Thursday, August 14, 2008
What Now!?!
Yesterday I told my Mom that maybe I should just stop going to the doctor, then I wouldn't get any more bad news! Yesterday Ian and I spent a better part of the day (10:45am-5:30pm) at the ENT and then at the hospital. We had an ABR done, aka the sleep test. I'm sure most of you are well versed in doc lingo, but for those of you lucky enough not to be I'll explain what an ABR is. An ABR is a test that measures the brain's responses to noises when an individual is asleep. Ian did really well with the sleep deprivation (no a.m. nap, so he'd be sleepy for the test and no food 8 hours prior to the test). The thing he didn't like was the yucky tasting sedative they had to give him, which they had to administer very slowly with a needless syringe so he wouldn't aspirate. He screamed bloody murder! So anyway, it all went smoothly after he'd fallen asleep, which was pretty quickly. So, the long and the short of it is that Ian has mild to moderate hearing loss. The audiologist isn't sure why he's had the hearing loss. He passed his newborn hearing test just fine. It could be the blasted Ds. So...this means our little guy has to get hearing aids. Truth be told I was yelling at God inside my head when I got the news, "Why God? Why has my sweet, little Ian had to go though so much suffering in his small life? It's just not fair."
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
11 comments:
There's perspective to be gained here, Annie, I'll leave it at that. I know how you feel, I really do. Emma had a good ABR at about 8 weeks - every hearing test since then has been completely inconclusive - mostly because they require her participation, and that's intermittent at best. Emma says a few things, signs a few things, and generally gets what she wants one way or another. I hope Ian gets hearing aids if he needs them. I hope they help. My point is that he's going to get what he needs to thrive from you, and you'll both (actually the four o youse) find a way. Any diagnosis isn't going to change who Ian is. I know I keep saying that. Chin up. Dig that smile. Know that there are hugs coming that will rock your world. Emma sneaks up and tickles me, now. It'll be alright.
Hi Annie! I know that feeling, of not wanting to go to the doctor anymore! I promise..it starts to go away..eventauly! LOL And, as you know, I can related to the hearing loss. What your audiologist might have forgotten is his newborn screening, while there might have been a slight loss, was still within the range of "normal" for a newborn. His type of hearing loss is the most common loss among kids who have DS. So, really, you should start playing the lottery because that kid is lucky! LOL (sorry, I know you probably don't feel like joking about it.) Having this hearing loss won't affect him any more than if he needed glasses. The aids won't be any more inconvenient than glasses would be either. Promise! Here's a link to my page about hearing loss related blogs. I hope it's of help to you.
http://gardenofeagan.blogspot.com/search/label/hearing%20loss
I'm sorry Annie, I don't know what else to say except that God can take your yelling - He doesn't want you to keep it inside - so keep yelling and keep leaning and I'll keep praying for you all too.
elbog-As always, I SO appreciate your words. Thank you for opening yourself up to me and letting me know some of your experiences concerning your sweet Emma. I love that she sneaks up and tickles you. How cute is that! :0)
leah-Sure, I can joke about these things! I figure it's good to laugh and cry about all this stuff we're all going through.Thanks for the info. on where to get more info. about hearing loss.
Jessie-I really appreciate your affirmation and your prayer. Thank you.
I have been following Narrow Ridge and saw your blog off of it. Ian sounds like a doll. I am sorry that you have been going through all of this. My daughter who just turned 1 has DS. We have been very lucky so far with her health, but we have many friends who are not so lucky. We are about to go through a series of tests for hearing, vision, etc. I am praying for the best. Good luck with his ears. Sign is always a great option. I used it with my 4 year old and my baby girl is starting to learn as well. It's always good to have a second language. Take care.
I really like the idea of not going to the doctor anymore. It appeals to my put-your-head-in-the-sand mentality. You could run away to Hawaii or curl up in a ball and suck your thumb (both options I've considered at different times). In the end you'll do what's best for Ian even though it's inconvenient, difficult, and not part of the original plan (that plan we unknowingly develop when we're pregnant).
Give that sweet little boy a hug for me!
Ann Bremer
Jeanette-Thanks for popping by my blog. Your daughter is beautiful. I am so very glad to hear that her health has been good. I pray the upcoming tests go smoothly and she sails through with flying colors!
Ann-So good of you to write. I've been keeping up with your updates on sweet little John on Caring Bridge. So glad some of the treatments are coming to an end. You know, I like the Hawaii idea!:0)
so sorry you're in the middle of this one-thing-after-another ickiness. there's really not a lot to say...just that i'm listening and sad with you. and praying.
Annie~ Just wanted to say "hi" thinking and praying for you guys~
Terri & Monica- I SO appreciate your thoughts and prayers. It's very encouraging knowing I'm not alone in this. Thank you.
Post a Comment