Appointments and Fundraising

After my last blog, I decided to make some changes and take back my health. 

My first step was trying to get a second opinion.  The operative word was “trying.”  Unfortunately, with our insurance, it wasn’t possible.  So, still determined, I called my GI doctor (the one who wrote the letter…or rather his staff did, I’m sure) and asked them what I was supposed to do.  I was not comfortable still experiencing all my symptoms and simply waiting another 2 years for another scope (and another letter) to see if my Barrett’s esophagus has gotten worse.  I spoke with his medical assistant and explained that I still have all this stuff in the back of my throat, which makes it sore, I cough frequently, my sinuses hurt, and the middle of my chest hurts.  She took notes, called the doctor, then called me back.  He decided that my symptoms are not from my reflux, but I should continue taking the medication since it did get rid of the inflammation.  As for the other symptoms, he ordered a chest and abdomen CT scan.  He also told me to call my regular physician to have a cardiac work-up.  While it may seem like a lot of tests, I’m happy that they are looking for the reason behind these symptoms.  I’m so sick of feeling “sick.”  My CT scan is set for next Wednesday, then pending those results, I have an appointment with my regular doctor the following week.

Since I was on a roll, I decided to call my OB to see when my yearly exam was due.  Well, it was due in July…oops…so I made an appointment there too.  Luckily, that one is not until December, so I get a little break. 

I’ve been working on eating better, but it is a work in progress.  As is the exercising thing.  Before I got pregnant with the twins, I loved doing yoga and my Bob Harper exercise DVDs.  I just have to find the motivation to start again.  Once I get going, I know I’ll feel better…it’s just the getting going part.

Anyways, enough about me.  My twins and older guy also had/have appointments.  My 4-year-old had his well check-up last week.  Grandma took him so that she could get her flu shot at the same time.  We all try to get flu shots to protect the twins from everything possible.  I got mine at one of my numerous appointments.  Dad is the only one left to get one.  Hint Hint…if you’re reading this 🙂 

Back to my 4 year old’s appointment…he is weighing in at 31 lbs, which is only in the 10th percentile.  His height is only in the 7th, which I was a little surprised at because he seems to be outgrowing all of his clothes heightwise.  Oh well.  The doctor wants him to drink whole milk (which he does because the twins do) less juice (this will be a little bit of a challenge) more cheese, fruit, and veggies.  Honestly, it is a struggle to get him to eat anything.  He is always so busy, and eats sooooooo slow.  We just have to keep working and get some fat on those bones.

My twins have their 18 month actual appointment coming up.  I really can’t believe they are already 18 months.  My bigger guy is walking all around, and getting pretty steady on his feet.  My little guy has just started taking some steps between me and my husband.  He wants to walk like his brother so bad.  He’ll get there.  It will just take a little more time.  He’s always just a couple of weeks behind, but I’m so proud of him no matter what.  He has come along way from that 1lb 7oz tiny, fragile little baby.  He’s so strong and funny and determined.  So, I know he will walk soon.

Because he was so little at birth and was born so early, he was on oxygen for quite a while.  I’ve mentioned before that he had ROP, which is retinopathy of Prematurity, and had a laser surgery to prevent his retina’s from detaching.  He did lose some peripheral vision, but it was better than the alternative of losing all of his vision.  Since he had surgery, he is very closely watched by the Eye doctor that performed it.  I took him to Children’s Hospital for an exam today actually.  He did great!  It was a little strange bringing just him (my bigger guy did not need the surgery do doesn’t need as many follow-ups) to the appointment.  I only had a single stroller, and didn’t get the “are they twins” stare or questions.  We still had a long wait in the waiting room with lots of coughing, snotty kids, but the actual visit went really well.  He was able to see everything she wanted him to with all the toys and tricks they use, and his eye isn’t turning in at all.  They were a little afraid it might, but everything looked great.  Next appointment is with his brother in 6 months…and no glasses!  Woo Hoo!

I’ve been thinking a lot about my twins lately.  I always know how lucky I am, but I’ve been feeling especially sentimental and just in awe of them lately.  I guess because they are starting to really have personalities and come into their own.  It’s also because I’ve been working on a fundraiser with someone that wasn’t as lucky as we were.

I’ve met a lot of really great, strong women through my TTTS Survivors Support group.  Some of them have 2 survivors, some have one Angel and one Survivor, but we all survived a difficult and horribly emotional pregnancy.  One of the women decided to do a fundraising walk to honor her twin sons, one who was lost while she was pregnant 7 years ago.  It breaks my heart every time I read about a loss from TTTS, or from anything, for that matter, but twin boys especially.  We came very close to losing one, if not both of our boys. Our first doctor didn’t think we would have even one healthy baby at the end of my pregnancy after I didn’t follow his advice.  He advised me to selectively reduce my little guy in order to save my bigger guy from possible brain damage, if he passed in the womb.  The doctor didn’t feel he would grow big enough to even make it to viability, which is 24 weeks.  He was completely WRONG.  Not only was my little guy over 500 grams, but he made it to 25 weeks, 5 days.  Doctors don’t know everything, so I feel the need to share my story, as well as bring awareness to TTTS, SIUGR, and Prematurity.  Every pregnancy and every baby is different, but we all still need hope and support, no matter what our outcome.

Even though I’ve never met this woman in person, when I heard she was doing this walk because her son wanted to honor his brother, I knew I had to get involved.  Even though his twin brother isn’t here physically, twins have such a special bond, I know he is going to make his brother so proud.  As I’ve been texting back and forth with his mother, working on t-shirts and other ways to make money for the walk, I’m so glad I decided to help.  His mother is such a genuine, caring person, and I really hope we can make this walk a success.  Actually, I know we will make it a success.  I’m going to post a link to our Facebook page and Auction page, but I want to get the mother’s permission first.  I’ve never really thought I was good at fundraising, but I think when it’s something my heart is in completely, it makes it so much different.