Friday the 9th

In 2 days, Maddox will have his g-tube, called the PEG.  He be getting a g-j tube which is a tube that branches off, one part into the stomach, the other part into the small intestine.  That way we can choose to feed him through the stomach or the small intestine, but there will only be one opening in his stomach, not two like I thought earlier.

I am getting nervous about it. Just the whole surgery part and recovery part. I am mainly nervous about the recovery part. he'll need an I.V. for 24 hours, and he hates I.V.s.  Hates them. 

We are going to see an urologist tomorrow down in the Cities so he can fix the little problem Maddox has while he is under for the feeding tube.  The Dr. can't go off of the report from the urologist we already saw, he needs to see Maddox himself.  Which is frustrating. We saw an urologist from the other Children's Hospital in the Cities, but he doesn't have privileges at the University Children's. 

We saw an Endocronologist Monday and he feels Maddox's growth issues are most likely related to nutrition.  Maddox will have blood drawn when he is out for the PEG.  He will also have blood drawn for his allergies while he's out.

We have had much better days since Maddox has been getting nutrition. He did throw up on Sunday (his birthday) but he has gained back the pound he lost plus 2 ounces, which is very encouraging. He is back on continuous feedings 11 hours at night and 4 hours during the day.  He's dealing with it pretty well, but I know he is frustrated. 

His meltdowns have decreased to 1-2 day from about 7 a day, so that is also encouraging.  We've been having fun decorating for Christmas, making ornaments and Christmas crafts.  He had his birthday on Sunday and he enjoyed his day.  He is such an excitable little guy.  I can't believe he is 4!!! We had to get him a bigger car seat because he finally outgrew his other one.  He is pretty pumped about that too.

So, things are much calmer here for the most part. I am freaking out a bit, but once this is over, things should get a lot easier and we can work on getting him to eat more orally and eventually get rid of the tube once and for all.  I can't wait until all of this is just part of our past.

Next time I post, it should be while we are at the hospital. I think we will be there for 3 overnights.  Mason may be staying with my parents here in town.  I'm thinking that will be easier for him.