Monday, October 20, 2008

The Lab


Today I decided to brave the Kosair Children's Hospital lab once again...and on my own with Connor for the first time. I am trying really hard to make all this stuff we have to do for his SMA a part of our normal life, and I finally decided I was strong enough to do this...and I was (!) despite us having trouble there once again. I don't even know how many times we've been there, but our most recent experience before today hadn't been the greatest...we had to do blood and urine labs (urine from a barely 2 year-old...that was fun) as well as an X-ray, and for some reason the lab couldn' t read the doctor's orders for the bloodwork (I could...and I don't work in a lab everyday...hmmmm), so we were told to get a new order and drive all the way back there again another day. So, today I decided to venture out and give it a shot. This is Connor in his carseat--he was so happy I decided to take a picture...but little did he know the fate that awaited him. We ended up staying in the lab waiting room for a little over 2 hours, while the lab people tried to get ahold of our neurologist and see if she really wanted him to have the same labs done as he had in February. (Hello--my son has a progressive disease so things are going to change. But no one listens to me. I'm just the mom.) They had a big "No Food or Drink" sign posted, but after two hours I just gave up and decided if they were going to kick me out for giving my child a cracker when it was an hour and a half past lunch then they could go ahead and do it because we were ready to go. Finally, we got to go back and have the blood draw and finger stick, and my sweet boy didn't even cry a tear...probably because he was staring the whole time at the big jar of suckers he was going to have two of when we were through. I just pray the results actually get back to the doctor in Cincinnati.

Then I got home and saw this picture I had forgotten about, and laughed out loud, and my whole day changed for the better. Adam has been out of town at his grandmother's memorial, and it will be good to have him home.


7 comments:

Davis and Carter's Mommy said...

Man, I hate bad lab experiences, and the fact that so few of my friends can come to my lab. We would have had you in and out in under 10 minutes, I guarantee it. And why would they need a finger stick on top of an arm draw . . .makes me wonder. Anyway, Connor is super man for not crying, what a brave kid. As much as we really hate drawing kids, I am always so impressed with the ones who don't cry. I should send him a stuffed animal, book, and cookie from my lab for his bravery. I am sure that made it a little easier on mom, but not much.

MeganLaRue said...

I hate all the lab work!!! I mean, I really hate it!!
But I know how it goes... sometimes Austin still cries, but usually he just says, "Her pinch me mommy..." and pouts a little bit about it...
but then he gets a sucker and sticker and he is pretty happy.
I hope all his lab work comes back good. :)

The Welborn Family said...

I can't imagine what you are going through, but know that you are already the strongest mom I know. I know you will give Connor a full, happy, and normal-as-possible life and that's all any mom would want.

Unknown said...

Man, that sounds like a bad experience. Unfortunately we know what you're going through. Becca went to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia yesterday for a simple visit with our endocrinologist for Jade. It turned into an all day visit for her because they made Jade get some blood drawn, have an X-ray on her hip, and go to a hearing specialist while she was there. What a nightmare it turned out to be.

GSGC StrongFamily said...

Wow-what an ordeal. Being a children's hospital, you would think they would be a little more accomodating and helpful. You and Connor are both very brave!
That is a cute picture of him- he looks so content.

I am happy to find your blog! It is fun to see you and your cute family!!!

Jeffrey and Monica said...

hey, good job going on your own! I don't know if I could have or even would have done that, you a star! btw, I would have fed him too, I don't think those signs are for toddlers!

Vicki said...

Kristen, I'm so glad you game me you're blog address. You little Connor is so cute.

I have just read and read your blog, and didn't know the extent of Connor's condition. If anyone can handle this, it is you. You are so amazing and I know the Lord trusts you with His child. You were one of the Young Women who taught ME so much you'll never know.

BTW I don't know if you are able to get lab work, etc. done at the children's ER at Baptist East Hospital. . .it is AWESOME. I've taken two of my kids there in the past year and they are so much quicker and kinder than Kosair. I think because they don't have the volume that Kosair does.