Today was Garrett's first urology appointment, ever. His G.I. specialist has an MRI scheduled for February 21 under sedation and wanted Garrett to see urology before then in case the urologist wanted any testing done while Garrett takes his "long nap." The appointment was uneventful, not!!!!
First, Garrett walked into a pretty large exam room with lots of medical equipment and a strange-looking potty made of PVC pipe with a sort of funnel into a bucket deal beneath it. Garrett was instructed to pee in the toilet once the nurse began timing him. Hhhmmm. He was a little anxious about this new-design toilet, but he soon emptied in style! Next was the office ultrasound. He freaked. I mean really freaked. He was making terrible sounds, trembling, frothing at the mouth, and producing quart-size tears. It was sad. Then it was frustrating. Finally, it was maddening. He has had this same thing done to his chest annually since he had a heart issue that was fixed with a heart cath. I finally had to man-handle him onto my lap and lay on my back and eventually get him onto his back on top of me. Once the tech started the procedure, it was no big deal. In fact, Garrett asked if he could do it again!!! Well then he DID have to do it again, in the lower floor of the building we were in with a better machine. We had to waste three hours before then, so we went to Chick-fil-a and "Christmas Kreme" Donuts. We ran a few errands, then went back to the hospital for ultrasound #2. He freaked AGAIN!!! But this time, Sammy, his service dog, was in the room with us, and he "showed Sammy how to lay on the table." Whew, never thought a dog could be that helpful!!!
The urologist said Garrett has no blood or protein in his urine. He has had both in the past. We talked lots about his nighttime wetting. She was going after all these ideas to work on it, and honestly, I am just not that concerned!! I have figured that based on his developmental delays and other issues, he may just take years to stay dry at night. She wants his Miralax dosed at noon instead of after school. She wants him to consume a total of 6 cups of liquid per day, with half before noon, then another 25% after noon, but no liquids 2 hours prior to bedtime. These are huge changes, seriously. We will do our best!! Urology will contact us about the more in-depth ultrasound probably tomorrow to let us know if they want to add-on tests during the MRI.
All-in-all, it was a good day. We left Meridian to go back to the developmental agency RaeAnn works through for their Valentine's party. By then, Garrett was pooped. He had a very slight temp today and was a bit congested all day. His fuse was pretty short overall, so I was glad RaeAnn brought him home for an early bedtime while Oscar and I enjoyed our church's Valentine Dinner. Addie helped babysit at church, and Ainslee chilled at home with Garrett and RaeAnn.
Life here has been very busy, thus the infrequent updates here. I am speaking at our church's womens retreat in a couple of weeks, so many nights have been spent writing, digging in the Word, and meeting with the AMAZING Christian sisters who have carried me through this retreat-prep process. Last night was especially cool getting to play guitar and sing with a lovely lady who will be in charge of the retreat music. I am so excited about this year's message!!!!
Addie and Ainslee stay very busy with dance and gymnastics. Addie is prepping for dance company performances and competitions while Ainslee is working out more at the gym and at her first meet of the season and first REAL gym meet in her competitive team career, qualified for the Idaho state gym meet!! Yikes, it's all so exciting!!
We have worked with the principal of the local elementary school to start a reading program called SIT, Stay, Read. We take one of our dogs in each Monday for an hour, and four different first graders who need some extra support in reading get to read to one of our dogs!! The first week, Sammy went, and then this week Eli, Addie's Pug, went. The children are responding beautifully!!! In fact, we have been asked to bring two dogs next time so we can handle 8 readers!! I am so excited, and Addie and Ainslee are enjoying helping other kiddos, too!!!
Blessings to each of you and your Valentines!!
CL
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