I am finally getting around to posting about problems we have been having with Dallas' health lately. I really didn't want to post about this earlier because I have been so worried and didn't want to make myself more paranoid about what could be wrong. For several months now Dallas has been having what I would call "assplosions" or mush several times a day. Anywhere from 2-9 a day to be exact. She is finished teething so that wasn't a concern. Her appetite was normal and she was growing and gaining weight. She was very active and literally bouncing off the walls. Couldn't get any answers from her pediatrician as to what could be causing this "problem". I took in diapers on two different occasions to the lab to be tested. Nothing infectious or unusual in either sample. We changed her diet and still no relief. We even tried Soy milk with no relief.
The worse feeling for me was watching Dallas child scream and cry because she was in so much pain and didn't want me to change her diaper. Dallas had a horrible yeast infection from going to the bathroom so much. I finally called a pediatric gastrointerologist and made an appointment. I lucked out and got her an appointment the next day because of a cancellation or we would still be waiting. He examined her thoroughly and couldn't determine what might be causing the problem. So he did an upper GI endoscopy on her last Thursday to rule out some things. Dallas did very well up until she saw the IV in her hand and then freaked and wanted it out immediately. Although not the cause of her diarrhea, he did say she has a hiatal hernia and reflux.
I finally got the remainder of all the tests/biopsies in today. She has been diagnosed with "Toddler's Diarrhea". It should resove itself eventually. We have had to cut out most of her juice intake and limit her mostly to whole milk and water. She was tested for Celiac Disease and it came back negative!!! All her stool tests have come back negative for any parasites. They did put her on Prevacid for the reflux/hiatal hernia. Hopefully after a while her esophagus won't be as swollen/irritated. Dallas has never shown any signs of reflux that's why we were shocked when he told us that she had it. Things seem to be returning to "normal" with her digestive system since we altered her diet last Thursday!!!
I just knew something wasn't right with her lately. I am so glad I kept pushing until we found an answer. There were many times when we both cried during her diaper changes. That "problem" is also clearing up slowly and she doesn't cry any more. We will continue watching what she eats and limit the fried, spicy, and sugary foods in her diet. She has to go back to the pediatric gastro in September for a check-up and hopefully all will be back to "normal" by then. Sometimes the more you try to find out what could be wrong, the more worried you become. I was terrified that something horrible might be wrong. Thank God there isn't.
Tuesday, July 31, 2007
Friday, July 27, 2007
Friday, July 20, 2007
Friendly Hurricane Advice!!!
We're about to enter the peak of the hurricane season. Any day now, you're going to turn on the TV and see a weather person pointing to some radar blob out in the Gulf of Mexico and making two basic Meteorological points:
(1) There is no need to panic.
(2) We could all be Killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Texas and Louisiana. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you needto do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one." Based on my past experiences of having 37 Hurricanes run over me, I recommend that you follow this simple Three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three (3) days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will stay here in Texas and Louisiana foolishly. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get as long as your home meets two basic requirements:
(1) It is reasonably well-built, and
(2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Texas and Louisiana, or anyother area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance Companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance at all,because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainlynot why they got into the insurance business for in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value ofyour house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Katrina/Rita, I have had to use 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my husband and kidneys.
SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
(1) Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourslf, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
(2) Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps until December.
(3) Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
"HURRICANE PROOF" WINDOWS: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
HURRICANE PROOFING YOUR PROPERTY: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles (also a good place to hide family).
EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an Evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's License; if it says "Louisiana," or South Texas, you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mass of supplies. Do not buy them now! Louisiana/Texas tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fist-fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies as well:
(1) 23 Flashlights.
(2) At least $167 worth of batteries that, when the power goes off, will be the wrong size for the flashlights.
(3) Bleach (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)
(4) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
(5) A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool).
(6) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Camille; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators).
(7) Have $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
(8) A chain saw (you might have to cut your car out of the house).
(9) Gasoline (people will trade sons and daughters for gas and can help you cut the car out of the house).
(10)A generator (along with instructions on how not to electrocute yourself hooking it up to house power) along with plenty of gas.
(11)A gun to prevent people from stealing your gas.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the Gulf and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to get away from the Gulf.
Remember, as you are trying to get away from the Gulf, there is protection afforded when stuck on the freeway with all the other cars who have run out of gas on their way to Nebraska (just be on the inside lane).
Good luck, and remember: its great living in Paradise!
(1) There is no need to panic.
(2) We could all be Killed.
Yes, hurricane season is an exciting time to be in Texas and Louisiana. If you're new to the area, you're probably wondering what you needto do to prepare for the possibility that we'll get hit by "the big one." Based on my past experiences of having 37 Hurricanes run over me, I recommend that you follow this simple Three-step hurricane preparedness plan:
STEP 1. Buy enough food and bottled water to last your family for at least three (3) days.
STEP 2. Put these supplies into your car.
STEP 3. Drive to Nebraska and remain there until Halloween.
Unfortunately, statistics show that most people will not follow this sensible plan. Most people will stay here in Texas and Louisiana foolishly. We'll start with one of the most important hurricane preparedness items:
HOMEOWNERS' INSURANCE: If you own a home, you must have hurricane insurance. Fortunately, this insurance is cheap and easy to get as long as your home meets two basic requirements:
(1) It is reasonably well-built, and
(2) It is located in Nebraska.
Unfortunately, if your home is located in Texas and Louisiana, or anyother area that might actually be hit by a hurricane, most insurance Companies would prefer not to sell you hurricane insurance at all,because then they might be required to pay YOU money, and that is certainlynot why they got into the insurance business for in the first place. So you'll have to scrounge around for an insurance company, which will charge you an annual premium roughly equal to the replacement value ofyour house. At any moment, this company can drop you like used dental floss. Since Hurricane Katrina/Rita, I have had to use 27 differenthome-insurance companies. This week, I'm covered by the Bob and Big Stan Insurance Company, under a policy which states that in addition to my premium, Bob and Big Stan are entitled, on demand, to my husband and kidneys.
SHUTTERS: Your house should have hurricane shutters on all the windows, all the doors, and -- if it's a major hurricane -- all the toilets. There are several types of shutters, with advantages and disadvantages:
(1) Plywood shutters: The advantage is that, because you make them yourslf, they're cheap. The disadvantage is that, because you make them yourself, they will fall off.
(2) Sheet-metal shutters: The advantage is that these work well, once you get them all up. The disadvantage is that once you get them up, your hands will be useless bleeding stumps until December.
(3) Roll-down shutters: The advantages are that they're very easy to use, and will definitely protect your house. The disadvantage is that you will have to sell your house to pay for them.
"HURRICANE PROOF" WINDOWS: These are the newest wrinkle in hurricane protection: They look like ordinary windows, but they can withstand hurricane winds! You can be sure of this, because the salesman says so. He lives in Nebraska.
HURRICANE PROOFING YOUR PROPERTY: As the hurricane approaches, check your yard for movable objects like barbecue grills, planters, patio furniture, visiting relatives, etc. You should, as a precaution, throw these items into your swimming pool (if you don't have a swimming pool, you should have one built immediately). Otherwise, the hurricane winds will turn these objects into deadly missiles (also a good place to hide family).
EVACUATION ROUTE: If you live in a low-lying area, you should have an Evacuation route planned out. (To determine whether you live in a low-lying area, look at your driver's License; if it says "Louisiana," or South Texas, you live in a low-lying area.) The purpose of having an evacuation route is to avoid being trapped in your home when a major storm hits. Instead, you will be trapped in a gigantic traffic jam several miles from your home, along with two hundred thousand other evacuees. So, as a bonus, you will not be lonely.
HURRICANE SUPPLIES: If you don't evacuate, you will need a mass of supplies. Do not buy them now! Louisiana/Texas tradition requires that you wait until the last possible minute, then go to the supermarket and get into vicious fist-fights with strangers over who gets the last can of SPAM. In addition to food and water, you will need the following supplies as well:
(1) 23 Flashlights.
(2) At least $167 worth of batteries that, when the power goes off, will be the wrong size for the flashlights.
(3) Bleach (No, I don't know what the bleach is for. NOBODY knows what the bleach is for, but it's traditional, so GET some!)
(4) A 55-gallon drum of underarm deodorant.
(5) A big knife that you can strap to your leg. (This will be useless in a hurricane, but it looks cool).
(6) A large quantity of raw chicken, to placate the alligators. (Ask anybody who went through Camille; after the hurricane, there WILL be irate alligators).
(7) Have $35,000 in cash or diamonds so that, after the hurricane passes, you can buy a generator from a man with no discernible teeth.
(8) A chain saw (you might have to cut your car out of the house).
(9) Gasoline (people will trade sons and daughters for gas and can help you cut the car out of the house).
(10)A generator (along with instructions on how not to electrocute yourself hooking it up to house power) along with plenty of gas.
(11)A gun to prevent people from stealing your gas.
Of course these are just basic precautions. As the hurricane draws near, it is vitally important that you keep abreast of the situation by turning on your television and watching TV reporters in rain slickers stand right next to the Gulf and tell you over and over how vitally important it is for everybody to get away from the Gulf.
Remember, as you are trying to get away from the Gulf, there is protection afforded when stuck on the freeway with all the other cars who have run out of gas on their way to Nebraska (just be on the inside lane).
Good luck, and remember: its great living in Paradise!
Prayer and Praise Friday
My good friend Kristi over at BamaGirl Diaries is starting a new weekly "Prayer and Praise Friday". If you would like to request a prayer or have praise for something that has happened, please post it over there every Friday. Kristi is a great friend who really cares and genuinely believes in the power of prayer.
Tuesday, July 10, 2007
To Whom It May Concern
I saw this over at Magi's blog and had to borrow it. This is so true of Dallas and her dolls and stuffed bears and kitties.
To Whom It May Concern,
I do solemnly swear that regardless of what you may think upon observing my daughter at play with her doll, I have never:
dragged her by her ankle
jammed her sippy cup up her nose
poured a pretend drink in a stacking cup into her ear
sat on her head
carried her by her hair
held her by the arms and shaken her
buried her under the blanket.
I do, however, admit that the following actions she did learn from us:
cuddled her
stroked her back
stroked her face
rocked her
given lots of kisses
held the sippy cup to her mouth
covered her and said night-night.
Sincerely,
Dallas' Mom
P.S. Don't you love watching pretend play?
To Whom It May Concern,
I do solemnly swear that regardless of what you may think upon observing my daughter at play with her doll, I have never:
dragged her by her ankle
jammed her sippy cup up her nose
poured a pretend drink in a stacking cup into her ear
sat on her head
carried her by her hair
held her by the arms and shaken her
buried her under the blanket.
I do, however, admit that the following actions she did learn from us:
cuddled her
stroked her back
stroked her face
rocked her
given lots of kisses
held the sippy cup to her mouth
covered her and said night-night.
Sincerely,
Dallas' Mom
P.S. Don't you love watching pretend play?
Wednesday, July 4, 2007
Happy Birthday America!!!
Happy 4th of July from my little "Fire Cracker". BTW, the ladybug tattoo on her right leg(3rd pic) isn't real but she sure does like it!!!
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