Coburn Kids

Today was a terrible day to drive up to the U of U.  First off, with all the school closures and delays that should give an idea of the driving conditions. It took me nearly 2 hours to get there for Caden’s Preemie Clinic at the UT Dept. of Health next to the U of U Hospital. But, we made it just fine to get there by 8:45 am.

First we got a weight and height on Caden. Their scale said 13lb. and only 23″. But these can be inaccurate so who knows.  It still only puts him at the 25% for his height and weight for a 3 month old though I found out.  He’s a little one though he is getting some rolls.

Next we saw the Physical Therapist. Very nice guy who played with Caden and whom with Caden refused to turn his head to the left. We don’t think that’s a developmental concern though just that his muscles are a little short/stiff on one side. Caden was on his right side constantly in the NICU because of trouble moving food through his system. He said Caden is right on target for his adjusted age of 3 months.

Next we saw the Nutrionist. She also thinks we need to move to the G-tube. It sounds very invasive since it requires another surgery and it’s permanent but in reality it is much better and gentler then having an NG-tube. I was hoping we could do one last push on the NG just to see if Caden might make it but it’s pretty much confirmed now.  So when I go to the pediatrician on Monday we’ll get our GI referral. She also said that while his weight gain is going up it’s still not enough. In a few weeks we may want to consider bringing him up to 26 calories.  Because the can every other day that we blow through apparently isn’t costing us enough all ready.

Next was the Neurologist, very nice man. We have a slight concern with a sacral dimple at the bottom of Caden’s spine. We really don’t think it’s a concern but because it’s so deep we have an ultrasound scheduled next week up at Primary Children’s Hospital because if we wait any longer to check it then it’ll have to be MRI. His bones are thin enough now that an ultrasound will do. Now this wouldn’t affect his growth, they are checking to see if his spine is tethered, but it would affect his bowel control interestingly enough. So it’s a good thing to check now because there is no way we would know if it was affecting him until we went to potty train him and would utterly fail! Besides that, everything looks good with him. The brain bleeds don’t seem to be causing any concern. Keep in mind that he is still only 6 months old and really… he’s not doing much right now.

Next we saw their pediatrician. She took a thorough history and gave him the once over. She’s so surprised how well he’s doing and how tolerant he is.  (He really is, he’s so calm being poked/messed with/tests/procedures).

Then we went to the Audiologist, always important with a cleft baby. His hearing looks great in both ears.  Again, the Dr. was very surprised to hear that he hasn’t had 1 ear infection and that his middle ear is doing so splendid.  We might get to avoid any ear tubes!  Which is just a nice bonus. They’ll need to check again in another 3 months just to make sure.

So all-in-all it was excellent but Caden was just wiped out afterwards. Happy Valentine’s Day!