I just got a call from Stanford and they wanted to make sure Owen's immunizations were up to date. Ahem, not even a little bit. Not even one single immunization. We put it off at first because he was fragile, in and out of the hospital having open heart surgeries. Then he was stable, but we didn't want to rock the boat. Since then, it has just been a topic put to sleep.
Until now...
Apparently immunologists like their transplant patients to be immunized before they become immunosuppressed and at risk of catching every single bug that comes their way. It makes perfect sense.
Now, how do we catch him up on 19 months of immunizations? To be perfectly honest, it makes me nervous to give him so many vaccines so close together.
Thankfully, Owen's pediatrician has my full confidence and we will talk to her on Thursday about the safest approach to catching Owen up. But before that, we have an appointment with Dr. Stock (Cardiology) tomorrow to increase his Carvedilol and to chat about Owen's lack of weight gain, not tolerating increased calories, and puking (why is he puking?).
It sounds like there will be many needles in Owen's near future, with immunizations, RSV shots and flu shots. Oh, and surgery for his Gtube placement on the 16th. The poor guy just can't catch a break. Say a little prayer or two that he will be as tough as always during the next few months.
I think that vacation in October is going to be even more well deserved than we imagined. When Owen is playing in the sand, splashing in the waves, getting splashed by Shamu, riding a carousel and enjoying the crisp fall weather with his family.. the pain will be forgotten.
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
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14 comments:
Wow... that is a lot. All I can say is trust the docs. They have brought Owen this far and definitely want what's best :)
Hugs and prayers!
My many hugs and prayers for your little guy. Poor thing, I have a panic attack when Zoe has to have 2 or 3 shots!! You are such a strong Mommy.
Girl! It has been a crazy couple of weeks for you! I am so sorry that you had 2 sick babies. NO FUN! Hopefully Owen will tolerate his immunizations. That is never a good time. Praying {like always} for your little mister! xoxo
I hear ya! Katie is SO behind on her vaccines. I'm terrified of fevers. She gets a fever with every shot.
If you feel it's too much, listen to your instincts. Vaccines are scary.
Seriously, as if the g-tube surgery isn't enough, let alone flu/RSV shots.
Owen is such a little trooper, I'm sure he'll do fine, not that it makes it any easier.
Oh poor guy. Our littler guy starts getting vaccines on Friday, but I can't imagine playing catch up with them. I'll be praying for him and you; I know it's always hard for mom.
Poor kid. If anyone is going to deserve a fabulous Make a Wish trip someday, it is going to be Owen - and you for helping him get through it all. Good thing he's the toughest kid I've never met but someday hope to.
I hear ya. Lily is also behind on hers. She has only had her first set of them, and I never got around to doing the rest. Ok, well that isn't true. I was told she couldn't have any shots until she was at least 6 weeks post opt, and every time I turned around she was sick, or we were back in the hospital again. I just threw my hands up and said, "We will get to it when we get to it." Well, now she is 18 months and we have not seen her pedi for months now. Not that we haven't wanted to, but we need to find a new one now that we live 35mins away from our old one.
Good luck Mr.Owen, shots are no fun, but they are worth it in the end.
Jenna & Lilyana
Preying for the little guy
Poor little Bear, it's just not fair.You can count on me for prayer.
I remember those days of grumpy, feverish nights but at least it doesn't last long and you know what is causing it. The worst part was the "how can you do this to me? looks as the Nurse would jab them in the thigh. Luckily they forgive in 2 seconds :)
Owen will be a champ, I just know he will.
I just think you are amazing! Amazing that you are so wonderful to him and making sure he is able to enjoy life alittle or alot all the while having to deal with so much. It just breaks my heart to think about what he's having to go through right now. I am praying that a day will soon come when he can live happy and healthy without all the needles and tests going on :)
Sending you and Owen all our positive thoughts during this time!
I am envisioning him already on the beach and with Shamu--a beautiful time it will be, indeed!
Yikes!! That is a ton to do within the next few weeks. Have you heard anything about what the cardiac team's viewpoint is for the swine flu vaccine? I heard something about it on the news tonight, and usually don't pay attention, but they specifically named cardiac kids... so... it got my attention! Grace is puking a lot all of a sudden too- maybe it's the heat? Do any other heart moms have this issue, I wonder? Hope all is well with your beautiful family! Hope we can catch up again soon, outside of the internet :)
Oh my! I will be praying for you all, sweetheart.
Cxx
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