Tuesday, November 20, 2007

sTrAiGhT aNsWeRs

Finally, we've gotten some straight answers concerning Ian's respiratory issues.

Doctor #1: "Ian looks great. See you in March."

Ahh, now we can relax and kick back for four more months. Ring, oops, excuse me, the phone is ringing. "Uh huh, OK, yup, umm, let me look on my calendar. Yeah, I can come in to see you tomorrow."

That was doctor #2. She thinks Ian's breathing is a bit "labored." Had me count his breaths while she timed them on the other end of the phone.

Doctor #2: "Well, after hooking Ian up to the Medieval Make Your Child Sit Vertically And Scream For Thirty Minutes X-Ray Machine, we see what appears to be a dark spot on his lungs. Why don't we schedule an appointment with Doctor #3 and see what she says, hmm?"

Doctor #3: "Ian looks really healthy and has great muscle tone. Aside from that raspy breathing I'd say he's perfectly healthy. But let's run some tests next month. In the mean time, here's a Make Your Child Sleep At A 45-Degree Angle Device and a little thing we like to call The Nebuliser. It's a mask that allows him to breath in this medicine we provide you. For how long, you ask? We give you a six month supply. Oh, you can get more, sure. He may need to do this once a day for years. Please see the receptionist on your way out to schedule a Let's See If Your Child Has Acid Reflux Test next month. We'll consult with Doctor #4 to see if additional tests will be required after that."

I love these straight answers.

12 comments:

RK said...

Poor Ian! I SO know what you mean about the medieval x-ray thing...I couldn't even stay in there to see Braska have to endure it. Horrible!

I hope the nebulizer helps and he is breathing much better soon. We've added him to our prayer list of friends each night, again.

Anonymous said...

Sometimes the medical profession is right on, and then other times it is like this situation. Wish I had some answers for you.
The nebulizer may be a help if that is what he needs. Hang in there, and congratulations on being an uncle again!!

Tricia said...

Ugh. Poor Ian. (Poor Dad and Mom!)

Georgia had labored breathing for about 2 months after surgery. Slowly it started to get better. Is Ian on any meds? (Lasix?)

Hopefully this will all clear up. We did the nebuliser while G was in the hospital, but never at home. Luckily I don't think it's TOO bad. Kind of like a steam facial.

Will keep checking in on the little guy!

Anonymous said...

Ooooo, I'm sorry. I KNOW how frustrating this all is. At least it's Thanksgiving & you can drown your frustrations in pie & turkey! We'll be asking God to give you an extra helping of grace this week...
Oh, and I'm very envious that you got to meet Hauerwas!! I hope to have that privilege one day.

Leah Spring said...

Isn't that xray thing unbelievable? For those who want to know what it looks like, your child (or brand new baby) sits on a pummel, much like a bike seat. Then he is sandwiched between two pieces of plexiglass that both holds him upright AND traps his arms up over his head. It keeps his arms out of the way AND they cry (or rather scream) which makes their lungs inflate for a better xray. Lovely, huh?

So, Tom I'm wondering if anyone has said anything about Ian having reflux, and the possibility of aspiration? If not, they might want to be looking in that direction.

Unknown said...

Wow! At least now you know what they mean when they say "practicing medicine." Gonacious.

Unknown said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Anne said...

Welcome to the wonderful world of the nebulizer! Oh, how I've grown to abhor that machine...

Leah Spring said...

Duh...I just read your post again. I must have been 1/2 asleep when I read it the first time. Reflux is a HUGE contributor to respiratory issues. Does he spit up AT ALL? That is reflux. And what you see is probably only about 1/2 of what he actually refluxes, with the rest being "Silent Reflux". If they want you to see a GI specialist, I highly recommend Dr. Ferenci. He has a lot of experience with kids who have DS and reflux.

Tom said...

RK: Thanks for the prayers. I always want to pronounce The Nebulizer with Arnold Schwarzenegger's accent.

Aunt Bonnie: I know everyone is trying their best (at least hope so) so am trying to be as patient as possible. I do feel like I have to be an advocate for Ian's best though, which gets a little tiresome.

Tricia: It helps knowing others who have done this; I just feel so bad for Ian, but he keeps trying to smile all the time.

Lori: I've got two meals coming at me this week, so will be drowning in mashed potatoes and gravy, the ultimate comfort foods. And it was pretty cool meeting Hauerwas, even though I didn't have the courage to ask him some questions I had. Next time.

Leah: I hope someone out there can find a new way to get those x-rays. And Ian does have a bit of reflux, but we don't know the extent of it yet. Thanks for the heads up on the Dr. I think I heard that name somewhere. We're also checking into the aspiration scenario too.

Carole: Practice makes perfect? Let's hope so...

Anne: I would rather be welcomed to the Wonderful World of Disney, but what can you do. :)

Brett said...

Here is my doctor contribution:

http://youtube.com/watch?v=WUU9CqrtFiU&feature=related

Tom said...

Brett: A great, and needed, laugh over lunch today; thanks man. Very funny 4 minutes.