Today was the follow up appt for our weekend ER trip. I love his new doctor for what it's worth. She was new to the practice in the fall, and we picked her for his last Well Child Appt bc she had evening hours.
So, today's appt.
Turns out the ER doctor was clueless. She diagnosed and treated something totally different. He does not have asthma, does not have any breating difficulties, and should not have been put on the steroid, had another breathing treatment, or be using an inhaler. His lungs were and are totally clear. There was no wheezing documented on the Saturday night trip. There was no wheezing today. What they did determine today (and it was totally missed on Saturday) was that he has a lot of allergy related drainage, and stuffiness. She said it's most definitely allergy related. Not a cold, not asthma, simply an allergy to something here. The coughing is pretty much anytime he sits and relaxes. Which we've been having him do a lot because we were thinking it was breathing related and too much activity is usually making that worse if it's that type of problem. In his case, when he is hyper and active, the drainage just happens and he doesn't realize it. When he's resting is when he realizes it, and it starts to bother him.
So to fix that, he is on a nose perscription nose spray to dry up the drainage. He is staying on the allergy med and if that doesn't seem to be enough to snap him out of it, we can add Zyrtec daily. Absolutely no inhaler though unless he has true difficulty breathing and is showing signs like about a month ago.
We decided to buy an air purifier for the living room. I hope it helps. I'm going to get a test kit to see what's going on upstairs as far as mold possiblity's since the basement is questionable. We're also keeping an eye out for somewhere else. I'm still not in the place to buy, so it has to be a rental. We're not sure if we're going to stay in this area forever, and I just don't feel like buying just to deal with the drama of a home that will take forever to sell if we do decide to relocate some day.
But anyway, that's the update from the doctor...Hoping that things improve now and he can finally get relief. He slept pretty good last night, and is doing great so far tonight.
Monday, February 28, 2011
Sunday, February 27, 2011
What's been going on
I suck at keeping up lately. That's nothing new.
So, Kristopher has been having this on going cold since shortly after school started. It never totally goes away, but it's pretty much manageable. Up until about a month ago. I had taken him in because he developed a dry, annoying cough that would not go away no matter what. It got so bad the night before we made the appt, that I thought he was going to throw up. So, the next day I kept him home from school, and he had an appt. They discovered he was wheezing, so he had a nebulizer treatment and we got some singulair and an inhaler. I was shocked and freaked out because he has never been a sick child before. We were told that it is not a cold, and probably an allergy to something. It's a lot worse at home, but they are convinced it's something to do with the house since it started within a month of us moving. She says it should not be any allergy to the animals since they've been with us for a while, and it's rare for it to go from nothing to this. We do have some issues with our basement and I'm thinking it has something to do with that. In the process of trying to find out who I'd have out to do some mold and whatever else testing needs done. It's a long story but basically it will be up to us since it's a townhouse, and no other neighbors in the building have any issues. And we signed an agreement in our lease stating that the basement has mildew and is not liveable/maintained space.
So anyway. In the past week it got a lot worse. The inhaler no longer helped to ease the coughing. He was coughing everywhere, not just at home anymore. Friday he couldn't talk a full sentence without coughing and sputtering after a few words. Friday night he coughed all night long and it was horrible. A few times he was coughing so hard he was gasping and gagging. When he does it at night, it's with such force that he has to bend sideways. But he says nothing hurts and he is acting totally normal otherwise.
So, after the long night Friday and talking to a nurse, we decided since there was no more change in the evening Saturday, we would go to the ER. We go tthere last night around 8pm, and didn't see a doctor till 11pm. Then we got the lovely run around with a moron who had no idea what she was doing. They did the usual checking like for colds, ended up doing a steroid medicine, and a nebulizer treatment. Then he had a chest x-ray (which is totally fine) and a cough med that "should make him sleep". Yeah. He was tired because it was 2am, but he still coughed hard, and constantly once home. At 4am I got furious that it was still going on and he still wasn't getting any relief, and I called them back. They said "We've done everything we can do from our end." And basically that the x-ray was clear, they gave a treatment, he's fine other than coughing, bring him back only if breathing because troubled or he gets ill or fever. By 5am it wasn't as frequently and I somehow fell asleep. He was up by 8:30 and hyper and normal. We got a script filled for 3 days of steroids, and are doing his inhaler treatment every 4-6 hrs. Tomorrow I get to follow up with the doctor and have another appt most likely. He's acting hyper and crazy, so his butt is going to school till I have an appt figured out.
The steroid is making him distant and unable to totally focus. He has to be asked several times before it clicks and he does something. It's also making him "starved." He ate a man size lunch, then 15 mins later was very upset that he was still starving. He was whining and complaining and just miserble about the hunger. It's going to be a long 2 more days.
So as of right now, he has been in bed about an hour. He coughed for the first 45 mins pretty steady but is asleep now. He has his humidifier going on high, and elevated with 3 pillows. I have him dressed in light weight clothes, and turned the heat back so he's not getting overheated. I'm hoping that he does better tonight because we both need the sleep. he's able to sleep thru most of this, but it's scaring me and freaks me out to the point that I just lay there awake wondering if he's going to cough enough to barf, or if I'll fall asleep and not hear him if he truly needs me.
Whatever it is, it better not be a major issue with this house or I'm going to go all crazy on someone. My kid has been to the doctor more this winter than he has in his entire life at this point. I am having trouble believing he just magically developed asthma.
Time to try to sleep since the house is semi quiet. I hope for a full night....
So, Kristopher has been having this on going cold since shortly after school started. It never totally goes away, but it's pretty much manageable. Up until about a month ago. I had taken him in because he developed a dry, annoying cough that would not go away no matter what. It got so bad the night before we made the appt, that I thought he was going to throw up. So, the next day I kept him home from school, and he had an appt. They discovered he was wheezing, so he had a nebulizer treatment and we got some singulair and an inhaler. I was shocked and freaked out because he has never been a sick child before. We were told that it is not a cold, and probably an allergy to something. It's a lot worse at home, but they are convinced it's something to do with the house since it started within a month of us moving. She says it should not be any allergy to the animals since they've been with us for a while, and it's rare for it to go from nothing to this. We do have some issues with our basement and I'm thinking it has something to do with that. In the process of trying to find out who I'd have out to do some mold and whatever else testing needs done. It's a long story but basically it will be up to us since it's a townhouse, and no other neighbors in the building have any issues. And we signed an agreement in our lease stating that the basement has mildew and is not liveable/maintained space.
So anyway. In the past week it got a lot worse. The inhaler no longer helped to ease the coughing. He was coughing everywhere, not just at home anymore. Friday he couldn't talk a full sentence without coughing and sputtering after a few words. Friday night he coughed all night long and it was horrible. A few times he was coughing so hard he was gasping and gagging. When he does it at night, it's with such force that he has to bend sideways. But he says nothing hurts and he is acting totally normal otherwise.
So, after the long night Friday and talking to a nurse, we decided since there was no more change in the evening Saturday, we would go to the ER. We go tthere last night around 8pm, and didn't see a doctor till 11pm. Then we got the lovely run around with a moron who had no idea what she was doing. They did the usual checking like for colds, ended up doing a steroid medicine, and a nebulizer treatment. Then he had a chest x-ray (which is totally fine) and a cough med that "should make him sleep". Yeah. He was tired because it was 2am, but he still coughed hard, and constantly once home. At 4am I got furious that it was still going on and he still wasn't getting any relief, and I called them back. They said "We've done everything we can do from our end." And basically that the x-ray was clear, they gave a treatment, he's fine other than coughing, bring him back only if breathing because troubled or he gets ill or fever. By 5am it wasn't as frequently and I somehow fell asleep. He was up by 8:30 and hyper and normal. We got a script filled for 3 days of steroids, and are doing his inhaler treatment every 4-6 hrs. Tomorrow I get to follow up with the doctor and have another appt most likely. He's acting hyper and crazy, so his butt is going to school till I have an appt figured out.
The steroid is making him distant and unable to totally focus. He has to be asked several times before it clicks and he does something. It's also making him "starved." He ate a man size lunch, then 15 mins later was very upset that he was still starving. He was whining and complaining and just miserble about the hunger. It's going to be a long 2 more days.
So as of right now, he has been in bed about an hour. He coughed for the first 45 mins pretty steady but is asleep now. He has his humidifier going on high, and elevated with 3 pillows. I have him dressed in light weight clothes, and turned the heat back so he's not getting overheated. I'm hoping that he does better tonight because we both need the sleep. he's able to sleep thru most of this, but it's scaring me and freaks me out to the point that I just lay there awake wondering if he's going to cough enough to barf, or if I'll fall asleep and not hear him if he truly needs me.
Whatever it is, it better not be a major issue with this house or I'm going to go all crazy on someone. My kid has been to the doctor more this winter than he has in his entire life at this point. I am having trouble believing he just magically developed asthma.
Time to try to sleep since the house is semi quiet. I hope for a full night....
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Day 2. UGH
I had a 16 day cycle this last time. Both times, it has started with hardly any warning. Other than the intense cramping a day or 2 before. Still no update from the doctor. I'm starting herbs on Tuesday. I'd do it tomorrow but they make me feel horrible at first, and I have a meeting first thing in the morning. And I want to call and see what's up with this appt too before starting just in case they can see me this week. I kind of want to see what is going on in there before using the herbs and clearing it up.
In my perfect world, I wouldn't need anything daily to keep me normal. But at this point, I'm afraid it's going to be either the herbs or birth control to keep me from going totally crazy. I wish that the herbs could be once a day because it would be so much easier. Must do more research later. For now, I'm exhausted. And crampy. Stupid period. Stupid PCOS. Blah.
In my perfect world, I wouldn't need anything daily to keep me normal. But at this point, I'm afraid it's going to be either the herbs or birth control to keep me from going totally crazy. I wish that the herbs could be once a day because it would be so much easier. Must do more research later. For now, I'm exhausted. And crampy. Stupid period. Stupid PCOS. Blah.
Friday, February 18, 2011
What to do next
The cyst pain is back. It hit me last night around 2am, and it's been lingering for most of the day. I've also had weird spotting for a few days. It's day 16 or 17 today. I have not been having the mid cycle or any spotting reallly until period time for a while now, so this is weird and very much not appriciated. Especially when things are stressful and uhh...adult time....is stress relief. Today the spotting is barely there, and mixed with a ton of watery-ness. Connected with the pain, I'm going to assume it's cyst related. Or who knows what. I called 2 days ago in hopes to get seen for that dreaded (and very late) yearly appt, and for an u/s to check things out closer. They were requesting a copy of my ER records and suppose to be reviewing it with their review team before scheduling the appt. To see how rush this is, and if it's truly anything of concern.
I'm sick of waiting so I am thinking that I'll just take matters into my own hands, and start the herbs again on Monday. I have a bottle of the T&C which is the cleansing set. When I took that before, I did 3-4 months alternating it, and I believe that it helped a lot. I think it cleared up whatever issues were there before, and when I switched to just the hormone balance, I was feeling great physically and mentally. I need it, and I refuse to go on anything else medically speaking.
The only set back is I dread what they are going to say about the herbs when I do finally get the appt. Maybe I'll luck out and the cyst will be gone and it can help my case. I also wanted to meet with the doctor that I had for the study. I was hoping to get his input on what will be best if we decide to pursue another medical try at this. Part of me feels like I'd be ok being done and just moving past all this. It stresses me out so much just thinking of trying everything again. But then, part of me wonders if we're giving up too soon. When I was talking to the receptionist, she said I may be able to be re-entered into another study. We would have to go through a few rounds of bloodwork and tests again, but that it may be something I would want to consider.
I did like the fact it was monitored closely, and the fact it's totally covered and I don't have to freak out about copays was very nice too. But, I still don't know what med I was on. Or any idea how long it will take to find out.
Lots to think about..... For now, I'll just wait. And probably do herbs. Herbs can't hurt at this point...
I'm sick of waiting so I am thinking that I'll just take matters into my own hands, and start the herbs again on Monday. I have a bottle of the T&C which is the cleansing set. When I took that before, I did 3-4 months alternating it, and I believe that it helped a lot. I think it cleared up whatever issues were there before, and when I switched to just the hormone balance, I was feeling great physically and mentally. I need it, and I refuse to go on anything else medically speaking.
The only set back is I dread what they are going to say about the herbs when I do finally get the appt. Maybe I'll luck out and the cyst will be gone and it can help my case. I also wanted to meet with the doctor that I had for the study. I was hoping to get his input on what will be best if we decide to pursue another medical try at this. Part of me feels like I'd be ok being done and just moving past all this. It stresses me out so much just thinking of trying everything again. But then, part of me wonders if we're giving up too soon. When I was talking to the receptionist, she said I may be able to be re-entered into another study. We would have to go through a few rounds of bloodwork and tests again, but that it may be something I would want to consider.
I did like the fact it was monitored closely, and the fact it's totally covered and I don't have to freak out about copays was very nice too. But, I still don't know what med I was on. Or any idea how long it will take to find out.
Lots to think about..... For now, I'll just wait. And probably do herbs. Herbs can't hurt at this point...
Tuesday, February 15, 2011
Things I didn't want to explain
In the past 2 days, I've had 2 conversations that I had hoped to not have to have for many years.
#1 was that parents don't always stay together. Since the move, we have made friends with another family that was new to the area. The kids are in the same class and they get along great. We started hanging out on a very regular basis on the weekends, and now they are going through some trouble. Long story short, they are probably going to move back, several states away, after school is over this year. We take turns with school drop off in the mornings so the other morning when I picked her daughter up, she decided she would tell all of us in the car that her mommy & daddy married the wrong people and do not like each other anymore. Someday they will get married to people that they love, but they do not like each other anymore and will no longer be together. She is going to get a new stepmommy and is very sad. Kristopher was confused. Last night we talked a little about this, and I have reassured him that it will not be happening to him and he has nothing to worry about. He seemed ok, but then had 2 night terror incidents last night.
Horrible talk #2 came today. We got a letter home in his folder from the principal. A little girl from his classroom, mother died today. Sudden death. They had a talk with the class, and the little girl actually finished off the rest of the day. Not sure exactly why but that was the decision that her and her 2 older sisters made when they were told. Either way, he was very touched and sad to tell me about his friend who no longer has a mommy. Because she is DEAD. He says she was sick. I'm currently battling some weird cold, and he asked me a few times if my cold is getting better yet. I said I feel fine but if I coughed, he looked at me weird. That lasted till about 5pm and then he was distracted and it didn't come up again.
It's not fair that my 6 year old has to worry about things like this. I know the death thing is out of our control, but the seperation thing should not even be on his mind. It's been over an hour since he went to bed so I'm hoping he has forgotten about the death worry.....
#1 was that parents don't always stay together. Since the move, we have made friends with another family that was new to the area. The kids are in the same class and they get along great. We started hanging out on a very regular basis on the weekends, and now they are going through some trouble. Long story short, they are probably going to move back, several states away, after school is over this year. We take turns with school drop off in the mornings so the other morning when I picked her daughter up, she decided she would tell all of us in the car that her mommy & daddy married the wrong people and do not like each other anymore. Someday they will get married to people that they love, but they do not like each other anymore and will no longer be together. She is going to get a new stepmommy and is very sad. Kristopher was confused. Last night we talked a little about this, and I have reassured him that it will not be happening to him and he has nothing to worry about. He seemed ok, but then had 2 night terror incidents last night.
Horrible talk #2 came today. We got a letter home in his folder from the principal. A little girl from his classroom, mother died today. Sudden death. They had a talk with the class, and the little girl actually finished off the rest of the day. Not sure exactly why but that was the decision that her and her 2 older sisters made when they were told. Either way, he was very touched and sad to tell me about his friend who no longer has a mommy. Because she is DEAD. He says she was sick. I'm currently battling some weird cold, and he asked me a few times if my cold is getting better yet. I said I feel fine but if I coughed, he looked at me weird. That lasted till about 5pm and then he was distracted and it didn't come up again.
It's not fair that my 6 year old has to worry about things like this. I know the death thing is out of our control, but the seperation thing should not even be on his mind. It's been over an hour since he went to bed so I'm hoping he has forgotten about the death worry.....
Thursday, February 3, 2011
A giant
I was in the ER till 2am because of pain and pressure in the uterus area. I also had a low fever and felt like absolute crap. The pain was not a normal cramping type pain. And of course googling just lead me to bad things. So, I went to the ER last night. After a urine test, blood work and a CT scan, it was discovered that my pain is just caused by a big cyst on the right ovary. Seriously?? I just spent 4 hrs in here for a cyst????? I thought for sure it was my appendix and I was going to blow up, or something else serious. I felt like such a moron.
So then this morning I wake up and I'm spotting. Apparently the pain is also cramping. Feeling like a bigger idiot here....
More little tidbit of info. It's day 29. Ok, nevermind. I submitted this, got up and felt a gush. It's day 1. Yippie. I'm really confused now....it came on time??? With no warning?? was my pain seriously just cramping??? I feel like a giant idiot right now.
So anyway, it was like 2-3am till I was fully in bed and calmed down to sleep. Kristopher is going thru some coughing and breathing issues so around 3-3:30 I was woken back up from him coughing like crazy and he got a treatment with his inhaler. More on that another time.
The little kids will be here any minute and I guess its time to stick my head in the snow or something to wake up completely. All I know is I can't function on this little bit of sleep anymore. Just not possible.
So then this morning I wake up and I'm spotting. Apparently the pain is also cramping. Feeling like a bigger idiot here....
More little tidbit of info. It's day 29. Ok, nevermind. I submitted this, got up and felt a gush. It's day 1. Yippie. I'm really confused now....it came on time??? With no warning?? was my pain seriously just cramping??? I feel like a giant idiot right now.
So anyway, it was like 2-3am till I was fully in bed and calmed down to sleep. Kristopher is going thru some coughing and breathing issues so around 3-3:30 I was woken back up from him coughing like crazy and he got a treatment with his inhaler. More on that another time.
The little kids will be here any minute and I guess its time to stick my head in the snow or something to wake up completely. All I know is I can't function on this little bit of sleep anymore. Just not possible.
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