Doctor, doctor! Gimme the news...
...I've got a bad case of Baby Blues!
Since he was caught by the obstetrician at 2:30am on March 7th. Jay has seen a total of 17 different doctors and 3 med students. There will be 3 more added to that total before the weekend is over. Just our little contribution to keeping the health care system running and educating the future of the medical profession (several of the doctors we saw at Duke were interns, residents, and fellows).
Today was his first trip to the pediatrician. Yeah--a regular newborn checkup!. This was our first attempt to get somewhere on time with Jay in tow. The appointment was at 10am, so we got up at 6am to get started. Seriously, we got up 4 hours before his appointment. Now you'd think the pediatrician was in Greensboro, but no he is very close to where we work. So that means to get to work by 8am and get him to daycare first, we'll have to start about 3am!
Unfortunately, his regular newborn checkup was not just a regular newborn checkup. He has had some raspy breathing--sort of Darth Vader-ish--for a while now. The folks at Duke said it was normal newborn sounds--they have small noses, don't cough very well, and can't blow their nose--but now he has gotten worse. Our pediatrician agreed that it does sound like normal newborn grunts and groans (who knew that newborns snore like 50 year old men with deviated septums?) but he shouldn't do it all the time. So guess what, we got to see doctor number 17 today--a radiologist for chest xrays and a look at his trachea. Well, apparently the time he spent on the ventilator at Duke may have led to some irritation of his trachea and now it is swollen. This apparently is what croup looks like on x-rays, and while he doesn't have croup, he does sound very similar when breathing. There is also a chance his vocal cords are irritated, so that warrants a trip to see doctor number 18 tomorrow--a pediatric ENT. Please keep sending those positive thoughts and prayers our way. Maybe we'll only have to see his pediatrician and cardiologist before too much longer.
Due to popular demand by our far away friends and family, here are a couple more pictures.
Posted at 04:32PM Mar 19, 2008 by Jen Foster in General | Comments[6]
What a cutie! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
Posted by Mindy Nichols on March 19, 2008 at 05:28 PM EDT #
Best of luck at the ENT tomorrow. At least he won't have to see the veterinarian, then you know you would be in trouble! :) I hope that you have good news, and I will continue to pray for all of you.
Posted by Erin on March 19, 2008 at 07:18 PM EDT #
He's precious...and holding on to mommy's thumb so sweetly. I think he might be getting ready to take that hat off in the second picture! :) Good luck with all the MD appointments. We are continuing to pray for you guys.
Rebecca
Posted by Rebecca on March 19, 2008 at 08:50 PM EDT #
He's so cute!!
Posted by Stacy and Chris A. on March 20, 2008 at 09:21 AM EDT #
I am so happy for you guys. i know it has been a hard road so far but you are very strong people with a great group behind you. we send our love and best wishes. give Jay a kiss and hug from us. teri
Posted by teri and howie critcher on March 20, 2008 at 02:37 PM EDT #
Oh my goodness!!! That's no baby...that's a little man. He is too cute for words!!!! I can't wait to get my first hug.
Posted by Theresa on March 21, 2008 at 08:48 AM EDT #