Kidney/Bladder Studies

This morning I took Jack to the GSH for a renal ultrasound and a VCUG (Voiding Cystourethrogram) which involved placing a catheter and injecting dye into his bladder and taking a series of X-Rays. Jack hated both the ultrasound and the VCUG. They had a difficult time getting a urine sample from the catheter -- I'd say it took over 5 minutes for any urine to come out.

Once that was done they started the dye drip and I had to leave the area due to being pregnant -- (I could see in through the tech's window). It took quite some time for the study (maybe an hour) and Jack screamed the entire time. I felt so horrible for him and he didn't see his mommy anywhere either.

The second part of the test is voiding (peeing) all of the liquid they just filled the bladder with. This is where it gets interesting. Jack's bladder was at maximum capacity and he would NOT pee. They told me I should get Jack dressed and take him down for lunch and come back in about 45 minutes. We did just that -- Jack had a yogurt (or as he would say shoshurt) and a banana. He had plenty to drink too. Then we walked over to the lab to drop off Jack's urine sample.

When we got back and they took another picture of Jack's bladder it was still totally FULL. We had to go away for another half hour. We went to the lobby and watched the cars go by. I had to call school to tell them to cancel the bus for Jack because he'd be in late today. When we returned to radiology his bladder was still partially full but he had wet his diaper pretty well.

We won't have the results for a day or two but from my brief conversation with the Radiology Dr. it's apparent that Jack doesn't fully empty his bladder. This is not good because that's how bacteria grows and can infect your bladder, kidneys or urinary tract. They are also going to rule out any other issues (like Kidney Reflux, etc.). The likely reason Jack doesn't empty his bladder fully all of the time is spasticity.

I hope to get an idea of what should/can be done for this (if it's even an issue since he's only had one infection to date). Hopefully the urinalysis comes back okay and we can just put all of this behind us. I'll let you know when we hear.

Idol, the Men...

I wasn't totally shocked at last week's results show -- now it's getting interesting! This week 2 from EACH group will be cut. I don't know who to say is going home!

1. Paul sang "Missing You" -- I know others like this guy but there's something about him that doesn't appeal to me. I just can't picture him as an American Idol.

2. Jared sang "Let's Get it on" -- ugh, another song that makes me cringe. I thought it was safe and solid...however the whole sexy hand down the face thing is lost on me...

3. AJ sang "New Dawn" -- I loved it!! I want EVERY contestant to sing songs like this!!

4. Sanjaya sang "Steppin' Out" -- Ugh. This poor kid. He may end up going home. If he doesn't he HAS to get smarter about his song choices...for real dawg. lol

5. Chris's song was sweet -- I loved his dedication to his wife. He has potential!!

6. Nick sang "Fever" -- I liked his voice on this song. I can see he needs a little work on his stage presence but I liked it overall.

7. Blake sang "Virtual Reality" I liked it. He's probably my favorite guy. He has a mix of things going for him. I hope he stays!

8. Brandon sang "Time After Time" -- it was sweet...but this guy blew me away during auditions. I still haven't seen him do that on the big stage!

9. Chris sang "Geek in the Pink" -- I have never heard this song before but I liked it. Wasn't my all time favorite but I hope he sticks around too.

10. Sundance sang "Mustang Sally" he can sing, that's for sure. I don't care for the song though...I am hopeful that he'll surprise us like he did in the auditions.

Wednesday on Dr. Phil...

Special Needs Triplets...

Most parents find raising a child overwhelming enough, but imagine if that child could neither see you, nor hear you. Now imagine having three children like that. Liz is the mother of the only known deafblind triplets in the world. Her three daughters are now 6 years old, but one of the girls is able to communicate at a 2-year-old level, and the other two at only 10-month-old levels. Liz's world is consumed with their 24-hour care, plus the care of her oldest daughter, who is 10 and often times overlooked among the chaos of the triplets. After years of dealing with the girls on her own, a new man stepped into Liz's life to fill the shoes of her ex-husband. George thought he could become Liz's hero, but their relationship has been strained from the start and the stress is tearing them apart. See what a day in Liz and George's lives are like, and the surprises Dr. Phil has in store for them. Plus, meet an inspirational woman who says her world turned from light to dark at the age of 15. She's got a message for George and Liz. Don't miss this heartbreaking and heroic story!

http://www.drphil.com/shows/

I don't often get to watch Dr. Phil but tomorrow I am tuning in for sure. I am sure this will bring me to tears!

February Pictures!

ARE HERE!

25 Weeks, 3 Days...

Yesterday I had an appointment with Maternal Fetal Medicine and everything looks great. The doctor said our cervical study is complete this week and because my cervix "could not be any longer if I tried" (his words...lol) he has ruled out incompetent cervix as a cause of preterm labor/delivery. This is good news, but it doesn't explain why Jack came early, except as we go along we are ruling out different causes. So far we've ruled out infection, uterine abnormalities, incompetent cervix, and maternal health (diabetes, high blood pressure, clotting disorders). So I guess that leaves us hoping it was just a fluke with Jack. The doctor said it's time we start thinking very positively about this pregnancy going to term. With every item that's ruled out my chances get higher. Due to the fact that there's not much left to test or study, he is releasing my care to a "regular" OB/GYN! No more high risk clinic for me. This is good news, but I don' think I will relax much until I'm nearly full term!

Jack was born at 25 weeks, 5 days. In three days I will be pregnant longer than I ever have been before! I was given the syrup for my gestational diabetes test along with the lab slip. I never made it to this test with Jack. It felt good leaving the office with this next task to attend to. I have to drink the glucose syrup and have blood drawn an hour later. I must do this before 28 weeks -- I plan on going this week. I look forward to all of the normal visits from here on. I will go every two weeks until the last month -- then I believe it's weekly. We'll also be scheduling the mandatory c-section -- I just don't know how far in advance they schedule those?

So yes, another great update on the bean. I go again in two weeks. Keep those positive full term vibes coming!!!

One Blog is Enough!

I've decided I can only keep up with one blog so I moved all of the posts from Bean's Blog over here to Jack's Blog. I copied the comments as well.

So now I am going to pick a new color scheme. Nothing like a little cyber-decorating to lift my spirits. LOL!

I will post pregnancy updates here from now on.

Also, I've started using labels -- so you'll see over on the side a few categories with common posts under one label. This is a nice way to organize things like all of Jack's NICU posts, etc.

American Idol, The Ladies...

Alaina Alexander: "Brass in Pocket" -- I like her and would like to see her sing something different.

Amy Krebs: "I Can't Make You Love Me" -- Just not as good as the song require's IMHO!

Antonella Barba: "I Don't Want To Miss A Thing" -- Poor girl. She really didn't do very well. I believe she'll be voted off this week.

Gina Glocksen: "All By Myself" -- Just okay for me.

Haley Scarnato: "It's All Coming Back to Me Now" -- I don't remember this performance! Not just saying that...looking at her picture I can't remember this one.

Jordin Sparks: "Gimme One Reason" -- I think she's cute and liked the performance.

Lakisha Jones: "And I Am Telling You, I'm Not Going" -- I do agree she can SING -- I'd like to see a softer side though...

Leslie Hunt: "(You Make Me Feel Like A) Natural Woman" -- I thought it was okay -- she did seem a little stiff up there

Melinda Doolittle: "Since You Been Gone" -- I love her...she's so cute!

Nicole Tranquillo: "Stay" -- Oh no, I am drawing a blank here too!! I should really blog the night before!

Sabrina Sloan: "Never Loved a Man The Way That I Love You" Not my style but good voice, I think!!

Stephanie Edwards: "How Come You Don't Call Me" -- Loved it!!! Probably my favorite female performance of the night!

American Idol Season 6!

Idol's Back!!!

Here's my thoughts based on last nights performances ONLY! What do you guys think??

A.J. Tabaldo: "Never Too Much" -- It was okay -- I can't really remember this one.

Blake Lewis: "Somewhere Only We Know" -- My favorite by far. I loved the song choice -- and his stage presence was really, really good.

Brandon Rogers: "Rock With You" -- It was good, but as good as I expected!

Chris Richardson: "I Don't Want to Be" -- I like this guy, although he sounded too nasally for my taste last night.

Chris Sligh: "Typical" -- This was a strange one for me. I didn't care for his stage presence or the song, although he sang it okay.

Jared Cotter: "Back at One" -- I despise this song so it's hard for me to be unbiased. He sang it well I thought.

Nicholas Pedro: "Now and Forever" -- Although a little shy, I think he sang it okay.

Paul Kim: "Careless Whisper" -- Again, just okay for me.

Phil Stacey: "I Could Not Ask For More" -- I wouldn't be surprised if he got voted off. Poor guy.

Rudy Cardenas: "Free Ride" -- I forgot to type here yesterday -- oops. I thought it was waaay corny. I'd like to hear him sing something different.

Sanjaya Malakar: "Knocks Me Off My Feet" -- I did not like this one at all! I think he acts strange too -- too timid on purpose or something like that.

Sundance Head: "Nights in White Satin" -- Eek, very bad song choice. Not what I had expected.

I'm Blogging This!

Guess who's back to wearing glasses after a nice loooong break?? Jack Riley, of course. We had an eye exam this afternoon and that left eye is giving us grief again, even after surgery last year. We are to patch two hours a day and wear his glasses all day. When I told Jack he would have to wear his glasses again he smiled and reached for mine. I told him when we got home he could wear his because mommy needs hers to drive! There is a chance he could need another eye muscle surgery in the future. I have given myself permission NOT to think about that for two months until our follow up appointment.

Jack is doing well since his stay in the hospital. He hasn't had any signs of illness what so ever. We have a follow up tomorrow morning with his new ped. He should get the okay to return to school tomorrow! YAY!

Our hospital stay was uneventful. The worst part was the blood draws and the IV sticks. Other than that he had a pretty easy stay. He was put on a three day drip of Gentamicin which has some very serious side effects thankfully none of which occurred! The doctor explained how Jack has a nasty bacteria in his system and luckily we caught it early. The Pseudomonas is resistant to a lot of antibiotics and we were stuck between a rock and a hard place when it came to choosing meds to treat it. He is now on oral Bactrim for 7 days and most likely will stay on it if the Pseudomonas is found in his culture next week. The staff was wonderful -- we moved rooms several times the first day, and even had a roommate at one point...which wasn't pleasant. Thankfully Jason got us moved again to a single room and although we were told we'd have to move if someone else needed it, but we stayed there until discharge! Next week he has the renal ultrasound and the dye/bladder test as well as another culture. I will keep you posted on those results.

I wanted to share some milestone moments too! We've been working for over two years in outpatient speech therapy to get Jack to blow. Bubbles, horns, straws, anything and everything with no success. We've been using the talktools horn hierarchy. Along with a special program administered by the SLP. Well, like I said for two long years we've worked and nothing...he just could not get the oral motor planning to do it. He would become frustrated and wouldn't even let us put the horn to his lips. So we're on a break from all outpatient therapy until Spring (he still gets school therapy 4 times a week) and I've been working with him on all of his therapies at home. Well, guess who finally can blow through anything now!!!!!!!!!! JACK RILEY!!!!! I know some people can't get how important this is -- it seems so small, but it's really, really HUGE I promise!! He is so very proud of himself too.

Jack also said his first 3 word sentence today at the eye doctor. Yesterday while Pa Pa and Grammie Tina were visiting we were telling our dog Bridget to "GO LAY DOWN" because she was all over everyone and so excited to have company. A few times Jack said "LAY DOWN" and we all giggled. Well today we were waiting for the doctor and Jack looked right at me and said "GO LAY DOWN" LOL!!!! Had there been a comfy area I would have. Sometimes his speech is clear and sometimes it's hard to know what he's saying. He tries so hard. "GO LAY DOWN" sounded a little mushed sort of like "GO YAY YOWN" but it still made my day!!! Lately nurses and doctors have been able to understand him too...which is another little boost for us. He's coming up with new words every day -- I've honestly lost count (around 200 now?). So I realize he's still extremely delayed but he's actually verbal now and it's exciting! I still wouldn't call it to the conversational level, but the action, labeling, requesting, sometimes demanding words are there and growing daily.

I am a little nervous because tomorrow is our IEP meeting. I think most of Jack's goals will remain the same with a little tweaking on frequency or length. For example one goal may be to walk 15 feet with his walker, which he's passed so we would increase it to 25 or 50 feet. I don't believe too many new goals need to be written. I am going to ask whether they feel it's necessary for us to bring Jack's wheelchair too and from school. He uses a variety of equipment at the school and if it's all the same to them he can use their stuff at school and our stuff at home. I've mentioned it before -- but I am thrilled with all of the items they have available and how many different positions they get the totally immobile children to use during the day! Jack is mobile by knee walking and using his walker, so anything else they want to add is cool with me. I guess the things that have me fretting is learning the dreaded numbers. They always give an age level and it's upsetting to learn how wide the gap is getting. I know they are JUST numbers :) I tell my peers this stuff all of the time! lol...I will update when I get home.

Gosh, I've written a ramble today! I wanted to mention so much and I've tried to make that great mental note of "I'm Blogging This!" too many times to count this week! The bad thing is if one doesn't blog it right away it can get lost!

We're Home!!!

THANK YOU
for your thoughts and prayers -- Jack is home and doing well. I will give the full update when he goes down for his nap later today.

Admitted

Jack's been admitted to the hospital to treat the kidney infection. I only have a moment -- I am home to shower and grab a few things. Jack's doing well -- he's actually in great spirits and is flirting with all of the nurses, even at 2 am!

He will be in for at least 3 days (pray this is all) for antibiotic treatment. We chose our local hospital admitted under our general pediatrician instead of the medical center. I am very glad. The peds area is empty and the staff has been overly accommodating. It's also within walking distance to my mom's house -- which is a bonus because of the impending severe weather.

We will follow up with a nephrologist (sp??) to be sure there are no kidney abnormalities. They will do testing and studies once we are discharges.

Keep our little man in your thoughts.

Cultures...

While we were in the ER they did a urine culture which came back positive for two different types of bacteria. The first bacteria was due to the fact that it wasn't a clean catch -- they used a little bag to collect the sample. Since it wasn't a clean catch the pediatrician couldn't be sure the other bacteria was actually in Jack's system. It could have been a contaminated sample. The Augmentin he was on for the pneumonia would NOT have killed the urinary bacteria too.

We had a follow up appointment with his pediatrician Wednesday to make sure his pneumonia was gone. His lungs sound totally clear! She also wanted to be sure his urine was clear so she did a catheter sample -- which is a CLEAN catch. Oh poor, poor, poor Jack! He had just woken up and we hadn't had a chance to eat breakfast before the appointment. He was so dry no urine would come out. She had to use a syringe to pull out a few drops...Jack was VERY uncomfortable. He screamed and I wanted to cry. It was over in a flash and we had to drive the sample over to the lab. I really didn't think much of it after that.

Yesterday we get a call from the doctor. She said Jack's urine grew another type of bacteria called Pseudomonas -- indicative of a Kidney infection. This is NOT the same bacteria that grew from the ER sample. Which means he had to have acquired this in the last two weeks. She said the colony grew at around 50,000 units and she wanted to treat him with an antibiotic. The problem is, the one that is available orally (Cipro) Jack cannot have because he's too young. The only other option is an injection which they do not provide at the general peds office. She has referred us to a Urologist at the med center. I am sure Jack will have to go through more tests and meds. The poor guy just can't catch a break this year! He's been sick since Thanksgiving. Last night he did have a low grade fever and today he's been a tad bit cranky. Of course we're watchful and hope his fever doesn't go up much higher. The peds office will call when they have something set up with Urology.

I will keep you posted!

PS -- here's a great picture of Jack chatting on his play phone! I wonder who he's talking to?

23 Weeks, 3 days!

I had my cervical scan yesterday and in the doctor's very words "Absolutely nothing funky looking" basically perfect with no signs of any cervical changes. YAY!

I mentioned that I've been having some Braxton Hicks Contractions this week, especially in the evening right around dinner time. Even though I knew they were not true labor contractions they still made me nervous. He assured me they are totally normal. He also mentioned to call any time -- if I am worried about anything. I've been staying very hydrated and resting with my feet up when needed. I know how to manage them better now and hopefully they won't continue to make me nervous. I have another cervical scan in two weeks. At that time I will be exactly 25 weeks...

From Baby-Gaga:
At this point, you’ve pretty much adjusted to the fact you’ve got a moving little gymnast inside of you, but now they’re going to kick up the party a notch because they can hear and react to sounds from the outside world. Sounds from your alarm clock, a thunder roll, or that darned car honking at you across the intersection can actually jar their little ears enough to elicit a kick or violent bout of squirming. Of course this also means that their little ears are picking up the sounds of your voice and those near you. So go ahead, sing a lullaby to your little angel—if they start kicking, it’s likely they just want you to stop… or maybe it was a kick of approval? You decide. Their little pink taste buds are still growing and their bones are continuing to ossify (harden). Your baby's tiny veins are visible through their translucent yet wrinkly skin. (Think of it this way: they’ve been swimming in the equivalent of a long hot bath for the past 23 weeks, so you can’t blame them for being a little prune-like.)

Watch This!!

The First Ever Wheelchair Back Flip!

A Me Me...

I've never actually done a 'Me Me' but I do love reading them! Lisa has inspired my first...I hope others follow as well.

1. What time did you get up this morning? 7:00 am -- now that Jack's been SLEEPING THROUGH THE NIGHT!!! Woo hoo! Minus the 4 times or so I got up to pee...little bean likes sitting on my bladder.

2. Diamonds or pearls? I don't own much in the way of jewelry. I love my diamond ring from Jason, so I'd have to say diamonds.

3. Shoes? It's funny how life changes. I really don't care about shoes anymore. I wear comfortable, easy styles now -- the less expensive the better. I never wear shoes in the house..makes me feel restricted.

4. What was the last film you saw at the theater? The Departed. We get to go to the movies maybe once a year! I enjoyed this movie a lot.

5. What is your favorite TV Show? This tends to change -- I can't miss Lost, Rome, American Idol, The Sopranos, or Big Love. HBO really knows what they are doing. RIP Six Feet Under!

6. What did you have for breakfast? All Bran Flakes with Yogurt Bites, Skim Milk

7. What is your middle name? Starr

8. What is your favorite cuisine? Italian, American, I love all kinds!!

9. What foods do you dislike? Not too many. Maybe just black olives...

10. Favorite Chips? I am not a huge chip person but I like Lays.

ll. Favorite CDs? Well, I don't have CDs anymore -- but my iPod is filled with: The White Stripes, The Postal Service, Arcade Fire, Dave Matthews, Alanis Morissette, Tori Amos, Cold Play, Damien Rice, Death Cab For Cutie, Foo Fighters, Modest Mouse, Indigo Girls, Moby, Liz Phair...

12. What kind of car do you drive? Yes, I drive a minivan -- what were you expecting? Something "cool" LOL!

13. Favorite sandwich? I like anything from the Atlanta Bread Co. Ohhh, I haven't eaten there in over a YEAR!! I love their veggie sandwich on sourdough.

14. What characteristics do you despise in others? Anyone who tries to bully people, force their opinions without listening, rudeness, manipulativeness....

15. What is your favorite clothing? I love clothing from Old Navy. I always have. I am thrilled they have a maternity line as well! Right now I am most comfortable in my loose black super stretchy at the belly pants and a cotton shirt.

l6. If you could go anywhere in the world on vacation? I would go to Europe!

17. What color are your eyes? Blue

l8. Favorite Fashion Brand: Old Navy

l9. Where would you want to retire to? I like our area and really, being only 29 can't picture retiring somewhere like Florida...

20. Favorite time of day? I love mid mornings when the day has started but still has so much potential! I dislike afternoons -- they always seemed to drag.

2l. Where were you born? PA

22. Favorite sport to watch? I don't watch sports. I will tolerate big events like the superbowl, but I am not a sports fan by any means. I do like the Olympics.

23. Who do you least expect to send this back? Doesn't really apply, but I would love to hear a Me Me on any of my blogging friends!

24. Person you expect to send it back first? Whoever has the time! LOL!

25. Coke or Pepsi? Diet Pepsi

26. Any new and exciting news you'd like to share with everyone? We're expecting a baby girl and we like some names starting with the letter "M" -- Nothing revealed till spring!

27. What did you want to be when you were little? I once told my grandma I wanted to be Maria Shriver when I grew up!

28. What is your best childhood memory? I guess Saturday nights at home with my brother. We would rent movies, make brownies and play Nintendo.

29. Did you ever skip school? Not once!

30. Who was your best friend in school? I had many. Sarah P., Steph, Jill, Jason, Sara, Heidi, and I am still close with each of them!

3l. Piercing? Just ears

32. Ever been to Africa ? Nope

33. Ever been toilet papering? No -- is it too late to start?

4. Been in a car accident? Never.

35. Favorite day of the week? Fridays

36. Favorite restaurant? I really like ANY restaurant at this point in my life! I love independently owned family restaurants.

37. Favorite flower? I love the way lilacs smell.

38. Favorite flavor of ice cream? Chunky Monkey by Ben and Jerry's

39. How many times did you fail your drivers license? Passed the first try.

40. From whom did you get your last e-mail? Tina

41. What store would you choose to max out your credit card? Hmm, BabiesRus I guess!

42. Bedtime? Usually before midnight -- lately even earlier!

43. Who are you most curious about their responses to this questionnaire? I hope to see what my other blogging friends have to say!

44. Last person you went out to dinner with? Jason and Jack the night Jack had his seizure.

45. What are you listening to right now? The View on ABC

46. What are your favorite colors? I like blue.

47. How many tattoos do you have? Just one, a small star on my lower back -- about the size of a nickel!

48. How many people are you sending this e-mail to? Everyone who blogs. Tag! You're it!

49. Favorite movie of all time? Titanic is still my all time favorite!

50. Favorite book? Angels and Demons by Dan Brown...I love sooo many books though!

A Week Later...

And we're back to good! Jack's feeling 100% better after resting the entire week. He slept A LOT this week which was really good for him. We didn't leave the house at all...we set up camp in the living room and watched a whole lot of cartoons! We had some company towards the end of the week and Jack loved every minute of the visits!!

Jack will most likely return to school on Monday. I talked to his teacher this week and she said they had Jack in their thoughts. I also asked about the need for a nurse in school. I know some children have a nurse for various reasons (g-tubes, seizures, etc.) and I wasn't sure if Jack needed one now due to the chance he could have a seizure and need medication. His teacher really didn't seem to think Jack will need a nurse. I guess I am nervous about letting him in someone else's care...I know they'd react superbly in a crisis situation I just don't like to think of not being there if something does happen.

I managed to catch a cold and boy is it taking its toll. I hope to go to Priority Care tomorrow morning while Jason is with Jack. I believe it's probably a sinus infection. My head is stuffy, my body aches, and my throat is really, really sore. Due to being pregnant, there isn't much I can take for the symptoms but I have been enjoying warm tea with honey and lemon.

Oh, and here are the
JANUARY PHOTOS!!

Everything Looks Good!

I realized I haven't posted an update! Everything looked good at my cervix check. I got to see little bean for a few moments and they said her heart rate was 144 beats per minute. Perfect!

I am starting to make a list of things we'll need. I am getting excited! Diapers, bottles, bibs, oh my! LOL -- we haven't gotten far on the nursery but I hope to make some progress this weekend!