We originally started this blog (years ago) to keep track of the every day things in our lives that we didn't want to forget but knew that we would in time. As life got in the way, we posted less and less until March 2010 when Matthew's arrival rocked our world. Now we use this blog to let everyone know how Matthew is progressing and the big events going on at the Hoy House. We are so appreciative of everyone who has read our story and has thought and prayed for Matthew and for us.
I just don’t get it—We had a week of good to great feeds, then the croup/ear infections/antibiotics and we are back to horrible feeds.(Coincidentally right after I posted last, hmmm.) Matthew does have some fantastic feeds, but others are some of the worst we’ve ever had with him screaming the entire feeding.
The first feeding of the day is typically the worst.Non-stop screaming for a half an hour…what a way to start the day!We’ve tried giving him his meds before that feed but it hasn’t helped. I’m just not sure what to try next. Thankfully we have an appointment with the GI later this week and hopefully he will be able to help.I pray for better feeds which lead to better days.
Lack of sleep and stress shorten the life span and our kids seem to be trying to get their inheritance early.After Jackson's strep 2 weeks ago and the stress of last week’s scare (Matthew’s malrotated intestines), we woke up early Tuesday morning to Matthew barking like a seal.Neither Alyssa nor Jackson had ever done this before, but I remembered in the back of my mind that it was a symptom of a common childhood illness.So, in the wee hours, before we high tailed it to the ER, we looked up ‘barking like a seal’ and found countless articles about ‘croup’.It wasn’t an emergency so we settled back in with our baby seal and headed off to the pediatrician on Tuesday.Yep, it’s croup and a double ear infection.Poor little guy.
Now Matthew is on 4 medications.Med A is 2 times a day. Med B is 3 times a day after feeding. Med C is 4 times a day 30 minutes before feeding.Med D is during feeding as needed.Goodness, I’m glad I’m a planner.Hopefully he’ll get over this particular virus/infection soon and we’ll be able to go back to just meds B, C and D.
But even with this ailment, Matthew’s feedings are much, much better.He is still taking more than before the meds, he’s calmer, and there are far fewer tears (both he and I).Very good news!We are even toying w/the idea of moving from 7 feeds a day (every 2.5 hours) to 6 (every 3 hours).We have a follow up with our GI next week and I’m excited to tell him the good news.
Today we are hopeful for health to return to all the kids, that good feedings continue, and for a restful night.*Crossing fingers*
Good news…We met with Matthew’s surgeon today and the situation isn’t as dire as the radiologist made it seem.Matthew does have malrotated intestines that do need to be fixed, but since he is asymptomatic and the upper GI showed no blockages, it isn’t an immediate concern.We are to be on the lookout for symptoms of a blockage and then would go immediately to the ER and into surgery but that risk is small.So, we are scheduled for surgery on July 27—Matthew’s 5 month birthday.
We learned a few things talking with the surgeon.
1.The reason why there is a higher risk of blockages and twisting in a malrotated intestine is not because the intestine is on the wrong side but because the connective tissue is often too close together to prevent twists and turns.
2.The surgeon will go in laproscopically and examine the connective tissue.
a.If the connections are far enough apart, he will just close him up.
b.If the connections are too close, he’ll make new connections.
c.If there is blockage or twists, he’ll have to make repairs and probably open him up.
3.Matthew’s appendix will come out because it is on the left side and there is concern of appendicitis misdiagnosis.
4.As with every surgery, there is risk but this is a common surgery.
5. This probably isn't the cause of feeding problems.
6.If all goes as planned, we expect Matthew will be in the hospital 24 hours and not be able to lift weights at the gym for 2-3 weeks after.(His bodybuilding days will have to wait.)
Now we can finally take a deep breath.Since the radiologist told us on Tuesday “He has a malrotation, which could cause his intestines to twist, which can lead to him having to be on an IV the rest of his life or die” and reading “In infants, the mortality rate ranges from 2-24%” I’ve been freaking out thinking I would lose my sweet baby Matthew.Most thankfully, from what the surgeon explained today, that doesn’t seem to be the case.Thank God!And thank you for keeping Matthew and our family in your thoughts & prayers!
