Another Clinic Day Come & Gone

I started getting ready for cardiology clinic last night. I woke up at 6:45 this morning to finish what I had started. The goal was to leave at 7:30. Ayden had other plans. He threw up on two separate outfits, and we didn't leave until 8:00. Thank goodness the day got better.

Ayden's chest x-ray was perfect. After nine blood pressure attempts on his four extremities, I guess they got the ones they wanted. (I'll never understand the blood pressure process; if one tries something enough times, doesn't the law of averages suggest that one will get the number one wants?) His sats were in the 80's. His weight was 8 kilos, or 17.6 pounds, which was bigger than at the pediatrician's office. Dr. Kavanaugh was pleased with where he was and decided not to do an EKG or ECHO or bloodwork. (I was expecting all torturous three.) In the end, we got to go home. (Always a good thing!) Ayden is not scheduled to return until mid-February.

The new formula is still on trial. While Ayden seems to feel better, he continues to vomit during the day (not at night). Throwing up is preceded by coughing, and once anything comes out, it all comes out. He then acts like nothing ever happened; he's once again happy-go-lucky Ayden. However, losing too much of his feed volume has potential to affect his growth. We need to give Ayden an opportunity to work out this struggle before looking at other formulas.

One additional topic that was covered at his clinic visit was his willingness (or lack thereof) to feed by mouth. Though Ayden has the natural mechanics for eating, he does not choose to eat. I don't know how you help a child want to eat; I don't know how you explain to a nine month old that taking a bottle will fill his empty belly. Bryan and I are having a more difficult time moving the feeding process along, so the decision was made for Ayden to see a feeding therapist. I have mixed emotions about Ayden going to a feeding therapist, but I certainly choose that over a G-tube surgery... which is where Ayden would be headed if he continued to refuse to eat. His NG feeding tube was never meant to be a permanent solution.

And... in the background-- or maybe foreground-- there is always the possibility that Ayden's lymph system hasn't had enough time to heal. We pray that he remains healthy and able to stay home.

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One more thing: I would be remiss if I didn't say that Ayden has been amazingly well-behaved at all doctors' visits this week. He has been attentive, charming, fun... just fantastic. These visits are not at all baby friendly, and he handled himself beautifully. I'm so proud!