It's raining m's (remix version)

Yes, it's raining m's in my house- 

Miralax

Mylicon

Mylanta

Milk of Magnesia

Actually, let's call it an alphabet stew of different meds used to soothe Miles' increasing belly woes.  Zantac was promising for a few days, but it's magic wore off too quickly.  Miles is now taking something that blocks the production of acid in his stomach- all together.  This is 2 day on the new treatment, and he's still singing the bloated belly blues.  However, switching to soy formula now buys us full nights of (relatively) sound sleep.  He's no longer waking up gagging and coughing.  On the down side, soy spit up can detected clear a room based solely on its funk-filled aroma.  His dirty clothes pile can be sniffed out at twenty paces away- include the adult clothes that are also caught in the range of lactose-free fire- and you've got a stinky house.

More frustrations on the medical front this week; I was ready to cop a 'tude with our pediatrician.  Luckily, my easily angered butt is back at work, and the nicer of the set gets to deal with the doctors now.  

There was a time in my life were I relished being right; sweeter was the victory when I could slide in a "I told you so."  Now those I was right moments are coming at the expense of my son, and I quickly turning into a mama bear who has been awakened just weeks into hibernation.  What exactly am I mumbling about?  Last month, at Miles' 6 month check-up, I sent Jesse to the appointment armed with a barrage of questions- specifically if we needed to start seeing some additional specialists.  GI, Ear-Nose-Throat, Neurology, developmental pediatrics . .I have been worried about a milk allergy and the threat of Celiac disease for sometime; I've also been concerned about his narrowing ear canals.  By the end of the first year, I want a complete assessment done my the developmental pediatrician to use when we revise the IFSP, and a neurological check-up would also be beneficial.

A clear "no, he's doing fine" was sent back my way- our doc said there is absolutely no need to go elsewhere.  Okay, at least I (meaning Jesse and my list) asked.  Skip ahead three weeks, and Jesse and Miles are back in the same doctor's office with ever mounting tummy troubles and prepared with my request (demand) for several medical referrals.  The doc now says (before the demanding can commence) that we need to see a GI specialist, and it's time to have Miles' ears checked- looks like he might need tubes.  HELLO!!  What happened in September?!?  We've already asked for these appointments.  We could have saved Miles some discomfort this past month, and that really gets my goat.  Though the doc is incredibly friendly and clearly cares about Miles, both Jesse and I are convinced that she forgets that Miles has DS.  I once had to explain to her what the isochromosome version of DS was- not a reassuring experience- especially since I got my medical degree from watching old "Mash" episodes.

Now that a few days have passes and my feathers have become unruffled, I can accept that she's just doing her job.  Her specialty is in general pediatrics, and we are simply not a general family.  We'll still see her for wellness exams, shots, and straight-forward sickly issues, but we now know what to do the next time an issue arises that doesn't fall in the general category. 

Our new mantra: Don't wait- Advocate!