As winter greeted us this season we were also introduced to this year’s winter illnesses. What you don’t realize is how much sickness your children will face in the first few years.
Both of our munchkins have had their fair share of colds and ear infections. I really don’t know that you can avoid all germs. Our theory is they are building their immunity and praying that as they grow in years, they will not get sick as often.
Gabriella was diagnosed with hand, foot and mouth disease around Thanksgiving. The poor little girl had red spots on her hands and feet. We were thankful her mouth was not affected.
She then had a cold that she was gracious enough to share with Jordan at Christmas time. It was not as fun trying to fight off the cold, but we enjoyed celebrating Christmas in our home.
In our house, our tradition has been to not place baby Jesus in our nativity scenes until Christmas morning. Jordan entered our room with excitement to let us know that baby Jesus was here!
The following Monday, Gabriella was taken to the doctor with a diagnosis of an ear infection and was subsequently placed on an antibiotic. The next Monday, Jordan was also diagnosed with an ear infection. Share the love!
He was placed on the same antibiotic but we faced a lot of side effects. He started vomiting and had diarrhea followed by a yeast infection. A few days later he spiked a high fever ranging from 101-104 degrees.
We visited the ER twice to try to figure out why he continued to have fevers despite being on an antibiotic. We also took him off the antibiotic because he was developing sensitive skin on his bottom.
We finally cleared up the yeast infection. However he has been fighting a spot on his bottom. A wound nurse assessed the area while we were at Myelo Clinic in December. She suggested applying Aquaphor to allow healing. However, it became increasingly irritated with the yeast infection. Our concerns grew as we were unable to witness healing.
We were informed we needed to start with our primary care doctor to seek treatment. It’s such a fine line for us to choose between primary care and a more specialized treatment.
Typically if it’s not a common illness, I prefer a specialist for Jordan because of the complexity of having an incomplete spinal cord injury such as spina bifida.
His skin is very sensitive and he has decreased sensation and poor circulation in certain areas. We went to our primary care doctor and she gave us a plan, but we still felt we needed to be seen by someone who was more specialized in wound care.
We were blessed to get in within a day to see a general surgeon. When the staff called to schedule, they asked who I wanted to see. Jokingly I said, “The best!”
Now we have had great doctors throughout our journey and have come to find Akron Children’s Hospital doesn’t seem to settle for anyone but the best. So that being said, we were fine with the appointment that would get us seen as soon as we could.
As we drove through the parking garage, Jordan proclaimed, “I love doctor’s house!”
I asked him, “Jordan, why do you love doctor’s house?” He said,” “I love my doctors!”
This says so much about how we feel about entering a place that holds a special place in our hearts.
We were greeted by Dr. Todd Ponsky, who is part of the surgery team, and Lori, who is a specialized wound nurse. We came up with a new plan and were encouraged to know that Jordan would be followed until we gave his little bottom relief.
As Randy and I buckled our seat belts as we were ready to leave, I looked over and said, “Now that was a good idea!”
Dr. Ponsky and Lori took the time to listen, informed us of what options we had and what their research has shown. This means so much to us because it wasn’t something that we felt we were told, but how we could work together to see what may work.
We thank God that we have added more team members to our team at Akron Children’s. Jordan approved as he shook Dr. Ponsky’s hand and looked him in the eye and said, “Thank you!”
