Well, it has taken me this long to follow-up here about the remainder of our Florida trip plus some new developments in Drew’s medical future. Now that school is back in session, I finally have some freedom to sit down and piddle away on the internet. The remainder of our trip in Florida went well. …
Category: School
Well, it happened. Drew spoke of his limb difference. I was rolling his sleeves up on a new shirt and Drew casually said, “I wish I was like other kids.” “How so?” I responded, always carefully avoiding implanting the idea of his differences. I was hoping that he was speaking of his legs, for which…
Pain, Pain, Go Away!
Well, it’s been a month since Drew’s most recent surgery and I wish I could say that it was in the past and like it never happened. But, the aftermath of this surgery, like the others, has been overwhelming. Sleepless nights. Restricted mobility. Loss of independence. Unbearable pain. Stalled progress and probably regression in abilities. …
Drew’s Biggest Year Ever
We’ve been fortunate enough to have a Medicaid card for Drew’s disabilities to help offset the cost of Drew’s significant medical expenses. Though this service doesn’t cost us dollars and cents, it does cost a lot of effort and labor. I have been tasked with documenting every interaction with a medical professional between July 2011…
Problems at Night
Days with Drew are great and fun, general 6-year-old annoyances and tempers aside. But, nights? Drew has spent the last several nights thrashing in restless sleep, screaming in incoherent and inconsolable outbursts. Because of his history, we are always inclined to believe he’s in pain. But sometimes during the outbursts causing him to hyperventilate and sometimes…
Drew at his Greatest
Even though it has been over a month since I’ve updated this blog, I have continuously thought about it and tried to archive thoughts and experiences to discuss whenever I got around to it again. It almost seems kind of humorous that our lives have become so mundane that I have trouble finding things to…
No <3 For the Braces
I’m just about over Drew’s braces. Drew has had a brace on his right leg since October 2012 and has had his left one since this July. At first, they were a blessing since there was no fixator to worry about any more, but they’re starting to really get on mine and Drew’s nerves. Mostly…
Back to School!
Drew has done phenomenal post-heart surgery. He hasn’t had any pain, little complaints and his incision has healed nicely leaving a slightly raised scar that I’m sure will fade more over time. He has proudly announced on multiple occasions how delighted he is that his “line” as he calls it is all healed up as…
Past, Present and Future
Well, got some worrisome news. If you recall, there was some speculation about Drew’s worsening heart condition immediately prior to the leg surgery. Speculation that prompted us to schedule a consult with Drew’s local cardiologist (well, “local” is relative…Drew’s regular cardiologist is in Nashville). Drew’s specific problem is Aortic Valve Regurgitation, a condition where the…
Drew is Famous!
Another week closer to our fateful trip to West Palm Beach. Amidst the growing panic anticipating this life-changing move and event, we’ve decided it’s necessary to make a pre-emptive trip to WPB to secure an apartment to live during our stay. So, I have four appointments to tour apartments and am currently searching for…
Happy Birthday, Drew!
Well, Drew is four years old! Where has the time gone? In his four years, he’s had open heart surgery, two sets of tubes, graduated from the First Steps physical and occupational therapy program, started preschool, met Mickey Mouse and Buzz Lightyear at Disney World, flew in a plane to Boston, explored the zoos of…
And So It Begins
So, I heard the other day from a close near-relative that some kids have been laughing at Drew. Needless to say, I was pretty gob-smacked hearing the news. It was almost as if I heard the loud, metallic slice of the gauntlet followed by a dramatic suspense-movie track. My immediate reaction was “you liar!” I…
drewunarmed 