Denver: Day 1 March 3, 2009
Well, I guess today isn’t actually day 1 since we arrived yesterday, but it was our first day at National Jewish. And boy are we exhausted!
I was so ready to walk through those doors this morning. Adam started reacting to the Elecare, so we were in desperate need of help. We had a full day complete with a meeting with our nurse, a long meeting where I went over Adam’s complete history, a meeting with the doctor, and meetings with both the dietitian and psychologist.
We have at least a temporary plan. We have switched Adam from the Elecare to unflavored Neocate Jr. We tried that elemental with him while I was still breastfeeding, and he didn’t tolerate it, but we’re trying it again without breastmilk being in the equation. Right now we’re making it at a lower concentration, infant strength instead of toddler strength, in hopes of getting his body to tolerate it better.
The other thing we’re really having to work on is getting Adam to drink enough formula. The most we’ve been able to get him to drink is 12 ounces in a 24 hour period, and that’s with mucho effort on everyone’s part. They want his intake to be double that. The dietitian helped me with a new plan/schedule to try to get him to drink more. We’re also experimenting with different types of cups to see what he’ll drink from the best.
I’m still pumping even though the chances of Adam ever nursing again are slim to none. My heart is just breaking over that thought. I can’t even type it without crying.
So, that’s where we’re at now. We head back early tomorrow morning for another day. This is not easy. Not one part of it is. I’m hoping so much that we’ll come out on the other side in a better place, though. Everyone here is committed to helping us do so. We just have to hang in there.
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Amanda - I am a loooong time reader and very rare commenter, but I feel the need to tell you that you are amazing. Absolutely, 100% awesome. I can’t even imagine how hard this is on you and Adam and your husband, but at least through the medium of your blog you are dealing with grace and courage and I applaud you.
My husband is an immunologist (basic scientist, not clinician) and has long respected the researchers at Nat. Jewish. You are in good hands and I know you will come through this with a manageable plan for all of you.
And I know that I know nothing about kids - but my heart tells me that while weaning in this way is not not NOT what you wanted, Adam will be just fine. You’ve literally sacrificed yourself to breastfeed for this long and that in itself will amply make up any minor and temporary trauma he experiences by weaning.
Hang in there and I wish you the very best.
All my best,
squarepeg
Hugs… i think squarepeg pretty much said it all!
You are doing so great! Your love for that little boy shines immensely on the pages of this blog. Adam feels that love and will make it through all of this.
One question I have as you go through all of this…what are Adam’s reactions like? I get the feeling that they aren’t of the anaphylactic variety, but I’ve missed it if you’ve ever said. As someone who suffers from food allergies myself (anaphylaxis spectrum, but not full blown shock-yet anyway), I’ve followed your story with interest, and learned much already.
I am glad to hear you made it all safely to Denver and I can only how hectic and emotional the beginning days are there. I know there isn’t anything that hasn’t already been said before. I just wanted to say I hope and pray all the best for your family and to let you know you are amazing. An amazing Mother! I know it is so hard, but I hope that Denver will have answers for you guys. You all deserve it.
Hope y’all are getting some answers Amanda. Thinking of you guys.
hugs and thoughts.