Baby Buzz

We were quite sure that the sound of the clippers would send Jack into a panic. The girls who came over to sew can attest to the fact that anything whirring or buzzing terrifies him. But, it's been months since Daddy had a haircut and since he's sick it was really aggravating him. So, I decided to give him a quick cut last night before bed. Since Jack was really interested and wasn't scared, I thought I'd give it a try. Despite a tiny bit of whining at the end, he did great - didn't even flinch. He loves being like Daddy. The girls came in and totally made him over, so he was quite pleased with himself by the end.

Today we're still sick and finding that the virus is settling nicely in various bacterial infections in our bodies - John's is in his throat and mine is in my right ear (running through my jaw, my cheekbone, and my teeth!). So, we've given up and called the doctor for drugs. Sometimes these things are just necessary, I suppose, but I hate when it comes to this.

The coughs are still very bad around here, and I am particularly concerned about Jack's lungs. Not only is he susceptible to pneumonia because of his curve, but we know the anesthesiologist will have a field day scaring us with tales of hyper-reactive airways and him being on a respirator. But, there's no way we can delay this cast change any longer - it's already SO tight, and we just can't risk him being out of the cast for that long.

So, hopefully in two weeks we'll see a huge increase in his health and wellness, and God willing we won't get yet another virus from the darn doctor's office. My sister-in-law had a great pediatrician when she lived out of town. They had a well-child waiting room and a sick-child waiting room. WHY do they not do this for every office? It seems so logical. We are typically diligent about not letting the kids play with the toys and holding him during the exam, but this last time resistance was futile and that is when we ended up with the stomach virus that ruined Christmas. I don't think we can handle another attack - clearly my efforts to stay away from people and crowds need to be more dedicated for the remainder of the winter. This virus is a nightmare and, apparently (from John's boss) we have heard it's going through all the schools in the area as well - and lasts about two weeks!!!!!! Maybe home grocery delivery isn't a bad idea after all.

And, to end with a smile - some new pictures of buzz boy. This haircut reminds me of the stories of my Grandpa - taking all five of his little guys down to the basement with the clippers. I have some old photos of my Dad and my Uncle Joe in particular that echo the look :)

(Scroll down past the slideshow for an old picture of my Dad)

Hello Birmingham

A series of events this year have led us to a new path on this journey.

Despite dozens of attempts at contacting his surgeon and staff, calls were never returned and concerns were not addressed. With the assistance of the Infantile Scoliosis Outreach Program, and the amazing moms and dads on the CAST support group, we have transferred Jack's care to Birmingham. He will have cast #4 applied in Chicago in February, then the fifth one will begin our care in Alabama.

His new surgeon was one of the first trained in this method. He has the experience that we know will bring us through to the end of this process and we have heard from several parents what an ethical, supportive, caring physician he is. We feel excited and lucky to be in the ranks with his fellow patients and his support staff has already been prompt with communications and help with the logistics of transferring our care.

Although it will cost us a bit more, the travel being an additional 3 hours each way, the quality of care will be worthwhile. And most importantly, the cryptic message I posted months ago about an administrative issue was not going to be resolved. Rather than fight it with a lengthy legal battle (always wondering if the calls were not being returned or the quality of care was being compromised because of that) we have decided it is best to move forward in a facility where we are welcomed and our convictions are respected.

We will also have to go to insurance with this doctor, who is out of network. But, whatever we will have to pay out of pocket for this care will be worthwhile. No amount of debt will stand in the way of the best possible care for our son. So, we'll be on the road a little longer next time, but I know that the hands he will be in are some of the best in the business and that is worth more than words can explain.

And, some new pictures to show you our motivation...

Snug as a bug

I'm afraid the cast is getting too small.

His food intake has been really low, no matter what it is. He's nursing a lot, which could be because he's not eating, or it could be because it's more comfortable to drink than eat.

The hips of his cast are very tight - and they should be, but even tigher than normal. And, we think the shoulder is touching his strap already, which means he's grown.

I'll update as soon as I have more answers - we have some calls to make.

Success!

Follow-up x-rays will be taken at our local hospital and transferred up to Chicago. :)

We'll have some number next week on how this one is holding.

Yay!

Unseasonably warm

Yesterday was a gorgeous, and at times balmy, 70-something degrees and we took advantage of our expiring Zoo membership. The kids had a great time, even though the trip was short-lived. After the Zoo we went to Great Grandma's, who seemed glad to be home. I haven't emptied my camera in a while, so here are pictures from January, in general.

HAPPY NEW YEAR

Happy 2008 to all our favorite people!

We had a fantastic time last night, made some resolutions, set some goals, and are working toward a healthier 2008 for everyone. While some health issues are out of our control, we will continue to work toward a straighter back for Jackson this year and work on bringing Early Treatment to St. Louis Shriner's. We'd like to raise the $10,000 necessary to buy a pediatric AMIL table so that our local hospital can perform the necessary casting for other babies and toddlers with this condition. So, a lot of thoughts are swirling around right now about how we can do that.

If you have corporate connections, please consider asking them to make a donation to the Infantile Scoliois Outreach Program. We will do everything and anything within our power, but remember this is a non-profit organization, and donations are tax deductible!! Let's get a frame in St. Louis!!! Heather (the head of ISOP) has negotiated a $5,000 reduction in price for the frames (which put the baby's head and pelvis in traction and allow the surgeons to manipulate the spine back into a straight position) for our group. If we can get Dr. D here locally to start doing it, we will need a frame for his facility ASAP (and wouldn't it be fantastic to have one HERE?).

I.S.O.P.
801 Yosemite Street
Denver, CO.
80230
1-866-417-4873
Heather@infantilescoliosis.org