5.20.2010

Today at the doctor's

Simon had his 18 month visit with 'the' family doctor today. 'The' family doctor who is looking after Pablo, me, and everyone else in my family. After Simon's appointment was done the doctor spent some time with Pablo and he's on some new meds (Valproic Acid and Oxycocet) to hopefully make his days more tolerable.

First, Simon.

His 18 month stats are:
length - 88 cm / 2' 11''
weight - 30 lbs
head circumference - 50 cm / 19.7''

He had 2 more vaccinations and AGAIN, didn't get upset or cry. He still doesn't talk besides 'mama' and 'dada' which he's been saying for awhile so the doctor asked if his hearing appears to be fine and we said yes. She also asked how much Isabella talks and Pablo and I started laughing. We explained how Isabella talks non-stop from the moment she gets up till she goes to sleep so maybe Simon figures she's talking enough for the both of them...LOL. We need to be very repetitive with words when we're talking to Simon and keep on top of it for the next little while. If he gets to his second birthday without talking then we'll have to figure out what the problem is. He's just such a chilled out kid that I think he's just not quite ready yet...

Moving on to Pablo...

(this part was written by Pablo and edited by yours truly)

On Sunday night was the first of an 'episode'. My right leg gave out in the backyard at the in-laws and I had a hard time making it into the house, where at that point I could not even lift my arm above my shoulder. I also felt like someone was sitting on my chest, making it difficult to breathe. Then my head felt like it was floating away from my body which made me feel very disoriented. All of this lasted intensely for only minutes but remained stagnant for a couple hours.

Tuesday: while at Julia's work, the same symptoms as on Sunday started happening, and continued. Both of these episodes have been declared seizures from my family doctor and surgeon, and if I even begin to feel like that again, I am to go straight to emergency.

New constant symptoms: hearing my heartbeat clicking in the left side of my head. Body tremors from my ankles to my neck, especially while trying to fall asleep. If the wind blows into my left ear it feels like its swirling around inside my head. Spot specific headaches. Right on the top, feels like someone is taking a butcher knife in and out of my head, with piercing pains. The original pulsating headaches in the back left of my head have come back. These two headaches take turns, and one or the other seems to be on an hourly basis.

I've come off of alot of pills since Sunday. Painkillers, Sunday night and the steroids on Monday. This has lead to the worst pains and uncomfortableness since the surgery itself. I am physically drained 24 hours a day now, and have a hard time walking around the block with the family, although tonight got a few blocks in. I can feel fatigue coming on about half an hour before needing to pass out, due to the joint and muscle pain and the dull full body pain. After sleeping anywhere from half an hour to two hours, getting up is even harder and more painful. The worst feeling since the headaches the two days following the surgery. They (the internet) say this should only last another 5-7 days, which seems like a lifetime right now. My blood work for the anti-seizure medication came back way too low at 22 (40-80 is the therapeutic range). I will be tested again next Tuesday as the dosage was bumped from 300 to 400mg a day. I must add too, that after doing my homework, I am slightly leaning towards the radiation route then having them go back in and remove that part of the brain. GO BRAINS GO!!!

5 comments:

  1. ((((((Julia+Pablo)))))),

    You're probably right about Simon just not being ready to talk.

    My son was a late talker. He, too, had older siblings (my ex's son and daughter. He talks a blue streak now. But, he does have a stutter/stammer. Keep an eye out when Simon and Boo are together ... see if the comprehension is there and see if she really is overtalking him. I was a quiet kid (back when I roamed the planet with the dinosaurs) ... I didn't have anything to say 'til I got to school :grin:

    I think we spend way too much time worrying about each little step. I figure as long as a child is healthy and happy and 'fits in' that the problems will resolve themselves over time. You just keep an eye out.

    Pablo, I know a lot of people with kids who have seizures. The *worse thing* is to go up and down on the medication level. Your brain is basically being kicked in the @$$.

    On top of that, any major surgery takes a good six months to a year to recover totally from. Surgeons are not known for their 'gentleness' when they're in there.

    Try not to allow yourself to get to the point of absolute exhaustion. I figure The Universe communicates with us when we're not paying attention to subtle cues. If you keep pushing yourself to the point of exhaustion, The Universe is going to keep knocking your feet out from under you to get you to slow down. Try to schedule some "slow down time" into every day ... those can be the times where you spend quiet time with the kids. Play card games. Teach them crafts. Teach them how to draw. Teach them how to fish. Teach them how to make mud pies. Quiet stuff that will be wonderful memories for YOU and the kids and will also get you to slow yourself down enough to heal.

    I'm way older than you guys and live with fibromyalgia pain and back pain and numb feet and hands (blood condition). The 20 years of fibro has taught me that I *HAVE TO* pay attention to my sleep and my level of energy or I pay seriously for days and days afterwards. These certainly can't compare with the severe pain of major surgery, but, the lesson is the same ... give yourself time.

    I hate that you're having pain again on top of the surgical pain. It's so frustrating to hope that "the doctors" will FIX whatever only to find out that the 'fix" is going to take more time than you thought.

    I'm trying to figure out which operating system I want to use after getting wiped out by a nasty trojan a couple of months ago ... Windows XP or Ubuntu. Something to be said for and against both of them.

    I came across a file with quotations that I like and want to save. I wanted to share this one with you guys:

    "Today...I wish you a day of ordinary miracles-

    A fresh pot of coffee you didn't have to make yourself.

    An unexpected phone call from an old friend.

    Green stoplights on your way to work or shop.

    I wish you a day of little things to rejoice in...

    The fastest line at the grocery store.

    A good sing-along song on the radio.

    Your keys right where you look.

    I wish you a day of happiness and perfection-little bite-size pieces of perfection that give you the funny feeling that the Lord is smiling on you, holding you so gently because you are someone special and rare.

    I wish You a day of Peace, Happiness and Joy."

    BIG HUGS.

    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  2. Barb, (from Julia and I)

    Let me start by saying, although we have not had a chance to actually meet, you truly are one of the most genuine people Julia and I have had the opportunity to "chat "with.

    Not only are your words inspirational, and very kind, but they make perfect sense! On the days that are tough, and even the balanced ones, I always love checking wifey's site, and coming across your messages. They make me laugh and momentarily forget all that is going on around, and "in" me!

    I must add, there are a number of regulars on here who follow Julia's site and comment, and it makes my day to read all of them. That means you Collette! always wonderful, kind words!

    Your life Barb, sounds like its been eventful, and I am thankful that you can take your experiences and throw some advice and encouragement my way. I am generally one of the most positive people in my world, which isn't shy of numbers (drives Julia nuts, when we are in public :)) I have been chatting with some people who are traveling the same path I am right now, or have hit the end of that road (in a good way!) and its very helpful as well, although as they say, "Laughter is the best medicine", but not too much! Excessive funniness has been hard on the head!!

    Thank you for the quotes! Simply profound, however, how true?!

    Enjoy your day, to the fullest extent, and have a wonderful weekend!

    Pablo

    ReplyDelete
  3. Thank you for the kind words, Pablo. BIG HUGS. I tend to "adopt" people who have great kids. I was led to Julia's sites because of "Boo and the Baby".

    I guess I just sort of "latched onto you guys". I truly hate to see anyone suffer. Seems so unfair somehow.

    I just *FEEL* in my guts that your shared love and strength and the support that surrounds you will help you get your balance back.

    I'm glad my words help. That's my intention. I've got a lot of experience under this belt ... sort of hate to see it go to waste.

    You all have a good weekend too. Hugs.

    Barb

    ReplyDelete
  4. First, found you via A Cup of Jo.
    Our third child was a late talker. We worried for a while but suddenly when about three years old the barrage opened. Now at almost five she can't turn off the talking.
    And reading about the tumour. I know nothing about your pain and your disease but I just wanted to send you a big virtual hug. My husband was diagnosed with wide spread lymphoma 8 months ago and we're alright now but it has been hard of course. I'll be thinking of you.

    ReplyDelete
  5. My mom and Pablo heard Simon say 'Bye' today. That's a good sign. I'm sure he'll just be a late talker and like your third Malo, I think it will be non-stop once he starts.

    A big virtual hug to you Malo. I'm sorry to hear about your husband's disease and I wish you guys all the best. We've learned in such a short time that staying positive is key - especially for the kids. I'll be thinking of you and your husband too.

    ReplyDelete

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