Who Needs Synagis?

As Fall approached, our pediatrician's office worked steadfastly to get Josiah approved for Synagis shots this year.  Their attempts were shot down.  The MD appealed the decision.  The whole process took until well-into October.  Their effort, futile.  The insurance company said that Josiah doesn't need them; he's not at-risk.  Ok.....

As Christmas day came to an end, Josiah's cough became more pronounced.  The three year old had had a cough for almost a month.  They had both been diagnosed with an ear infection; both had resisted amoxycillin.  They were both on their second round of antibiotics - a Saturday morning visit to the pediatrician, three days before Christmas, had proven that the first round was unsuccessful.

Late Tuesday night, I ventured into the attic searching for the two humidifiers I knew were stored there.  I quickly found them and dragged them out of their hidden corners.  Downstairs, I determined that only one was working.  So, I had to choose - which kid gets the working one?  Well, I rationalized, the three year old is getting better, and can take zarbees cough medicine (pure honey).  So, Josiah won!  The humidifier was set up in hopes that his cough would settle down. 

During the next 48 hours, we listened to Josiah become more and more congested.  Friday morning, I was well aware that the Holiday weekend loomed in front of us.  We called the pediatrician and got a 2pm appointment.  We figured, let's have the two youngest checked.  As usual, we were there on time and ushered right into a room.  The MD came in and made an immediate remark that Josiah didn't sound well.

The three year old was checked first and given a big thumbs up.  His ear infection is on it's way out.  Then, it was Josiah's turn.  Lungs listened to - "they sound wet."  That's not good.  Ears checked - "that one looks awful!"  Ugh!  T-shirt pulled up - ribs retracting when breathing.  Uh-oh!  Did I mention that the Holiday weekend was looming?  "He probably has RSV."  "If it's not RSV, it's pneumonia."  End result - head to Children's.

The MD called ahead so they would be expecting us.  We hoped to drop the older boys off at their grandparents house - we were told not to waste the time.  Three boys packed into the car, quick stop at the gas station, and we hit the road for Children's Hospital.  Friday at 3pm, on a Holiday weekend, doesn't bode well for traveling (especially when there's a sense of urgency).  We made it to the e.r. around 4:15pm.  C dropped Josiah and I off, and headed home with the older boys.

E.R. visits always take a while.  I was fairly certain we'd be staying overnight.  It was only one year ago, on New Year's Eve weekend, we had made this same trip.  Josiah had a suspected case of RSV and we were sent from pedi to e.r.  Last year, Josiah was hospitalized.  I anticipated the same.

I immediately stated that I wanted Josiah tested for RSV (they don't usually formally test because it doesn't change the actual treatment).  The MD's were great and obliged.  At 9pm, the MD entered the room, "Did you hear?"  I replied, "Hear what?"  MD, "You nailed it from the beginning.  He has RSV."  I asked, "Did you document that?"  She smiled and simply said "Yes."

Luckily, they didn't feel that Josiah required hospitalization this time around.  Josiah was discharged; C came back for us and we headed home at about 10pm.

He had a fever late that night; it responded well to Tylenol.  His cough and congestion got worse; both now seem to be improving.  It's New Year's Eve and we're home.  We are thankful for the blessings in our life.

It upsets me that a faceless individual decided that our son isn't "at risk."  Our son doesn't need the Synagis shots (which protect at-risk kids from RSV).  I'm upset that our son has to go through the congestion, coughing, and fevers.  I'm upset that he's been housebound due to my fear of him getting worse.  I'm upset that he's sick.  It's because of a faceless person and someone's bottom-line (ie money).  So sad.  After all, who needs synagis???

Zero to Sixty Faster Than the Speed of Light

Tonight was certainly not one of my prouder moments.  It involved an accumulation of stuff followed by a three year old boy.

I'd like to know how a child who is knee-high to a a grasshopper, can invoke such mommy- dearest-type reactions (perhaps that's a slight exaggeration).

The middle boy (age 3) had his "well visit" two weeks ago.  All was perfect.  24 hours later, at my urging, C took him to the e.r.  Diagnosis: middle ear infection.  Treatment: Amoxicillin.  No problem.  Little one loves the bubblegum flavor so, for the next ten days, he gladly took his medicine.  Now, albeit, an occasional dose was missed (school, fell asleep, Mom/Dad forgot, etc) so, fast forward to day ten, while I was pouring his last dose he pipes up "Mom, my ear hurts."  Great!  Last dose consumed.  Pediatrician office the next day (yesterday).  Yup!  Ear infection still there.  Same ear.  "It's early in the season to see resistant strains," says the N.P.  Well, that's encouraging!

Off we went with a new script - new medication.  Let's try this again.  Not missing a dose was stressed.  To make it easier, the new medication is to be taken once daily.  Perfect!  Last night, 5pm, time to take medicine.  Little one takes one sip (after questioning why this medication doesn't look like the last one - it's white in color, not pink).  He took one sip and announced he hated it.  End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe.  That's always a pleasant thing to have to do.

This afternoon, C calls pharmacy.  We pay to have the medication flavored with 'bubble gum' flavoring.  He brings it home.  I pour it.  Little one sees the same white color and questions it.  Trusting me, he takes one sip.  He promptly announces he hates it.  End result - me laying him over my lap & squirting it in his mouth with a syringe.  New twist - HE SPIT IT OUT.  So much for not missing a dose.  I was FIT TO BE TIED.  Mad?  Yes!  Exasperated?  Even more so!!!  I went from zero to sixty faster than the speed of light.  I yelled and shouted; I was bordering on 'over the edge.'  I had to walk outside to cool off.

I'm already dreading tomorrow's dose.

Thankful Project 2012

I am hopelessly addicted to Facebook (FB).  That is a fact.  As such, I occasionally participate in the 'fad' on FB.  In November, it was the 'Thankful Project' - the gist is this: Every day, you post something that you are grateful for.  Here was my list:


Thankful Post #1: I am thankful to be married to my best friend & love of my life.

Thankful Post #2: I'm extremely grateful for my beautiful sister-in-law who offered to babysit our crazy boys so Carl & I could enjoy this date night :)

Thankful Post #3: I am thankful, humbled, grateful, and blessed to have the BEST parents in the world. Words cannot express how honored I am to be their daughter.

Thankful Post #4: I am thankful for my beautiful, healthy, children.

Thankful Post #5: I am thankful for the little things this am....warm house, clean clothes, food in the cabinets, hot shower...very blessed indeed.

Thankful Post #6: I am grateful for this country I call home. I am thankful to be allowed to make my own choices, love whom I choose, raise my children as I see fit, and let my voice be heard.

Thankful Post #7: Forever grateful for those quiet moments after the kids are asleep & before I go to bed.

Thankful Post #8: I am thankful for our special movie day with our five year old, thanks to a power outage at the elementary school :)

Thankful Post #9: I am forever grateful for the awesome work that early intervention has done. The three year old's speech has improved remarkably and Josiah is right on the verge of sitting & crawling.

Thankful Post #10: I am grateful for a long weekend with my kids, parents who 'borrowed' them for a few hours, fun xmas shopping with hubby, and a scheduled get-together with close friends.

Thankful Post #11: I am grateful for great friends, life-long and new.

Thankful Post #12: I am thankful for this country and all who serve to protect it.

Thankful Post #13: I am grateful for sleeping children.

Thankful Post #14: I am thankful for the courage to see a dentist (after postponing it for yrs lol) and for getting through the appt with minimum anxiety :)

Thankful Post #15: I am grateful for kids in school, leaf blowers, naps, halo w my sweetheart, and a fun-filled weekend rapidly approaching.

Thankful Post #16: I am grateful for family, friends, fun, frolicking, and Fridays :-D

Thankful Post #17: I am grateful for a mellow afternoon at home. The Wizard was right; there's no place like home.

Thankful Post #18: I am grateful for family get-togethers.

Thankful Post #19: I am thankful that the older boys have school today - it gives me time to get a few things done :)

Thankful Post #20: I am grateful for a peaceful day leading up to Thanksgiving.

Thankful Post #21: I am thankful for a dear friend who took the oldest for the day so we could get ready for Thanksgiving.

Thankful Post #22: I am grateful for my husband who cooked a mighty fine bird on the Weber :). I am thankful for family who made the day a success. Awesome food & perfect company......doesn't get any better than this ♥. Happy Thanksgiving :)

Thankful Post #23: I am grateful for a weekend at home & no interest in black Friday. 72 hours with my boys - no wasting time, gas, or money.

Thankful Post #24: I am grateful for this weekend at home with my boys.

Thankful Post #25: I am grateful for early intervention. Our kids have thrived with their support.

Thankful Post #26: I am thankful to always have what is needed.

Thankful Post #27: I am grateful for dreams. My Grammie visited me in mine. I love and miss you dearly.

Thankful Post #28: I am thankful for great nights like this....decorated the xmas tree with my boys & watched the Grinch (well, kind of lol).

Thankful Post #29: Tonight, I was thankful to have the opportunity to hear my beautiful friend sing. It was a wonderful evening to kick off the xmas season. I'm also grateful that our 5 yr old doesn't usually behave the way he did tonight...

Thankful Post #30: I am grateful for the Christmas season - bring it on!!!!! :) ♥


It's all about family.  It's the kisses before bedtime.  It's solitude.  It's laughter.  It's togetherness.  It's the little things in life.  May we never forget what matters....