Today we ventured to Springfield before the BIG BLIZZARD of 2011. ;) Or at least if you talk to my family, that is how they see it.
Today was Blue Eye's appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist. Neither BDR nor I slept well last night. Even with the advice of a friend, I could not fall asleep. Hope about the potential changes in BE's mood and health, as well as the reminders from family about the weather, plus BE waking up at 4am for her morning feeding aloud for the perfect storm of insomnia.
Yet, we were wide awake for the car ride. We got there in perfect time - with 20 minutes to spare. No precipitation had started in either Springfield or Savoy. We didn't wait long in the waiting room, which was awesomely decorated for kids. The whole building was clearly a pediatric building. The doctor, Dr. A, was an exceptionally nice doctor. She was lively and friendly. She talked to J instead of just being all business. And BE let her hold her and even smiled at her. If you know my kid, you know that doesn't happen with everyone. She was also a full service doctor and buttoned up BE's clothes after giving her an exam. Dr. A clearly knew her area of expertise, even if she wasn't familiar with the similac brand stuff. They seem to be an enfamil institution. ;)
Here's what we learned:
-BE is in the 82% in weight, 75% in height for her current age. Holy cow.
- Sitting up in a carseat does not actually help a reflux baby because the legs are scrunched and push up on the abdomen. Even though it makes you feel better if your baby is spitting up in their sleep, it is still not the best thing to do. Huh. Propping up the mattress is. Maybe that's why BE hates to travel in the carseat for long periods of time.
- Tummy time and strengthing the abdomen is going to help her reflux get better.
- BE likes doing tummy time on the paper on the table at the doctor's office. Seriously hysterical. We could have gone 10 minutes. Maybe.
- Pear juice is the best juice to give a constipated baby.
- Because of BE's weight, she needs a higher dosage of Prevacid.
- The University Ave Walgreens is the only one that compounds Prevacid pills.
- The soy formula is the formula we are going back on. Worried about her constipation? Us, too. But never fear. Between the pear juice and the stool softener prescribed, BE should be fine. Fingers crossed.
- We need to cut back the amount of formula and increase the number of feedings. Smaller meals more times. Let's hope BE will let us get away with that.
- We have to go back in 6-8 weeks. And next time, we will go to the Pasta House.
- There is a Duncan Donuts in the building.
- J can eat two donuts in less than 30 minutes but cannot eat more than a bowl of spaghetti without getting full. Allegedly. ;)
The weather driving back was not ideal, but I had a good pilot. I sat in the back between two carseats both to and from Springfield. My hips will probably be bruised, but I was able to amuse BE and J for most of the trip.
Next Up: Occupational and Developmental Therapists are coming to our house to evaluation BE's gross motor and fine motor skills next week.
This is all really encouraging and productive stuff! I'm excited to see how quickly you notice a difference. And I won't say 'I told you so' about her meds and her weight. ;)
ReplyDeleteI'm sad that you didn't get PH, but at least you know you'll be back soon. And in much warmer weather!
I know, I cried all the way home about PH. :) It was funny, I reassured Nick that I swear the safety of our family was more important that PH and that I wasn't the slightest bit saddened.
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