Closer to a diagnosis

This blog is going to be quick, as I am on my way to work. We think that we have a diagnosis for Alex. It is called gastroparesis and is the result of a really bad stomach bug that he caught in early December (when this whole thing started). The good news is that we are with one of the best pediatric gastroenterologists in the region, the not so great news is that it can take 3-12 months for this to go away and we have to continually watch his weight and keep him on the $200 per week formula. ARGH!

We go back to the doctor on the 22nd for a follow up and review of all of the tests. I will post more after that visit.

Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers. It has been a long road, but I can see the end of this journey.

Our collection of hospital bracelets

We just increased our collection of hospital bracelets by 1 more last night. Kevin and I were watching a movie with our cousin Jenna. I was looking at Alex and noticed that his ears were VERY red and even red down the back of his neck. I thought maybe I had used too much detergent on his clothing, so I didn't give it much thought. Plus, he had been rolling around on the floor for about 15 minutes and is often red after that.

When I brought up on to couch to sit with me again I noticed that he had hives all over his face. I asked Kevin to come over and look and further examination showed that they were all over his trunk and into his diaper area. So, Jenna rushed me to the emergency room (again) while Kevin took Matthew up to Leighanna's house. We got right back to see the doctor. They gave him some benadryl right away and the doctor told us that we were dealing with...wait for it, wait for it...an allergy to his hypoallergenic formula! Can it get any worse?? This conclusion was made due to the fact that the redness started about 30 minutes after he ate his bottle.

Just add it to the list.

Alex Update

Just when I thought it was safe to go back to feeding without a muumuu on. Dr. Abou-Harb took us off the EleCare formula and put us back on the Soy formula to see how Alex would do. Anyone wanna take a guess? Yesterday he was cramping so badly and spitting up so much that my babysitter finally called because she was getting worried. Everyone that has seen him in recent weeks have made the same comment "he just doesn't look like he is feeling well". We did a weight check yesterday and Alex has only gained 11 ounces in the past 3 weeks.

I am tired, I am frustrated and most of all, I am getting very worried. Alex is having more testing done on Monday and Tuesday and hopefully we will have some answers after that. He will be sedated for the test on Tuesday, which will involve staying at the hospital for a few hours after.

Please say prayers that we get some kind of a treatment plan in the near future. Kevin and I are still laughing, but we are both exaughsted and need to get this all figured out as soon as possible.

A Letter to Mr. Snow

Dear Mr. Snow,

If we promise to miss you will you please go away?

Love,

The snow weary, wish-school-was-back-in-session, tired of the crappy driving conditions, had to wait three weeks for the garbage truck to make it up our street, worried that our roof might cave in, and did I mention all the ice, residents of Spokane, WA.