Doctors Appointments

So, I haven't updated everyone in a while and I figured now would be a good time to do it! I have to say I don't know why they seem to think that 10 am is a great time for an appointment for an 8 month old with oxygen!! He usually doesn't wake up until 10 or 10:30, so he was less than happy about being awake! Last Thursday Tucker had his first appointment with the pulmonologist Dr Fong. They weighed him, he was 16 lbs even, measured his length 23.5 inches, and measured his head 38.5 cms (which is awesome because it is growing, it was 36 cms two weeks before this!). Dr. Fong saw us, listened to him and said that he sounded really clear which he was really happy about (everyone is telling us he doesn't sound like the same baby from a few months ago which is REALLY encouraging). I asked if he was going to adjust the dose of Tucker's diuretics for his weight since they hadn't been adjusted in almost a month, and he said no, as long as he was clear he was going to let him self wean off of them. In a little while he'll actively start weaning him off of them!! This was the best news, it means that his body is now able to keep the fluids out of his lungs better without the meds, it's a HUGE step for him. He also said that we'll wait a while and then start trying to wean him off of oxygen...but that he's encouraged with how well he's doing. He did say that he's a little concerned that he was gaining a little too much weight, he's been gaining between 30 to 35 grams (about an ounce) a day and they would like for him to be gaining between 20 and 25 grams. Hehe, I never thought I'd hear the day that he would be gaining too much weight, it was really kind of exciting!! So all in all it was a really good visit, minus the fact that he was cranky and in a bad mood when we left. He still isn't used to his car seat and just doesn't like it, I'm hoping that will change but since we don't go out a whole lot he's not really getting the chance to get used to it. OH, he agreed that he would like to get Tucker's G tube out as soon as possible, and actually watched him take a bottle and saw his new trick of gagging or choking on the bottle. He told me immediately that Tucker needs OT and speech therapy right away, although I have NO idea how they do speech therapy with an 8 month old, but hey I'm game to try anything!! He doesn't want Tucker to get nipple aversion, and he's afraid that is what could happen if he doesn't get OT soon.

This week we had the physical therapist come out to asess Tucker and see how badly he needs PT and how tight his muscles are what types of PT and so on. She was soo nice and really helpful and I trust her a lot with him. She gave me a lot of good tips on things to work on with him and little tricks to help stretch out his muscles. She's going to check out all of the information she took and send her recommendations off to regional center (who is going to help asess and decide what he needs in terms of PT, OT and everything like that), so we're waiting to hear from her. Yesterday he had an appointment with the G.I. doctor, he was weighed he's 16 lbs 8 ozs now, his head is 39 cms and he's 24 inches long....I was AMAZED!! And really, really excited about his head growth!! The doctor came in and got his history and started talking to me about everything that is going on with him. She agreed that he's gaining a little too much weight and that he's actually a little fat for his length, and when I told her the pulmonologist was concerned also she decided he no longer needs to be on the preemie 22 calorie formula....WOOO HOOO!!! That stuff is sooo freaking expensive, and not just that, but he's getting to be a BIG BOY!!! She also said that I should go ahead and give him one bottle of apple juice a day (thickened of course) and that he should be able to handle it. She also said to keep trying with the rice cereal and that he does probably need OT. She stopped one of his meds because it wasn't working and agrees that he needs to have an MRI in the very near future and is going to talk to his pedi about it. All in all it was a great visit, and he doesn't need to be seen for another 3 months. We have our appointment with regional center next week, they'll come out and get to know Tucker and decide what he needs.

All in all it's been a great few weeks, and Tucker is doing really well!! We're still working with him on moving since he's not rolling over or sitting up on his own yet...but we're hopeful that with the PT he'll be able to do it soon!! He's growing up so fast...I just can't believe it...he'll be a YEAR OLD in four months!!! Where did the time go?? OH and they said it would be fine for him to go swimming, so you better believe we're going to have a pool party for his first birthday!! If it's warm enough hehe. Anyway, that's all the news I have so far...I'll update after our appointment with regional center next week!! Thanks everyone for your continued love and support for Tucker and us!! I'm going to upload new pictures soon I promise!!