This post is untitled because there are so many thoughts and feelings traveling throughout my brain that I truly have no idea what to call this post.
When Elijah was born he was diagnosed with Hirschsprung's Disease. A disease that would be treated with surgery. Back then, we went through all the fears of subjecting our 6 week old to surgery. We were assured he would be all better after surgery. And we praised God that he was!!! We met with the pediatric surgeon every 3 months who gave a thumbs up every time we saw him.
Right before Elijah's 8 month birthday, mother's instinct alerted me to something being wrong, when Elijah would grunt and get beet red in the face every time he had a bowel movement. We visited the pediatrician and I asked for a GI specialist recommendation, considering Elijah's history with Hirschsprung's. We talked about what was going on, I showed her a video of Eli's straining, a sample of his stool. Why not, back to the surgeon though, she asked? He gives the impression that surgery is done, everything surgically looks good, that's it and all that matters-a surgeon mentality I called it. I need a second opinion. Sure thing, our pediatrician said and then we were off to see a GI specialist who put Elijah on a laxative to see how things go. Initially, things went great. Eli stopped straining so much and we saw some really big poops. Had another appointment with the pedaitric surgeon-everything great, he said. At that appointment he said to bring Elijah back when he was 1, but probably not to him, since he would be retiring. GI specialist also said to bring Eli back when he was 1, after pediatric surgeon appointment. Colon probably needs to mature. At 1 we'll see how things go, and can hopefully start tapering down the laxative dosage.
This past week, we saw Elijah in a lot of pain every time he stooled even being on the laxative.
We're going to the pediatric surgeon on Friday, I kept telling myself. We'll get a lot of answers then. Prayed for answers. Got answers.
Elijah has Hirschsprung's Disease. Surgery is a treatment, not a cure. What I didn't know, what the first surgeon didn't tell me, what our own pediatrician or GI specialist didn't tell us, is that although the part of the colon with no ganglia cells is removed, then internal sphincter also has no ganglia cells and can't be removed, thus why Hirschsprung's is a lifelong disease. And thus why of late, Elijah has been constipated.
New surgeon told us there is no reason why a 1 year old with Hirschsprung's should be on a laxative. Also said that she constantly talks with Hirschsprung's patients throughout their life-unlike our previous appointments with the surgeon who gave the internal exam and said everything was fine; looking good; great. No communication.
Now what?
Either irrigations in other cases, but not for Elijah, or dilation surgery. Maybe once a year, twice a year, up to 10 times a year potentially.
Room spun. I cried. Got answers, although not exactly what I was hoping for.
I AM relieved. We have a doctor who explained EVERYTHING to me.
I am also angry. Anger at doctors for not helping me to fully understand this disease.
I AM thankful God gives maternal instincts (Holy Spirit) to guide us and make me jump to action.
Now what?
Lots of prayer this weekend.
Lots of communication with three doctors-pediatrician, GI specialist, pediatric surgeon, making sure they are all on the same page regarding Eli's care.
And lots of thankfulness. For my beautiful family, for the smiles that light up our life from 2 great, strong, fun, adorable, kids. For maternal instinct. For doctors who care. For Elijah (and Charlotte) being perfectly and wonderfully made.
Saturday, August 29, 2009
Friday, August 28, 2009
Growing Up!
Today I sent my firstborn off to preschool. To full day preschool. With a backpack and lunchbox. And new shoes. And a new "first day of school" outfit.
And she did fine.
So much so, that she ran right into the fire truck she could drive and the baby dolls she could care for. So much so, that I got nary a hug or a kiss. I was stunned! I could have snuck out without her even noticing. I could have stayed there all day hiding in a corner, too, without her noticing.
I did give her a kiss, but had to pull her away from her babies to do it. And even then, I couldn't say goodbye fast enough, as I was keeping her away from fun and her 3 year old duty.
This is my baby. The one we made sure was buckled safe and secure when we brought her home from the hospital. Greg driving like 25 miles per hour the whole way home and mad at himself for picking the route that had him going over train tracks.
Now, she buckles herself into her car seat and even pointed out when I forgot to completely buckle Elijah into his seat (that only happened once!)
I'm fine, really I am.
This is my baby. The one I used to dress in clothes multiple times a day because of the massive amount of spitting up she did. Now she dresses herself multiple times a day just because she feels like it.
Man, why is the computer screen all blurry?
This is my baby. The one who I used to supply nourishment to, from my body. Today, Greg made her lunch (peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, string cheese, honey wheat Pringles sticks, and a Special K chocolate and raspberry bar.)
OK, I better go now and look at scrapbooks from Charlotte's first year.
And she did fine.
So much so, that she ran right into the fire truck she could drive and the baby dolls she could care for. So much so, that I got nary a hug or a kiss. I was stunned! I could have snuck out without her even noticing. I could have stayed there all day hiding in a corner, too, without her noticing.
I did give her a kiss, but had to pull her away from her babies to do it. And even then, I couldn't say goodbye fast enough, as I was keeping her away from fun and her 3 year old duty.
This is my baby. The one we made sure was buckled safe and secure when we brought her home from the hospital. Greg driving like 25 miles per hour the whole way home and mad at himself for picking the route that had him going over train tracks.
Now, she buckles herself into her car seat and even pointed out when I forgot to completely buckle Elijah into his seat (that only happened once!)
I'm fine, really I am.
This is my baby. The one I used to dress in clothes multiple times a day because of the massive amount of spitting up she did. Now she dresses herself multiple times a day just because she feels like it.
Man, why is the computer screen all blurry?
This is my baby. The one who I used to supply nourishment to, from my body. Today, Greg made her lunch (peanut butter and jelly, yogurt, string cheese, honey wheat Pringles sticks, and a Special K chocolate and raspberry bar.)
OK, I better go now and look at scrapbooks from Charlotte's first year.
Sunday, August 23, 2009
Family Camp 3
I wanted to come up with a top ten list for our vacation to Village Creek Bible Camp, to attend Family Camp 3, but really that list would be WAYYYYYYYYYYYY longer than 10 items! So here's a glimpse into some of the fun things we did, and just know that next year, you'll have to join us!
Since we take the trip multiple times a year, we decided to mix it up and go the more scenic route thru Galena, IL, Dubuque, IA and up the Great River Road. We stopped at Chestnut Mountain Ridge to go down their unbelievably fast alpine slide!
Lots of family time!
Elijah's first pony ride
Pony rides everyday!
Kayaking down the Mississippi. (This photo is of almost all of the adults that actually were a part of our group at camp. Our group made up 7 of the 16 families who attended VCBC. Next year, we want to fill the camp!)
Bungee trampoline. Ranked right up there as one of my favorite activities at camp. The other was this.
Softball!
Hayrack ride to trail breakfast and heart attack toast!
Getting ready to do the multi-vine challenge on the high ropes course.
Since we take the trip multiple times a year, we decided to mix it up and go the more scenic route thru Galena, IL, Dubuque, IA and up the Great River Road. We stopped at Chestnut Mountain Ridge to go down their unbelievably fast alpine slide!
Lots of family time!
Elijah's first pony ride
Pony rides everyday!
Kayaking down the Mississippi. (This photo is of almost all of the adults that actually were a part of our group at camp. Our group made up 7 of the 16 families who attended VCBC. Next year, we want to fill the camp!)
Bungee trampoline. Ranked right up there as one of my favorite activities at camp. The other was this.
Softball!
Hayrack ride to trail breakfast and heart attack toast!
Getting ready to do the multi-vine challenge on the high ropes course.
That's Sick!
I really should be blogging about our restful, fun-filled, family and friend-filled vacation, but instead here's a glimpse into our afternoon and evening.
We had a great time at a friend's birthday party this afternoon and were heading to a second birthday party in the car on the Dan Ryan on a Sunday evening. For those from Chicago, you know that this equals bad traffic. Our bad dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Charlotte was squirming in her car seat saying her tummy didn't feel well. Not many options existed as 1. we were stuck in traffic and 2. if we could get off the expressway, who knew where to take her because we were on the south side (some not safe neighborhoods) and why doesn't Chicago have those nice blue signs that tell you which way fast food restaurants and gas stations are? I, however, like to think of myself as a quick thinker and told her to let me know when she had to absolutely, without a doubt had to go potty, and then we would put one of Eli's diapers on her. And then Charlotte feel asleep-the calm before the storm. And I guess I'll say now that I'm not a quick thinker because I wasn't really prepared for what came next as Charlotte vommited all over herself, her car seat, and the back of Greg's seat. Why, oh why did I assume that the bodily function would come out the other end?!?!
So, now Charlotte is sitting covered in pink, chunky vomit, in the middle of the very packed Dan Ryan Expressway, Eli is mimicking her by blowing lots and lots of raspberries (why do boys do that, make fun of girls at their lowest points?), I'm panicking because we have nothing in the car to clean her up with except today's paper, which I really didn't think would be too effective, when our own personal superhero AKA Dad takes off his shirt to remove his undershirt to give to Charlotte. Whew, what quick thinking!!!! Wow, I love that guy. He totally kept his cool and didn't think anything about giving up his shirt. (of course, I would have given up my shirt, but ahem, not very appropriate!) Then an hour later and one more throw-up episode later, we are home. Charlotte was bathed, car seat and car was scrubbed, laundry is in the washer, and I really should be showering, but don't you all really want to hear about our vacation?
We had a great time at a friend's birthday party this afternoon and were heading to a second birthday party in the car on the Dan Ryan on a Sunday evening. For those from Chicago, you know that this equals bad traffic. Our bad dream quickly turned into a nightmare as Charlotte was squirming in her car seat saying her tummy didn't feel well. Not many options existed as 1. we were stuck in traffic and 2. if we could get off the expressway, who knew where to take her because we were on the south side (some not safe neighborhoods) and why doesn't Chicago have those nice blue signs that tell you which way fast food restaurants and gas stations are? I, however, like to think of myself as a quick thinker and told her to let me know when she had to absolutely, without a doubt had to go potty, and then we would put one of Eli's diapers on her. And then Charlotte feel asleep-the calm before the storm. And I guess I'll say now that I'm not a quick thinker because I wasn't really prepared for what came next as Charlotte vommited all over herself, her car seat, and the back of Greg's seat. Why, oh why did I assume that the bodily function would come out the other end?!?!
So, now Charlotte is sitting covered in pink, chunky vomit, in the middle of the very packed Dan Ryan Expressway, Eli is mimicking her by blowing lots and lots of raspberries (why do boys do that, make fun of girls at their lowest points?), I'm panicking because we have nothing in the car to clean her up with except today's paper, which I really didn't think would be too effective, when our own personal superhero AKA Dad takes off his shirt to remove his undershirt to give to Charlotte. Whew, what quick thinking!!!! Wow, I love that guy. He totally kept his cool and didn't think anything about giving up his shirt. (of course, I would have given up my shirt, but ahem, not very appropriate!) Then an hour later and one more throw-up episode later, we are home. Charlotte was bathed, car seat and car was scrubbed, laundry is in the washer, and I really should be showering, but don't you all really want to hear about our vacation?
Friday, August 14, 2009
Birthday Celebration #1
A little over a year ago, July 28, 2008 was Elijah's due date. Or maybe it was July 29-I can't remember, but that's not important anyway, since I do remember that Elijah's due date came and went without him being born. What I do remember is that on July 30, 2008 (a Wednesday, and thus Foster Family Fun Day) we went to see Veggie Tales: The Pirates Who Don't Do Anything movie. I ate popcorn and drank a big caffeniated Coke all with the hopes of getting my little guy really moving and come out. I also remember having contractions throughout that day and calling my mom who said, "You might as well just wait until tomorrow when the baby can be born on Grampa's birthday." Um, sure mom, I'll get right on that! And, I was thinking that would be a splendid idea. Elijah must have thought that to, as he was born on the morning on July 31, 2008 on my grampa's 74th! I still remember calling my grandpa to wish him a happy birthday and saying something like "Elijah Wesley Henry wishes you a happy birthday." Or maybe it was "Happy Birthday from all 4 of us!" Can't remember exactly, after all it was a year ago!
So, fast forward to July 31, 2009 when Elijah and Grampa Henry (yes, we named Elijah after my grampa once we knew he was going to be born on my Grampa's birthday) celebrated their birthdays together!
Grampa showing Eli his teeth-and by teeth, I mean dentures! (I made him do it because we have a photo of him showing his teeth to Charlotte and I wanted one with Eli too!)
Mommy, daddy and the birthday boy! (my hair looks awful here as I am trying to grow it out, and I'm still not entirely sure why I am!)
Eating cake!
So, fast forward to July 31, 2009 when Elijah and Grampa Henry (yes, we named Elijah after my grampa once we knew he was going to be born on my Grampa's birthday) celebrated their birthdays together!
Grampa showing Eli his teeth-and by teeth, I mean dentures! (I made him do it because we have a photo of him showing his teeth to Charlotte and I wanted one with Eli too!)
Mommy, daddy and the birthday boy! (my hair looks awful here as I am trying to grow it out, and I'm still not entirely sure why I am!)
Eating cake!
Sunday, August 9, 2009
1 Year Old!
My, oh my, how does time fly! Our little guy is now one and has been for the last 9 days! We had a very busy week leading up to Elijah's birthday and then this past week. And I will post pictures of all of the festivities (and yes, us Foster's do tend to have many celebrations around one birthday-except we did get to celebrate 2 birthdays on July 31st-Grampa's and Elijah's!!
Anyway, I wanted to post our letters to Eli. We got him the book, The Little Mouse, The red, Ripe Strawberry, and The Big, Hungry Bear for his birthday following this tradition.
To My Sweet Elijah,
Very often I find myself asking you the same question asked on the mouse-"What are you doing?" You are so curious! With that comes the determination to relentlessly go after the things you find intriguing! And just like the mouse you are not going to let an obstacle get in your way-be it the stairs, toilet lid, safety locks, or the drawers of the art table!
And also just like the mouse, you love strawberries-all berries in fact! At your young age you've already been blueberry picking, and we can't forget raspberries from our garden. Oh, yes, you do always share!
I love you my sweet, sweet boy!
Mommy
Dear Elijah,
Happy birthday my son! Your first year has been truly an amazing journey. When you were born your mom and I were so happy to meet you and welcome you into our family. I can still remember it like it was yesterday-riding the train up to Evanston and roller blading to the hospital to visit you. Shortly after you were born the doctors discovered that you needed surgery in order to correct a problem with your belly. You could not have bowel movements on your own at first. Mommy and I helped you out, thanks in large part to a lot of prayer and patience that only came from Jesus. After six weeks, the doctors performed a perfect surgery and you recovered beautifully. Now you stool a lot and often I find myself complaining-shame on me. Your first year has been wonderful; yes, tough at times, but all together a success. You are a healthy, happy, and active young man. Your smile as you recognize me me after a long day has the ability to brighten up any day.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Daddy
Anyway, I wanted to post our letters to Eli. We got him the book, The Little Mouse, The red, Ripe Strawberry, and The Big, Hungry Bear for his birthday following this tradition.
To My Sweet Elijah,
Very often I find myself asking you the same question asked on the mouse-"What are you doing?" You are so curious! With that comes the determination to relentlessly go after the things you find intriguing! And just like the mouse you are not going to let an obstacle get in your way-be it the stairs, toilet lid, safety locks, or the drawers of the art table!
And also just like the mouse, you love strawberries-all berries in fact! At your young age you've already been blueberry picking, and we can't forget raspberries from our garden. Oh, yes, you do always share!
I love you my sweet, sweet boy!
Mommy
Dear Elijah,
Happy birthday my son! Your first year has been truly an amazing journey. When you were born your mom and I were so happy to meet you and welcome you into our family. I can still remember it like it was yesterday-riding the train up to Evanston and roller blading to the hospital to visit you. Shortly after you were born the doctors discovered that you needed surgery in order to correct a problem with your belly. You could not have bowel movements on your own at first. Mommy and I helped you out, thanks in large part to a lot of prayer and patience that only came from Jesus. After six weeks, the doctors performed a perfect surgery and you recovered beautifully. Now you stool a lot and often I find myself complaining-shame on me. Your first year has been wonderful; yes, tough at times, but all together a success. You are a healthy, happy, and active young man. Your smile as you recognize me me after a long day has the ability to brighten up any day.
Happy Birthday!
Love,
Daddy
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