Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Neurology and a very important letter

Dan brought Elijah to his neurology appointment this morning. It sounds like it went well. I really wanted to be there, especially since it was the first one, but I can't afford the time off work. So, the following information is being delivered second hand..

Dan really liked the neurologist. He said he was thorough and laid back and very warm. After doing an exam, Dr. J expressed that he really doesn't think Elijah has suffered any brain damage (from his previous low oxygen saturations or surgeries/medications, etc.) or that he will struggle cognitively at all. The only real worry is his lagging gross motor skills and his low muscle tone, and even these issues do not seem like they will be long-term concerns. To make sure, though, he wants to run an MRI on his brain and spine (on May 11th). They will also perform a muscle test where they draw blood straight from the muscle to check for abnormalities. A urine test and a metabolism test will be done as well. I don't know the details of these, but the doctor said he really doesn't expect to find anything wrong, so maybe I'll never need to know details. Let's pray that he is right!

His best guess is that in a few years, our little munchkin will be all caught up with development. As always with Elijah, patience is the key.

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On another note, aisogh a[owieyt. Oh, woops! I just fell asleep on my laptop. Elijah's cough/cold symptoms started up in full force again in the past couple days, so we're all a little drained. This cough! I want to hurt it so badly. Maybe I'll write it a letter instead:

Dear Loathsome Cough of our Precious Elijah,

I feel I must enlighten you regarding the fact that you continue to make Elijah feel crummy, and that you are making us a very sleep-deprived little family. Neither of these things are issues that we want to have in our lives, so I'm going to go ahead and ask you to leave immediately.

Since there is no medication we can give Elijah in order to get rid of you, we unfortunately have to let him endure your wrath as we grit our teeth and punch our heads. This is especially difficult during the night because there is this thing called SLEEP that we all need in order to function, and if we are repeatedly punching our heads, sleep does not come easily.

This morning, being sleep-deprived already (thanks to you), and knowing I had to go to work in a few short hours, I resorted to sleeping in the closet from 4:15 until 6:30 because that was the only place in the house where you, the dreadful Cough, could not be heard. It is quite rude for a(n unwanted) guest to force me into my own closet to unite with sleep, don't you think?

Elijah has been extremely patient with you. He has endured you with dignity for your very extended visit (don't you think August through April is a bit long to be a house guest?). Although he is too polite to admit it himself, you have caused his little body a lot of disturbance and stress. So, back off, would you? Give the kid a break.

In a nutshell, WE DON'T LIKE YOU. We wish for you to leave and never return. We don't care what happens to you once you leave. Please don't write.

Signing off through very blurred and bloodshot eyes (thanks to you),
Elijah's mama

p.s. You can take your cousin, Green Snot, along with you. Both of your suitcases are out on the curb, ready to go.

9 comments:

Kathy said...

Poor little E...
I hope this letter works for you guys!

Those are lots of tests...I think I have a slacker neuro, he hasn't suggested any of those tests (that's why I've found another)

Here's hoping you get GOOD sleep tonight. Tell Dan to rub your back until you fall asleep....heavenly.

jennifer Cao said...

Aww, Elijah! You tell him, Mama. Coughy go away!

I'll pray for favorable results on the tests.

I hope you'll get some sleep tonight. Can you and Dan take turns with ear plugs at night? Just wondering.

Unknown said...

I hope you get some sleep tonight, you poor thing. Hope your little guy gets better real soon.
Good luck with the tests.

Thanks for the update.
Sending lots of hugs your way.

mina said...

Hopefully the tests will all be normal. Everything seems to be pointing towards an otherwise healthy little boy who is just taking time with his gross motor skills. But isn't that the kind of guy Elijah is, laid back?

Sorry about the cough, it was nice to see that you can still find a bit of humor in it, despite your sleep deprived status. Go ahead, kick the cough out on the curb, that's where it deserves to be!

Tina:0) said...

Yay for the uneventful appointment! Now the MRI will just reiforce that there's nothing to worry about!

Let me know if that letter gets rid of the cough/green snot cousins?! I'll need a copy if it does!!

Cecilia said...

I hope everything goes well with his tests, I am sure that he'll be ok.

Hopefully Elijah is getting better so you and Dan can get some beauty sleep tonight.

Have a nice day!

Lots of love xoxo

Sarah said...

That's right! Goodbye!

Jane said...

Hey Megan :) I sleep with noise canceling headphones on every other night when it's not my "turn" to listen for the kids. Ramona coughs a lot at night because of the dysphagia, so I don't sleep well the nights I have to listen for her. Any chance you can do ear plugs, fan, something to drown it out?

You are being a good mama taking him to all these specialists. I know how exhausting and worrisome it can be, but just think of what great care he is getting.

Still checking in every day, even when you don't hear from me for awhile...

Tiffers said...

Oh my, Elijah has been keeping y'all busy. Obviously, Harrison has been keeping me busy since I haven't been to your blog in a while. Elijah's AFO's are going to help him so much. H got his when he was 1.5 years old and walked when he turned 2. We are on our third pair I think. His new ones are articulating, which means they move at the ankles. So glad his neurology appointment went well. Who is he seeing? My 8 year old saw Dr. Janousek and H saw Dr. Burstein. We loved both of them. Good luck with the upcoming tests. I will check back in on y'all.