Sleep Study Results are In....

This has been a journey in of itself. 
Starting late last Spring/early Summer. 
We were looking into some oral therapy for one of our kiddos.  Mild speech issues no one has been able to figure out a cause for, but as this child has matured learning to compensate and overcome.  As we were setting up an evaluation it was suggested we have the whole family evaluated.  Often issues are congenital and multiple family members have issues.  The therapy cause correct issues before they become issues later in life.  Worth looking into.
What we weren't expecting was concern regarding another child's palate.  We were aware of the issues, but no one had suggested anything else.  The quirks in his behavior we dealt with, thinking it was just the way this child was created.  Such as this child doesn't like to sleep in bed, always sleeps in recliner and/or couch.  Frankly, I don't care where my children sleep as long as they sleep these days.  Life is busy and some things I just don't have the energy to argue about.  Even if this child starts in bed, always ends up on the couch, either due to sleep walking or just waking up and wandering there after a bathroom trip. 


Next stop was the doctor to check adenoids and tonsils.  Nothing remarkable, so a sleep study was requested.  We were put on a wait list and I received a call just before Christmas for after New Years.  After our initial appointment, the PA agreed our kiddo was borderline and would benefit for a sleep study to either confirm/diagnose an issue or it was behavioral and we would decide what to do regarding behaviors. 
Best part was there was a cancellation and we were asked if we could return later in the week for the sleep study. As we hadn't been able to restart school, I said sure. 
I wish I could post pictures of all the wires.  While I was allowed to take pictures for Dad I was forbidden to share them with anyone else including siblings.  Which is why I also am being very careful to not suggest which child went with me to KC to the Children's hospital.  While there is noting to embarrassed about, I am trying to respect wishes here.  So if you do know who I am speaking of please, request my child's desire for privacy.  I am posting results only because so many have been praying and asking. 


So the results:
Airway is clear! No apnea!  No issues with orthodontics that need to be done. Wahoo!!
Diagnosis:  Periodic Limb Movement Disorder which causes brain arousal during sleep and causes low levels of dopamine in the brain. 
In our case, the disorder is being caused by iron deficiency.  Which also means there is a ferritin deficiency.  Since this child is a carnivore I asked what could be lacking in the diet to prevent iron absorption.  Vitamin C.  Said child does not care for produce!!  Lesson is being learned that Mom's balanced meals are meant to allow for maximum nutrition.  Each food is reliant on another food for maximum nutrition and health.  While this child consumes produce, it is not varied enough.  Understanding that athletic performance and overall feeling well and happy is dependent on diet, there is a willingness to try and eat more variety, albeit reluctantly.  We will need occasional blood tests as a result of the iron supplements, but in time we should hopefully be able to discontinue the supplements and just eat healthy!  Praising the Lord! 
We also discovered the child is lingering too long deep 3 sleep.  An indicator of not getting enough sleep on a regular basis.  Wiggling around in bed, procrastinating, asking all those late night questions.  You get the idea, all the stuff that drives a parent nuts when they just want their children TO GO TO BED!!! 
Well now, the child has heard it all from the doc!  Sleep and eat your veggies!! Amazing how much more validity there is to the mantra when it isn't the parent saying it!!

Shaken brains change thinking and speaking

Winding down from the day and trying to catch up on some things as I wait for sleep to capture me.  Sure beats lounging in the dark and writing blog posts in my mind while I wait to wake in the morning.

I drank a Pepsi today.  I couldn't take a nap.  So now, I have caffeine coursing through my system.  Fortunately, tomorrow I have my hubby to cover for me if I need a nap so I can go back to my non-Pepsi state. 

One of my first goals when returning from Colorado was to kick the Pepsi.  This past week I did it, but then I had a couple since then.  But the caffeine headaches are gone.  At least I think they were caffeine headaches.  I did really well in Colorado.  Really reduced the pop intake because I didn't want to struggle with dehydration in Colorado. 

Since my return from Colorado, I have had a lot more trouble with my speech.  I saw the doctor before I left and was referred to a neuro doc. I just never have been back to my old self since the car accident.  Headaches, dizziness, numbness.  My doctor started calling neuro docs and we were referred to a Neuropsychiatrist to assess me and my symptoms.  I have more dramatic pauses to my speech and stuttering.  I have to work for words and the more I think the more pronounced (pun intended) the speech issues get.   Yes I meant to say the more I think.  Thinking is hard exercise these days for this brain.  It gets all fuzzy feeling and sometimes I think I feel it sweating a bit.   

When all is calm and quiet, it is as if the accident never happened.  Then I get busy around the house and talking to someone and it all changes.  The more animated or tired I am, well I try to find a sense of humor.  The word "who" gets me and, well, I pause and just "whoooo"t like an owl when I am with the kids.  Laughing is better than crying.  One of my clever witted children asked why I sounded like Porky the Pig.  To which he got a look and no response.  Of all things to compare the mother to, not the best choice. 

My brain gets tired.  I am told, that is, because it is trying to heal.  There is some talk about permanent brain damage in the speech area.  Surrounding parts of the brain may kick in to pick up the slack. 

The whole thing is just a confusing mess of whats??? The timing of the concussion with stress, cold/flu viruses, sinus stuff has really muddied the waters. I have such a high tolerance for sinus and ear pain it has been hard to know if dizziness is related to sickness or concussion. So I just kept resting. But I was pressed to seek a doctor appointment when faced with the question of whether to fly or not this past trip to Colorado. There will be more testing coming up.  Primarily for a baseline to monitor my brain's healing and for the future.  It should, also, (I am hoping it will) give us some indicators as to what is going on with me and my brain. With my mom's early onset of Alzheimer's it will be good record to have for my own medical history. 

For now, I wait...wait for appointments and rest.  I need to have moderate stress and activity in my life to allow my brain to heal. The first 3 months are critical... well the first 2 months are done and gone. There was nothing we could have or probably would have done differently had we known...we were doing the best we could at the time. To second guess ourselves won't change anything. So now I rest in knowing our life has significantly changed in the last 2 months. My responsibility load has been lightened and God's timing has been in it all. He knows far more what each day and year will bring. While the process has not been an easy one, He knows.   

Ready for the Big Bumps!

 Remember this post last month?

 

 

Well now, he is free and clear!

Not much of a smile for the camera.

But he is excited and ready for the Big Bumps.

 

 

And what exactly are Big Bumps?  I don't really want to know.

This past weekend, Daddy O and I worked Bingo. 

Hockey fundraisers to help pay for, well, Hockey.

Couple of dads were talking.

Dad One asked if Hockey Player was back. 

Dad Two said yes, and I responded "sorta."

There was a choked back laughter.

See, DaddyO was otherwise busy elsewhere in the room.

I KNEW something was up.

I explained Daddy O told me there was no contact allowed, so Hockey Player got on the ice for a game on Thursday.

 Some how it came out....not sure how.

Hockey Player took a hit in the corner.

Went down, then knocked the other guy down.

DaddyO returned and I tolded him, he was busted....

His response, Just a little bump!

Hockey Player even jumped up and let DaddyO know all was good.

 

Good Heavens Can't Trust the Two of the Them to Follow Doctor's Orders.

 

Cornered Hockey Player the next day and asked about his hit.

His response, "HUH?? What hit?"

Just a little bump.

Told him he was busted.

Couldn't remember knocking anyone else down.

 

I get told to quit making it a big deal.

 

Doctor laughed and shooked his head.

Said he would see us the next day.

Not funny doc.

Just to prove it, I told him we would be at church and not hockey.

Well then maybe Friday.

 

better NOT!

 

 

 

Where is the fresh air???

My boys, all 3 of them, were diagnosed with brochitis this morning! ? ! ?
What is going on?
Then this afternoon, The Man started crying.  Panick type of cry.
I tried to get him to settle down.  As he started to quiet for me, I noticed flaring nostrils and lots of retraction! 
Another breathing treatment was needed.
But it had only been a few hours since his last.
The signs of distress were far more severe than I had seen yet.
His breathing evened out and settled down. 
We loaded up. 
His O2 made the nurse question the situation and she consulted the doctor.
We are back on steroids, antibiotics and breathing treatments every 2.5 to 3 hours....around the clock.
AIY!
I am grateful for medical care.  I am grateful for the ability to treat at home.  But I am sooo ready for the creepy crud and viruses  in the area to DIE!
The Man asked me today, "Why do they call it a cold when your head is not cold, it's hot??"
I don't know.

It starts with a drip...then a sneeze

It all starts here, hopefully not at the shirt sleeves.

But if they start with shirt sleeves, they are quickly directed to here.

 

 

Inevitablely, they end up here.  Normally in front of the tv during the day.

Sleeping here, at night, to be close to mommy and daddy.

 

 

And if they are truly going to be sick.

It will be at 3 am

because kids are never sick during the day.

That would interfere with play and fun.

It must be at night only. 

When a mother and father desperately need their sleep.

If the cold requires this at 3 am.....

 

 

You can be sure mom and dad call the doc in the morning.

Mom and dad need sleep to play and have fun during the day.

Not sure why kids don't need sleep for that.

Doc will do Xrays.

Doc will diagnose pneumonia in "THE MAN"

He won't hesitate.

He won't hint.

He won't say it is patchy.

He says it is pneumonia.

He looks at The Man sadly.

Cause mom dropped the ball this time.

At 3 in the morning, Mom was too sleep deprived and missed the signs of distress.

But all is good now.

Antiobiotics.

Steroids.

Breathing treatments around the clock.

 

 

And today he is playing! 

And Dad and Mom are tired.
Dad sleeps on the couch for now.

Mom types. 

Naps are soon to come.

He is armed and dangerous

This past weekend, I stayed home sick.  It was hockey weekend in OKC. We are still waiting on news if there will be any more tournaments this year. We are short on numbers for a team. Parents are thinking and discussing. So, it was with disappointment, I chose to stay home. It might be the only tournament of the year and I am missing it.

 

Coughing and blowing and sneezing in a car...in a hotel room...not fun, not fun for anybody. 

Definitely is not a recipe for good rest for every one there.

 

So I stayed home.

The girls stayed too.

 

Daddy O did his best to keep me updated.

 

First game, I received multiple texts.

Boys were doing great and winning.

First game was a win!

 

Rest and food and fun

 

Game 2

Daddy O texts with scores.  Then Daddy O calls. He is concerned about Hockey Player. Coach is not putting him on the ice. My first thought is his foot. Daddy O doesn't know. I ask if I should call coach on the bench and he tells me No.

**sigh**

All I want to do is be there, cross the ice, and check on my boy. Coach recently assured me, he remembers the rules.  I pray and wonder.

 

Another phone call Daddy O was able to attract Hockey Player's attention.

Did thumbs up and thumbs down....HP's response ~ thumbs down.

 

Sigh...so far away.

Game is over, we lost and my thoughts are on HP

Daddy O calls and reports in,

Hockey Player says, "My arm feels broken. Like all the other broken bones."

 

Any other time, I would laugh.

 

But he is in another state and I want him home.

Daddy O tells me he has limited mobility.  Hurts to move his hand or hold anything. I suggest (in my mommy way) to skip the ER. All they will do is XRay and confirm.  No bone sticking out so emergency surgery is not required. They will tell us to follow up with our doc.

 

Cha-ching $150 for the hospital.

 

Come home.  Immediate care on Sunday with out doc. We have had so many mis-diagnosises, I prefer for him to discover my kid's fractures...

 

Call one of the other hockey moms and ask, "Is Dad giving me the sanitized version?"

Yes and No.  He missed the hit, cause little brothers were distracting him.

 

I get the story.

 

HP went to the boards, his hand was on the boards

another player came in broadside to his arm

all legal

but sticks, hits and power

I know in my heart it is broken.

What IT is, is the question.

Wrist

Both arm bones

 

They come home.

Difficulty sleeping...

My boy is stoic and quiet...more so than usual.

He doesn't antagonize his sisters.

I can see the pain in his eyes.

 

At the doctors, he is all quiet and laid back.  Not really giving doc details.  So I step in, that is what Moms do, right?  Doc examines and pulls and not a single word or OW or stop. That is what I get at home.

 

I step in again and tell doc, he is too quiet for his own good.

 

Doc, very politely tells me, "I see him flinching, I know."

 

hmmmph, I guess I need to be still  Really hard to do...my 3.5 pound bag of sugar is hurt.  Did I mention I wrapped my arms around him the night before and cried. Cried and cried until he asked if he could "..go to bed now?"  I see the man he is becoming, but I also see him as 6.5 weeks earlier and 3.5 pounds in a isolette in the NICU.  The tiny bundle my body evicted way too soon.

The tiny boy I sat and covered in prayer and wore my heart on my sleeve for. The tiny baby I fought to bring home with me. I want good for him. I want for him to play hockey if that is what he wants.I want for him to be healthy and whole.

So we go to XRAY.

After XRay we are sent to the procedure room

We are put in an exam room.

I get a little excited, must not be broken.

But doc comes in.

Broken.

Not as bad as it could be considering.

One bone.

Not the wrist.

Not into the growth plate.

Much to be thankful for.

Brace for now, come back during the week to cast it.

Woohoo!  That means he gets to take a couple more normal showers.

Yeah, I love him... I just don't always like to smell him.

He is a teenage boy.

 

 He tries to do his school work this morning.  It is tough, he is right handed and it is his right arm in the cast.  We are getting a lesson in sibling relationships and when it interfere.  Dad's Bud joins us and starts to pester.  I warn Dad's Bud to back off.  But he doesn't know what that means and continues.  He starts messing with HP's arm.  Really?  I warn him.  Then I give HP permission to demonstrate the power of his arm.  Yes, I did.  What else do big brothers do, when little brothers won't back down because they are vying for territory and herd roles of leadership.  Big brothers pop them with their cast and demonstrate they are armed and dangerous and it is best to back down. 

Well Hockey Player didn't whack him.  I grabbed HP's arm and banged it into Dad's Bud's chest a few times until he said ow.  Point made.  Leave your brother alone. He has my permission to settle it.  He won't unless he has to, cause that is the kind of young man he is...

 

Brotherly Force as the last resort.

 

 

 

AND off it comes !!

Friday it was officially off!

The cast that is.

Hockey Player was up and ready to go.

I have never seen him so excited to go to the doctor.

He missed 4 hockey practices.

He had big plans for the night.

The cast was just adding insult to the injury.

 

AhhH!  relief is in sight.

Then doctor gave him instructions!

NO ice time till Wednesday.

That would be 5 days.

OH MY!!!

I thought the dad and son were going to fall into the floor.

There is a tournament coming up.

Doctor's face didn't crack.

Not one bit.

He didn't give an inch.

NO ICE TILL WEDNESDAY,

unless of course we want to come back in and see him.

For 5 days he is to work on flexibility and regain range of motion and strength.

You should of seen the pleading in my men's eyes.

Just a little bit of ice... he has to play on Saturday.

It was a good thing I was there.

I get to hold them accountable.

I don't know who was more disappointed, the dad or Player.

After limping this weekend and working so hard on getting range of motion back,

I think Hockey Player is getting a good dose of understanding.

There has been plenty of limping and wincing as he gets that foot and ankle back

to where he wants it to be. 

But don't be fooled, this kid when he gets back on the ice, he will leave it all out there on the ice.

He doesn't slow down. 

The doc knows this.

He has a warrior's heart

and he will fight wounded if not strapped down and sat on by his mother.

I just remind these two brutes of mine,

Gotta live in this body for the rest of your life.

No point in destroying it in the first 13 years and living in pain for the next 80.

 

 

What on earth? Better yet what on high seas?

 

It is Hockey Player still. 

So the plastic bag trick doesn't work too well in the shower.

He had to get another cast.

I begged. I pleaded.  I offered this kid $20 to get a hot pink cast.

To get out of his normal color palette.

Nope

I offered $40.

Still no.

I offered his choice of places for lunch.

Still no.

I offered $40 and lunch.

Still no. 

He is a man of principles and he sticks to them. 

For that I am very proud.

 

Considering he would only be stuck with it for a week, I am shocked.

His jeans are long and baggy. They cover it up. 

Glad he didn't take his mother's money though.

As for lunch, well it was food and he was happy.

He was really happy when I showed up to his piano lessons with pizza in the suburban.

It was an eat in the car kind of day!

And yes, minus one slice, he did all that damage. 

 

 

 

 

The Man makes everything Fun!

We had our annual allergy check up for The Man.

He is the one with food allergies.

Not much else, just food.

What a bummer.

This year we were able to get orders for a break down of which nuts he has actually has an allergy.

We have always known peanut, but not any certainty of the tree nuts.

Those of you out there wanting to shout out cross contamination!

The clarification is mostly for the wellness and needs of the rest of the family.

We need to know which nuts we can bring into the home and still

provide him with a safe and nut free kitchen.

It is easier to keep a handle on blood sugar with a handful of nuts

here and there throughout the day. 

Less cooking, fewer dishes and it is really quick.

With that clarification, the doc agreed.

He tested "negative for tree nuts"

There were "negligible numbers" for almonds and hazel nuts.

Numbers so low they are considered a negative.

We will err on the conservative side and avoid.

During his visit Doc told The Man to blow out.

Doc couldn't help but chuckle.

The Man gave it all he had with his mounth open wide to inhale....

 

 

and his mouth open wide to exhale....

 

 

Got the job done.  But there was quite the animation in his whole being.

Just like The Man!

Hockey Player does it again!

He causes the doctor to chuckle.  According to his memory and math he gets reunited with plaster and bandages every other year.  So he should be clear until his freshman year of high school.  A stumble at youth group on Sunday.  Come Thursday he is still icing and hobbling after playing with siblings for a couple of minutes.  I am fed up and schedule the appointment.  After the initial exam doc says we will leave with a cast.  For how long would depend on the Xrays.  Told Hockey Player to start thinking about colors.
The final verdict: A mid foot sprain.  Doc knows Hockey Player.  Knows he has a high pain tolerance.  Remember when he finished the second half of a game with a broken ankle and then played the next game.  This past week he just kept pushing on and quietly getting an ice bag when needed.  Pastor at church on Sunday suggested he hurt his whiner bone.  He doesn't know Hockey Player too well, yet.  So with Doc's verdict of the sprain he said a cast for two weeks to insure the foot is rested.  No lawn mowing.  No running. Postpone the birthday party.  No attaching an ice blade to the cast and skating.  No trampoline or bicycling and no kicking siblings with it.  There was a long list of instructions just to make sure he was clear that he needed to stay OFF the foot.  Mom is head shaking and laughing.  So glad it is not broken.  Dad is perturbed. He will be mowing the yards by himself the next couple of weeks.  Doesn't seem to faze Hockey Player.  Look at that smile!

 

Health Insurance motivators to be healthy!

So our health insurance is looking out for their bottom line, I realize that.
They do have some power motivating tools out there though to get their patrons healthy.
For instance, I just completed an assessment and 3 "counseling" sessions online. 
What do I get out of these services...
Well I will receive $50 to apply to future medical expenses.  That is the equivalent to two office co-pays.  With my crew, that won't be hard to use up. LOL.  But hey, every little bit helps. 

But on the other hand, I have been frustrated with the lack of free time around here for just "me time". 
I mean, seriously, "ME time",  I might get 2 minutes in the car while I wait for a child to come out to the car.  I might get to go to the bathroom uninterrupted.  If I start to clean, well, I might get to be alone as the kids try to slip off and escape my notice.  When I had to list how much time I spend on the computer.  I didn't want to admit it.  I am not using the computer solely for recreation.  Lately, I have been listing a lot of items on Ebay.  Trying to get as much done before we start school back up.
Therefore, I am sitting and typing.  But as I have these encouraging comments and suggestions rolling through my head, I did some math. 
I have 15 stairs between the mainfloor and the basement.  If I have to run downstairs to weigh every auction, I can increase my activity.  If I do 20 auctions in a day, that is like 300 stairs.  Not bad.  Best part, and Dara you will like this, I don't get all sweaty.  I can't stand to get sweaty!  My hair wilts.  I feel slimy and gross.  If I get sweaty, then I have to shower and get ready for the day all over again.  That is more time away from the things I gotta do....
So I will run up and down the stairs for every auction.  I won't ask my kids to do it for me.  Cause, I need to get up and get moving some more.

Brain Damage

Been back in town less than 24 hours and things are getting interesting.
First Dad's Bud is in the bathroom after bedtime crying.  Dad checks on him and starts yelling for me. 
Completely not the normal way things go around here.  Normally, I catch the boys doing something and especially if it is in the bathroom, I holler for the Dad to come take care of HIS boys.
I hurry up the steps to find Dad's Bud's face a mess. 
Eyes swollen shut.  Hive like bumps all over it.  Crying.  First thing that comes to mind is all the bleach water in the bath tub.  Convinced Dad's Bud has been into the bleach water I strip him down and get him in the shower.  Spraying him in the face, he cries, "It burns! It burns!"  I holler for baking soda and dump it all over his head.  Hoping to neutralize anything that he has got on his skin.  In the event, it is an allergic reaction we give him benadryl.  I am still flushing his eyes out when The Dad leaves to pick up Fun Girl.  He is already half and hour late to pick her up. Doctor on call has been paged. 
I peek into Dad's Bud's eyes.  They are milky and really red.  His vision is blurry.  Since we don't know what he got into, she recommends the ER.  I have him over the tub, pouring water into his eyes.  Flushing them like crazy.  Dad pulls in and Dad's Bud hops into the car and off they go. 
Still relatively calm, I am sick to my stomache like nothing else.  Shooting up prayers that are all choppy and and a couple of words here and there.  Can't think clearly.  Dad calls to say it will be a while.  He doesn't know what I know and I insist he tells them we think he may have got bleach in his eyes.  Boom, they are seeing him. They flush his eyes and take a look.   They reassure him he is not in trouble.  We had been doing that as well.  But there were these great big pauses when he would answer us.  The kind of pauses that make you question a kid's sincerity.  He gets adamant he did not get into the bleach water.  Adamant enough that Dad believes him.  After the exam and questioning the docs believe he was having an allergic reaction to an unknown substance!
Relief. 
This morning, his vision was clear.  Clear enough to do school, much to his disappointment.  Eyes and face were returning to normal.  The Dad, thinks now, he must have got into the Cool Ranch Buffalo Wings Chips.  The ones with tobasco sauce and other spicy stuff.  Why can't they just like the normal plain chips like their momma.

If that wasn't bad enough.  Dad's Bud was finally tucked into bed.  I was finally unwound and getting sleepy and The Man wakes up.  Not only does he wake up, but he is crying.  But not the tear sobbing, wimpering crying.  Oh no. 
He is sobbing, and sobbing and hollering (and I quote), "I have brain damage!"  "Brain damage!" 
"BBBBBBrain Dammmmage!"
Brain damage? I promise, I never dropped THIS kid on his head.
Really.  As a preschooler I might have thought of it...but I have NEVER dropped The Man on his head.  So where does he get the idea to wake me up at night crying about Brain Damage to his Dad and me. 
The nerve.  Doesn't he know we just finished an ER shift and we are tired.
Brain Damage!
A headache.  He has a headache.  Sinus stuff.  Stuffed up, goopy nose.  But in his vocabulary, only Brain Damage works.

This Mom had to be up and out of the house early. Like 7:30 early.  Time change + traveling (which I have yet to get to)+2 exciting night time escapades with boys = One Brain Damaged tired mommy at 11:00am
Know what I did?
I took a nap. 
Not only did I take a nap with Dad's blessing.
I took a 4 hour nap.  Oh yeah.
Kids are in bed now.  Sleeping ever so good.  Guess what?  I am heading that way as well.

Woohoo! ~ Christmas Came Early!

On our way out of town Thanksgiving weekend, we had to call the doctor for Flutter Nutter.  He had a super bad head cold and we knew the Colorado altitude could complicate things.  So our super wonderful pediatrician found a Walgreens along the way and ordered some scripts for Flutter Nutter.  Good thing, cause Flutter Nutter needed them, and then Daddy's Buddy and Hockey Player needed them.  All approved by the doctor, just in case you thought we were doing a big no-no of sharing prescriptions. 
After we picked up the medicine, I got to looking at the receipt.  I thought we just got an amazing deal...$10 for 3 prescriptions.  However, we were only charged for one of the three medications.  What ?????  Focused on having fun, I decided to put it aside and think on later when we got home.  Arrived home and decided not to worry about it, afterall, I made it all weekend without thinking twice about it. 
Today I had to refill a couple of prescriptions.  I signed the slips and sent my card in through the drive thru tube.  I even put in my member number for Dillons so I could get my fuel points.  The clerk informed me there was no charge!  What? ?  I looked at her and told her, "I always have to pay for my prescriptions.  What is going on?  This is the second time this has happened."  Poor girl, she didn't know what to do.  Here she had told me, "No charge" and I was insisting on paying.  How crazy is that ! ? ! ?
She quickly went and found reinforcements.  Receipts and paperwork looked over.  I was told that everything had been processed and was correct.  Balance due:  $0
She did suggest we might have met our deductible for the year.
We DON"T have a deductible.  Just co-pays.
I call the insurance company.
Our insurance has a catastrophic medical clause.  Once you reach the designated amount out of pocket in a year then all medical expenses are covered at 100% for the remainder of the enrollment period!

Co-pays, prescriptions, eye doctors, dentists, counseling and therapy all apply.  But NOT orthodontics. Bummer, cause Hockey Player is suppose to start that process next year and we would just have to start him this next month if they were only covered. 
The year, I try to NOT go to the doctor.  The year I am constantly reassuring hubby all will be fine, they don't need to go to the doctor.  This year we meet our maximum out of pocket and qualify for the catastrophic clause.  We have a month left + a day.  Do I give the kids permission to go crazy? 
Guess this means I can quit playing the do we or do we not get the flu shot.  I hate paying for the flu shot and then we are all sick 3 months later with it. 
So now, when I can't figure out what to buy for Christmas for the kids or my husband, I get to try and figure out if there are any medical things we should get taken care of while we can.  Maybe the 2 topics can overlap and I will have both taken care of.... allergy medicine for the stockings!   Dental xrays all wrapped up in pretty gold filling paper.  Hee hee!
I don't know if I should be some what mortified about our medical expenses this past year or ecstatic that there are no more expenses the remainder of this year.  For now, I will just celebrate in having no more payments for a month! !  WOohoO

No photography this week

Thinking we need to post a "No Cameras" sign on our front door this week. 
Both my girls had oral surgery today.  The eldest lost her wisdom teeth, the youngest, some gum tissue. 
Fun Mom wants company.  She wants sympathy.  But she won't let her friends near her, until their lack of photographic equipment is proven.  I have thought about sneaking a few pics while they sleep.  But their suffering hurts this momma's heart too much. 

April Reflections, part 5, the finale

Day 8 of this roller coaster. I am blogging.
I truly hope, this will be the last of the spring time excitement. I have yet to check, but I think we are probably close to having exhausted our flex account.
Monday morning started with a quick shower, history lesson about Justinian 1 and Theodora. I knew it would be the only lesson I would get done for the day.
Flutter Nutter in his PJs is out the door promptly at 8 am.
Time for ear tubes.
All went well, till the recovery.
I did not expect 30 minutes of crying.
and drama...remember the ER.
DRamA.
Flutter Nutter is king of drama.
Nurse would walk into the recovery area and wailing and sobbing when resume.
Thermometers were as scary as a horror film.
I was compassionate. I was kind. But completely not prepared emotionally for how emotional he was. I mean, I had ear tubes. I remember being a little freaked out by bloody cotton balls laying by my head and the fact I was in bed with a sheet over me and my gown and undies were missing. But then again, that was 30 years ago. I don't remember crying.
I asked him what he wanted to eat.
FN: "I can't eat today!" more sobbing.
Misunderstanding, fasting only until surgery was over.
In that case. McDonald's.
Can do.
Then he remembers the lollipops.
The nurse comes into the room.
FN: "I think that was worth 2"
She looks at me.
I laugh. He thinks what he has been through is worth 2 lollipops. She smiles.
And returns with another lollipop.
So I take him to McDonald's and like any good mother, I remember the Gymboree email I received this morning.
Gymboree is 2 miles away.
I coax him into letting me shop. $2.99 sale! TV, chairs, lounge and rest. Drink your root beer.
YES! He agreed. Turned out to be a good thing. An hour later, he was feeling much better and ready to see his siblings.
I scored some awesome deals.
Casting in the afternoon. More appointments scheduled for the ENT and follow up for the broken arm.
Wiggles, and wiggles and wiggles.
FN: "I am not allowed to hit you guys with my cast!"
That's right. Rule number 1 from the doctor.
Daddy's Buddy is quick to say he would have chosen the neon green. Without thinking, I said, "Well, break your arm and you can have whatever color you want."
Hmmm, running out of humor and patience and little fried.
Doctor was quick to say, "Shhh, don't say that. That one would likely take you up on it!"
CHOKE, GAG, he's right, what was I thinking?
By now, my boys look like they have beaten each other up. But it is all self~inflicted.
Do they slow down? No.
Do they care their mother's nerves are shot? No

Then.... yes, there is a then....
Almost bedtime and FN has a gushing bloody nose. Noticed by Little Princess.
Caused by picking his nose, of course.
Blood everywhere. We are trying to clean him up.
He sobs, dramatically, of course,

"It's just be mean to Flutter Nutter Day!"

and I am sure it very well felt like that. Tubes, fasting, casting, nose bleeds, blankies being washed...

Tomorrow had better be "Pamper the Mom day, cause she needs a vacation!"

Dads, Sons and the Mom

First hockey game of the season.
I am working in the church nursery and show up before the second game.
On arrival, I am told Stephen was checked but ok. He sat out a few rotations because his ankle hurt. Dad roared and said I was not allowed to go to the locker room to check on him. I do try to respect the men and man~children in my life. Fine line between being mom and overly-mothering.
Next thing I hear is they are having a hard time getting his skate on, his ankle is swollen. But he'll try to skate during warm-up and see how it feels.
Momma bear is trying to stay quiet.
Hockey Player plays and the Mom can tell he is hurting. Not skating like he usually does.
Afterwards, I tell him I will see him at home. I also tell him, when he gets home he needs to soak his foot in epsom salts. (More so I don't have to smelly his funky foot, when I look at it.) Come home and take a look. A huge golf ball has somehow managed to work its way under my son's skin. Yowzer! Momma Bear insists on a trip to see the doc. But calls the doc on call for backup with the dad and son.
Left doc's office with a diagnosis of "severe sprain". Possible fractures but need the radiologist to look at. Get a call later, radiologist doesn't think there is a fracture.
This morning, Hockey Player is asking for pain medicine. It hurts to stand on it. He doesn't want to elevate it, because then it hurts to stand. Call to the doctor. He shouldn't be in that much pain with a brace on his foot.
Doc pulls up the xrays on his computer which is really a cool thing. He zooms in, spins the pics, zooms out, clicks a few times. Checks the spot on the xray where Hockey Player has the most pain. His knobby little ankle bone is fractured on the tip. Hard to catch fracture, but there all the same. Pretty purple/blue ankle this morning. I tried to get him to choose the purple cast. I even suggested the hot pink one. He chose royal blue.
Needless to say Dad and Hockey Player now know Mom will enter the locker room regardless of their wishes. The other players can run, hide, turn around it doesn't matter. I am not looking at them. Mom will take the skates and hide them. Hockey Player is too young to be playing injured.
Fun Mom thinks aloud, wish I could break my leg. She seems to like the attention Hockey Player is getting. She doesn't want the pain though. Mom can only shake her head. Enough drama for the rest of the year. Doctor is laughing because he only just saw Hockey Player for a physical last Thursday.
At least there's no locker rooms for 6 weeks. Whew... the boys can relax.
If I can bring myself to take pictures later, I will post them.

Results are in...

Doc's office finally called. My MRI was normal.
Well, they found no abnormalities.
So if I may, I will interpret that as meaning they found a brain!
As for the cause of what is causing me all this drama...
Have absolutely no idea.
They were kind enough to schedule an appointment with a neurologist.
For now, I am getting more feeling back in my face.
Today, my neck hurt.
Mixed blessings, I know.
I could actually tell hubby he was being a pain in the neck today.
Nah, he has been sweet about this.
Letting me sleep as much as I need to.
Letting me hide in my room when the steroids kick in and I need to disappear so not to say or do anything I wish I hadn't.
The kids have been sweet with their hugs and taking care of their momma.
They have also shown a tremendous amount of wisdom about when to stop what they are doing. Their way of helping me to not go beyond grumpy. 2 days till the steroid fun is over!

He must of missed me....

The ENT, that is.
I called this morning on my primary's recommendation to tell them of the numbness on the left side of my head.
They fit me in this afternoon.
BigODaddyO went with me, just in case, since my hearing is not at 100%.
But there wasn't anything to hear!
He stroked my face 6 times with a tongue depressor.
Went hmmm.
Asked if I ever had a MRI of my head.
Yep!
Asked if it was normal.
Yep ~ had a brain.
I apologized and told him I am trying to have a sense of humor about this.
He said that was alright.
The only other thing he said was, "not many things will do this."
Out the door he went.
That was it!
I asked the nurse if she knew what the MRI would be for?
The chart said to rule out MS and other things.
So the MRI is checking out my head to see if there is anything worrisome and to make sure I still have my brain!
I am sure the lady from AWANA last night would be interested to know if I had a brain after last night's conversation with me....
She asked me if I was Greg's wife?
No, I am Mike's wife.
Who is Mike?
My husband.
I just lost it then and apologized, told her I just lose it sometimes after spending all day with the kids. She laughed.
I guess she thought I resembled Greg's wife. I don't know if she ever found her. She still doesn't know who Mike is.
So, this is what I know.
And before long we will find out if I have a brain or if I am in need to go see the Wizard of Oz.

It could be worse....

After an afternoon in the dentist office with kiddos and a trip to the ENT, I fired my husband because he had to go to work while I was at the ENT office, and then off to the ice rink for 3 kiddos' lessons and Hockey Player's practice.
The dentist office was all good news. No cavities!
The ENT was a whole other story. A Flutter Nutter who did not want to cooperate. Kids who were tired of offices and being good was enough to fire the dad on the spot. A dr. with a sense of humor and has 4 of his own helped get us through the appointment, as well as the bribery of McDonald's if they were quiet. It worked, as long as I wasn't in the room. Since, I am not hearing too well, I had to rely on the staff's confirmation they were quiet.
This last sinus/ear infection was a doozie. My ear feels like is full of cotton all the time. So off to the ENT to figure out what is wrong.
The final story from the ENT, I have a middle ear issue. The nerves are working, but...
The middle ear is red... I have hearing loss. So the doc's recommendation is steroids and see if they can do their magic on the ear.
I am trying to remember it could be worse. My hearing could be affected in both ears. So for now, I have to learn to compensate. I need to pray for an extra measure of grace and inner peace because steroids means a grumpy, hungry mom. The difference in hearing is a little disorienting. I avoid the phone if there is much noise around me because I have to use my good ear and if the kids are around, it gets a little more interesting than it did before. The good news, when I am on steroids I get a lot done. So, I am imagining various projects I could do with the extra burst of getting done power I am going to have. We'll see what happens with the ear...

You don't ask a woman, but you can blab about a kid's....

Weight!

Hockey Player is fun. He is a good kid. We find lots of humor in his physique. He is ripped with muscles. Dad has him do a minimum of 25 push-ups a day. A whole bunch of jumping and sit-ups. He is ten with a 6-pack.

He is 4 foot 5 inches (total 53 inches) and in the 28th percentile for his height.
He weighs 51 pounds. Up one pound from last year. Yep, one pound! He grew two inches but managed to only gain a pound. That means he dropped from the 8th percentile for weight to the 1 percentile. There is no such thing as the 1th, and you can't say first percentile. That doesn't make any sense.

Doc looked at Dad and asked if Hockey Player had lost his appetite? I asked Dad, "did you tell him what he wants to eat for his birthday?" NO!
On the menu for today:
Pancakes and Bacon

Steak, potatoes and corn on the cob

Those are the two meals we will have with Dad.
The other meal, well it is a grab and go, cause we have to go to Awana tonight.

Of course, we won't discuss how many snacks this kid eats. Dad is constantly telling him to eat something. It bugs Dad to no-end about how little his son weighs. He has free reign in the kitchen according to Dad. But does Dad tell Doc this...NO! So Doc suggests we start making Hockey Player a FOURTH meal. Now if Doc would slow down just a little and look at all the kids, he would realize our kids eat. He might realize that Hockey Player is the only one to get the DNA from his mother's side of the family. I won't post pictures of my aunts or myself. Before children we were all kind of twiggy. I was always embarrasssed by my twiggy arms and legs. It wasso frustrating when my friends would get irritated with me for being skin and bones. I had no control over it. He even has had a Grandpa or two that never had to worry too much about the mid-life paunch.

Cook 4 meals! When do I get anything else done? The doc even recommended a menu of donuts and steaks for the kid. Will insurance cover that? What about all the ice cream Dad seems to think Hockey Player needs. Maybe we should go into ranching and raise our own beef and dairy cows.
Is it any wonder, I don't like being in the kitchen much anymore and I defer the cooking to Big-O-Daddy-O as much as I can!

But he is healthy and that is all that matters. Wait till the other Hockey moms hear about this, they will laugh. He is one of the smallest players, definitely the lightest in the weight department but he holds his own.