night we trekked to the ER. He had bloodwork, another urine culture and MRI and renal ultrasound. We were sent home...with nothing. They assumed it was just a virus and it would go its course. Friday, our doctor wanted to see him again, as she was concerned his fever was still there. When we got there, in perfect Evan style, his fever was mysteriously gone, his smile was found and a rash appeared. They diagnosed him with Roseola.
Thankfully, he has been well since then. Yesterday we had our long awaited swallow study and he did amazing. They cleared him to have all liquids except water. They said since water has no smell and no taste some people have don't trigger their swallow reflux and choke. This means that we are one step closer to getting rid of his g-tube!!!!
Today, we took him in for his first brain and spine MRI under sedation. As always he was such a stud. He work up from the anesthesia happy as can be. We were lucky enough to be able to meet with the neurosurgeon today as well and get results. All is good!! Nothing looks concerning at all. It seems like this was the first test since I can't remember when with normal, good news.
Thank goodness school hasn't started yet and Lauren has been at her daycamp everyday having fun, while all this was going on. Sometimes I like for her not to know the day to day stuff. She is a kid and needs to have fun and not worry about her brother.
Now we get a few days off before meeting with his ortho doctor on Friday.
Evan and Lauren never ceases to amaze me with their spirits and resiliency
Playing in the waiting room while waiting to see the neurosurgeon. You would never know just 4 hours ago he was under anesthesia.
His perfect spine!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
My Pity Party...
I started writing a blog last night, but got interrupted with family things and never finished. It started out saying something like "things have been quiet. No illnesses, no doctor visits, no hospital stays, no news....
That still mostly holds still today, but perhaps my outlook has changed on it.
We have had some concerns over Evans hips for a while now and at the last Spinal Defects clinic we talked to the orthopedic Physician Assistant who sees us there. She agrees that we may need to do something about them. Both of his hips have been dislocated since birth and the general consensus is that if they are symmetrical (both out) you leave them alone. The problem now is that the muscles on one of the hips is very tight and one is very loose. The PA had us schedule an appointment with the doctor. I called that afternoon and got her next available appointment...six weeks later, which was for this Friday, July 15. Today, July 13, I got a call that our doctor is actually going to be out of the office on Friday, but they could get us in at her next available opening, on Friday, August 12th. I was not happy and expressed my discontentment to them.
Early August is already a very full two weeks for us with appointments. On August 3rd we are scheduled to see our new GI, since our other one moved out of state. August 8th we are having a repeat swallow study. I have been trying to control my anxiety about the swallow study, since the one we did in January went so badly. I am hoping we get some better answers this time so that we can begin moving forward with getting Evan to advance with his eating and drinking. Then the next day, August 9th, Evan is having his first official head and spine MRI which will require sedation. And now we get to finish the week with an ortho visit to talk about possible hip surgery.
I realize in the big scheme of things, maybe all of this is not such a big deal, but in some ways it is. I hate that I have to constantly ask for time off work for appointments. I am lucky enough to work with people who are very understanding, but I still feel badly. I try, when I can to spread appointments out, to not have such a noticeable absence, but this time it couldn't be avoided. All of these appointments were difficult to schedule and were scheduled many weeks and some, months ago.
So after getting off the phone with the Orthopedic office, I was feeling upset and frustrated. It saddens me that there are so many children out there that need to see these specialist that it takes so long to get an appointment. It frustrates me that...we have to deal with any of this. Some days I get angry at Spina Bifida, and today, ok, really this week is one of them.
I want simplicity. I want a break. I want a moment to have a pity party.
It does make it easier that he is pretty cute...
That still mostly holds still today, but perhaps my outlook has changed on it.
We have had some concerns over Evans hips for a while now and at the last Spinal Defects clinic we talked to the orthopedic Physician Assistant who sees us there. She agrees that we may need to do something about them. Both of his hips have been dislocated since birth and the general consensus is that if they are symmetrical (both out) you leave them alone. The problem now is that the muscles on one of the hips is very tight and one is very loose. The PA had us schedule an appointment with the doctor. I called that afternoon and got her next available appointment...six weeks later, which was for this Friday, July 15. Today, July 13, I got a call that our doctor is actually going to be out of the office on Friday, but they could get us in at her next available opening, on Friday, August 12th. I was not happy and expressed my discontentment to them.
Early August is already a very full two weeks for us with appointments. On August 3rd we are scheduled to see our new GI, since our other one moved out of state. August 8th we are having a repeat swallow study. I have been trying to control my anxiety about the swallow study, since the one we did in January went so badly. I am hoping we get some better answers this time so that we can begin moving forward with getting Evan to advance with his eating and drinking. Then the next day, August 9th, Evan is having his first official head and spine MRI which will require sedation. And now we get to finish the week with an ortho visit to talk about possible hip surgery.
I realize in the big scheme of things, maybe all of this is not such a big deal, but in some ways it is. I hate that I have to constantly ask for time off work for appointments. I am lucky enough to work with people who are very understanding, but I still feel badly. I try, when I can to spread appointments out, to not have such a noticeable absence, but this time it couldn't be avoided. All of these appointments were difficult to schedule and were scheduled many weeks and some, months ago.
So after getting off the phone with the Orthopedic office, I was feeling upset and frustrated. It saddens me that there are so many children out there that need to see these specialist that it takes so long to get an appointment. It frustrates me that...we have to deal with any of this. Some days I get angry at Spina Bifida, and today, ok, really this week is one of them.
I want simplicity. I want a break. I want a moment to have a pity party.
It does make it easier that he is pretty cute...
Sunday, July 3, 2011
Spina Bifida Conference
We just returned from attending our first (and hopefully) not last National Spina Bifida Conference. I am still in a state of awe. It is almost overwhelming to even sit down and write this blog post and figure out how to include everything without writing a novel.
First and foremost, it was absolutely amazing to have the chance to actually meet in person the women, men, and kids that help keep me going. They are my resource when something new comes along, my cheerleaders when I feel down and my new family.
The conference started off with a presentation from the doctor who headed the MOMS study. This was a study that was conducted in three states where mothers who were pregnant with a child who had Spina Bifida were initially interviewed to see if they qualified for the study. Once qualified they were divided into the prenatal or postnatal groups. The prenatal group underwent surgery to repair the babies lesion while still pregnant and the babies lesion was closed. The postnatal group was also followed but their babies lesion was not closed until after the birth. The study was so successful in showing that the prenatal babies did better that the study was ended early. During my pregnancy I was given a very small amount of information about the study, but knew that it would be difficult to adjust our lives to be able to participate. I would have to leave my job quite early in my pregnancy and be away from Lauren for several months. Looking back, I maybe should have done more research on it, but I've learned not to dwell on things which I can not change. Evan is who he is...and he is perfect.
Over the next few days of the conference, I attended a variety of sessions covering orthopedics, neurology and urology. I learned so much in such a short period of time. I learned how much is really involved with a child/adult with Spina Bifida. We have a long road ahead of us with many unknowns. I have a lot to still learn and I can only hope that I am knowledgeable enough with my decisions to give Evan the best outcomes when the time comes for those decisions to be made.
As enriching of knowledge as these sessions were, they also at times were mentally exhausting. As I would look around at all of these sweet kids and kinds adults who were living with Spina Bifida, it was heart breaking and unthinkable of why they were chosen to be born this way. Each of them are stronger and braver than I will ever understand.
While I was at conference Evan attended Kids Kamp. He had the opportunity to spend a few days with other kids his age who also have Spina Bifida. My hope is that in years to come we are able to attend more conferences and he can get to know these kids better. I learned how important it is through my own experiences it is to have people in your life who truly understand what you are going through. I worry about how Evan will relate to his peers once he starts school, but I know that no matter what his SB friends will always accept him for who he is.
On Monday evening a big group of families met for some social time. These are some of the moms that I have gotten to know well over the past few years. It was a night I will always remember.
First and foremost, it was absolutely amazing to have the chance to actually meet in person the women, men, and kids that help keep me going. They are my resource when something new comes along, my cheerleaders when I feel down and my new family.
The conference started off with a presentation from the doctor who headed the MOMS study. This was a study that was conducted in three states where mothers who were pregnant with a child who had Spina Bifida were initially interviewed to see if they qualified for the study. Once qualified they were divided into the prenatal or postnatal groups. The prenatal group underwent surgery to repair the babies lesion while still pregnant and the babies lesion was closed. The postnatal group was also followed but their babies lesion was not closed until after the birth. The study was so successful in showing that the prenatal babies did better that the study was ended early. During my pregnancy I was given a very small amount of information about the study, but knew that it would be difficult to adjust our lives to be able to participate. I would have to leave my job quite early in my pregnancy and be away from Lauren for several months. Looking back, I maybe should have done more research on it, but I've learned not to dwell on things which I can not change. Evan is who he is...and he is perfect.
Over the next few days of the conference, I attended a variety of sessions covering orthopedics, neurology and urology. I learned so much in such a short period of time. I learned how much is really involved with a child/adult with Spina Bifida. We have a long road ahead of us with many unknowns. I have a lot to still learn and I can only hope that I am knowledgeable enough with my decisions to give Evan the best outcomes when the time comes for those decisions to be made.
As enriching of knowledge as these sessions were, they also at times were mentally exhausting. As I would look around at all of these sweet kids and kinds adults who were living with Spina Bifida, it was heart breaking and unthinkable of why they were chosen to be born this way. Each of them are stronger and braver than I will ever understand.
While I was at conference Evan attended Kids Kamp. He had the opportunity to spend a few days with other kids his age who also have Spina Bifida. My hope is that in years to come we are able to attend more conferences and he can get to know these kids better. I learned how important it is through my own experiences it is to have people in your life who truly understand what you are going through. I worry about how Evan will relate to his peers once he starts school, but I know that no matter what his SB friends will always accept him for who he is.
On Monday evening a big group of families met for some social time. These are some of the moms that I have gotten to know well over the past few years. It was a night I will always remember.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Summer
As I sit down to write this, it's a relief to not have to write any medical updates on here (knock on wood).
I love summer time. I never knew this before this summer, though. I love being able to come home from a long day of work and not have the stress of homework, and dinner and baths and early bedtimes. We can relax. We have time to breathe. We get some much needed extra time in our day.
This summer will definetly be a summer to remember. We are about to embark on a life changing journey. In just 9 days we are heading to Anaheim, California for our first family vacation. We are headed to the place where dreams are made. I am lucky enough to be able to get a two for one deal during this trip. I am attending the National Spina Bifida Conference! . I am so grateful and blessed to have such an amazing support system of other SB moms and families and I will finally get the chance to meet some of these wonderful people. While I am at conference Evan will be a Spina Bifida kids camp. I realize that he is young and very possibly will not remember this trip when he is older. I love the fact that he is going to get the chance to be around other SB kids his own age and observe their mobility skills. While Evan and I work on our SB educations, Jeff and Lauren are going to be spending 4 fun filled days at Disneyland. The conference is being held at the Disneyland Hotel, which is where we will be staying, so it only seem fitting. I am so glad they will get this daddy/daughter bonding time. Evan and I will join them for the last 2 days at Disney to end our amazing trip. One of the best things about this trip is that Lauren has NO idea, whatsoever that we are going!!!! Jeff and I have been talking and planning this trip since January and we have never said a word to her about it. I can't wait to see the look on her face when we arrive at Disneyland. The smile on her face is the only way to start a dream vacation!
I love summer time. I never knew this before this summer, though. I love being able to come home from a long day of work and not have the stress of homework, and dinner and baths and early bedtimes. We can relax. We have time to breathe. We get some much needed extra time in our day.
This summer will definetly be a summer to remember. We are about to embark on a life changing journey. In just 9 days we are heading to Anaheim, California for our first family vacation. We are headed to the place where dreams are made. I am lucky enough to be able to get a two for one deal during this trip. I am attending the National Spina Bifida Conference! . I am so grateful and blessed to have such an amazing support system of other SB moms and families and I will finally get the chance to meet some of these wonderful people. While I am at conference Evan will be a Spina Bifida kids camp. I realize that he is young and very possibly will not remember this trip when he is older. I love the fact that he is going to get the chance to be around other SB kids his own age and observe their mobility skills. While Evan and I work on our SB educations, Jeff and Lauren are going to be spending 4 fun filled days at Disneyland. The conference is being held at the Disneyland Hotel, which is where we will be staying, so it only seem fitting. I am so glad they will get this daddy/daughter bonding time. Evan and I will join them for the last 2 days at Disney to end our amazing trip. One of the best things about this trip is that Lauren has NO idea, whatsoever that we are going!!!! Jeff and I have been talking and planning this trip since January and we have never said a word to her about it. I can't wait to see the look on her face when we arrive at Disneyland. The smile on her face is the only way to start a dream vacation!
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Spina Bifida Clinic Update
We had our first Spina Bifida clinic in a while today. We were supposed to go in February but it was right after Evan had been in the hospital for 10 days and I just couldn't imagine spending anymore time there, so we rescheduled and today was the next opening they had.
I have a love/hate relationship with Spina Bifida Clinic. I hate the long days. I hate the worry I have for days before. I love seeing the doctors and nurses who we have gotten to know over the past year and a half and I love seeing other SB families and often meeting new ones. Today we met a new little girl named Lilly who is 3. Her mom brought her down the long hallway in her stroller, stopped, Lilly got out and walked over to the rehab nurse. A new accomplishment for Lilly in the past 2 weeks. I am thrilled for Lilly and her family. A take that, SB, moment!!!!
We have had some concerns over the last few weeks about Evans right hip. Although they are both displaced, there has never been a concern since they were symmetrical. After some x-rays today we realized they are still symmetrical but he may need to have a surgery done on some of the soft tissue to help the rotation of the right hip. We are planning on making an appointment with our Ortho doc to discuss this further.
After several weeks of waiting we finally got the final results on his renal ultrasound. He is having some very minor reflux and so they are going to up his medications, which he was due for anyway because of his great weight gain.
We were also informed that it was finally time to get an official MRI of his brain and spine. This time he will have to be sedated for the procedure. Not a huge deal in the big scheme of things, but I hate the thought of him having one more thing.
Overall, clinic went well. It wasn't as long as it sometimes is, but we came straight home and both had a good nap. Now we are off to enjoy the great weather outside!
I have a love/hate relationship with Spina Bifida Clinic. I hate the long days. I hate the worry I have for days before. I love seeing the doctors and nurses who we have gotten to know over the past year and a half and I love seeing other SB families and often meeting new ones. Today we met a new little girl named Lilly who is 3. Her mom brought her down the long hallway in her stroller, stopped, Lilly got out and walked over to the rehab nurse. A new accomplishment for Lilly in the past 2 weeks. I am thrilled for Lilly and her family. A take that, SB, moment!!!!
We have had some concerns over the last few weeks about Evans right hip. Although they are both displaced, there has never been a concern since they were symmetrical. After some x-rays today we realized they are still symmetrical but he may need to have a surgery done on some of the soft tissue to help the rotation of the right hip. We are planning on making an appointment with our Ortho doc to discuss this further.
After several weeks of waiting we finally got the final results on his renal ultrasound. He is having some very minor reflux and so they are going to up his medications, which he was due for anyway because of his great weight gain.
We were also informed that it was finally time to get an official MRI of his brain and spine. This time he will have to be sedated for the procedure. Not a huge deal in the big scheme of things, but I hate the thought of him having one more thing.
Overall, clinic went well. It wasn't as long as it sometimes is, but we came straight home and both had a good nap. Now we are off to enjoy the great weather outside!
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