July 31, 2007

Got any good karma to spare?

My grandson N was diagnosed with "failure to thrive." Now the thing about this diagnosis is that it's really not a diagnosis. It's a catch all term meaning he isn't growing at a normal rate. He hasn't put on any weight in almost a year.

I've known since he was 4 months old that something wasn't right because he just wouldn't eat or drink much of anything. He'd drink only enough formula so he wouldn't be starving but wouldn't eat until he was full. Odd. I told his mom I thought he had acid reflux.

His mom would bring him to the doctors and they would give her lectures on what she should be feeding N. She's 25 but she looks about 17. I think they were treating her like she was a kid who didn't know anything. Seriously, just look at N's older brother and it's clear to see that my daughter knows all about feeding a kid.

Four months ago they finally gave N a referral to see a pediatric GI doctor. I think they did it just to shut her up. N didn't see a doctor he saw a physician's assistant. Once again they pulled my daughter aside and discussed nutrition with her. She went back a month later; different PA same lecture. He hadn't put on anything. A month after that and still nothing. 2 different medications and N isn't getting any better. Finally last week my daughter called and asked how long N could go on not eating or drinking before she should take him to the hospital.

Suddenly, everyone is reviewing his chart and they decide that he needs to be scoped asap. Arrangements are made and N went in this morning so they could check out his throat and stomach. "In and out and we'll know what's going on by 9," the doctor said.

10:00 I get a call from my daughter. Complication. N aspirated fluid into his lungs. He's having trouble breathing and they will be keeping him overnight for observation. My parents are at her house (over an hour away) and my dad has a doctor's appointment of his own at 1. She can't get a hold of her husband and doesn't know what to do. She's upset, worried, and all alone at the hospital. DAMN IT!!!

I hop in the car with D2 and we drive up to take over watching the kids so my parents can leave. Son in law calls and we tell him what's going on. He's upset and worried and in the middle of it all his phone battery dies. He'll go to the hospital when he gets out of work. I decide to bring the kids home with me so that my daughter and son in law can concentrate on N without having to worry about W and A.

Crap! All the car seats are in my daughter's car. I drive to Walmart and purchase 2 car seats, diapers, wipes, and formula. Unpacked them in the parking lot, knocked down the boxes and threw them in the trunk, and then drove back to get the kids.

So I didn't sleep at all last night worrying about N and probably won't sleep much tonight worrying some more. Worrying is what I do well the older I get. And they still don't know why little Mr N isn't eating or drinking. No diagnosis at this point. They did a biopsy which should be back in 48 hr. I hate waiting. I'm afraid they'll find something. I'm afraid they won't.

So that's been my sucky Tuesday. If you could send some good karma my way I'd appreciate it.

24 comments:

Anonymous said...

Oh my golly --- lots and LOTS of good karma being sent little N's way (and your's too).

Anonymous said...

Sending boatloads of karma. How frustrating and scary. And what a good grandmother you are.

Yarnsticksbooks said...

Sending hugs and Karma to all of you.

Anonymous said...

you're doing what a Grandma does best....thinking of you ... Loopy x

Anonymous said...

Sending all the good karma I can. Hang in there, we're thinking of you all.

Beth said...

That might be the sucky Tuesday to end all sucky Tuesdays. Here's my good karma - you can have it all. I hope things turn around!

Anonymous said...

Sending lots of good karma your way - I hope you have some news soon and that all is good

Anonymous said...

All positive vibes being sent from casa red dog. There is NOTHING worse than a sick or hospitlized child.

Just A Knit Wit said...

I'm so sorry. Take all my good healing vibes and good karma for little N. Take care of yourself dear.

Karen said...

Oh wow, that's a lot happening right now. Sending all the good thoughts and karma I can muster your way and to little N.

Cate said...

Karma, prayers - whatever you need! my littlest was dx with FTT. turns out his adenoids were SO enlarged that he could not breathe adn nurse at the same time! we supplemented by bottle while we shrunk them with sterroids and got my milk supply back up. once docotrs started listening to me about his "congestion" he packed the pounds right on! you'll find a solution, he'll get better! have they ruled out food allergies and/or celiac disease?

Tabitha said...

Oh how awful. Sending prayers or good karma if you prefer. Hope your Wednesday and your little one is better.

Lynn said...

Oh Diane!! How scary!! Why is it that drs and nurses don't listen to parents when they feel something is wrong?? My thoughts are with you and your family.

Metro Mari said...

Hugs and lots...tons of good karma + prayers are out there for your family...

Kimknits said...

Thoughts and good wishes to your family.

Anonymous said...

Aww, so sorry to hear about your troubles. I am praying for your little guy as I write! Keep us posted!

z's momma said...

Sending tons of good karma to you and yours.

Rachel said...

What a scary situation! Definitely praying for you and little N and family. When I was a baby, the doctors did the same thing to me and my mother, and my poor mom still gets all heated up when talking about her experience. Keep us informed, and you're in our prayers!

Anonymous said...

Good Karma, lots of prayers, crossed fingers and anything else I can think of for little N. Big (((((Hugs)))))!
Damn doctors have been lecturing me about not feeding my youngest enough until I wrote down everything and took it in....shut the stupid doc up.

Barb said...

I hope everything turns out OK, I know how scary it is too hear the Dr. tell you your child has "Failure to Thrive" Megan was diagnosed with it at 8 mon. I had never heard of it before, and just hearing those words makes it sound like something so horrible, Meg just takes after me and my mom, just has trouble KEEPING the weight on, she's at 29lbs. now at almost 3 yrs. old and her dr. was'nt overly concerned about her weight, she's healthy every other way I hope your grandson is the same :)

Deborah said...

please let us know how everything goes. My thoughts are with you.

monica said...

Oh I hope he will be better soon and they can find out what is wrong with him and fix it. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.

Vivian said...

Hope by now you have heard some good news and your daughter and grandson are home to recooperate from the hospital experience. It's so hard to watch kids going through illness and procedures. You are one good grandma to take over all the kids! Wish I have someone like that to watch over me.

Jen said...

You're all in my prayers.