Ooooh boy! It's been a loooong wait for Sarah, and not so long for Jacob since he already had one, but the school district's iPad deployment day was this week. Students in 4th, 6th, 7th and 10th all received iPads that will be utilized in the classroom as well as for home use.
Jacob received his about a month ago. Set-up and everything went fine. Since I had already done it for Jacob, I expected Sarah's deployment to go just as smoothly. And it did for the most part. She had her Apple ID, remembered her password, downloaded the first app - no problem!
Then she put a passcode lock on her device. And then she promptly forgot the passcode! Then she typed in so many tries that she was locked out for 60 minutes. After an hour, she tried again, and was locked out again. And again. And again. Until she tried one more time and DISABLED it. Mind you, this is about six hours after she received the thing!
We attended the "help session" at the school that night and to no avail, the staff could not get it to work. The asst principal and the librarian tried for two days, and ultimately wiped the device and started over. I guess the directions provided by the district to deal with these scenarios were written prior to the iOS7 update and therein lay the problem.
She didn't get to take her iPad on the field trip to the learning garden, but I think she learned something else even more valuable. DON'T FORGET YOUR PASSCODE!
Friday, September 27, 2013
Monday, September 23, 2013
Sarah: Crohn's Update
Recent blood tests came back showing Sarah was still very anemic, or iron-deficient. She had been taking Ferrex 150 for almost three months, but now she's on Slow FE because she can swallow pills now. Hooray!
Monday, September 16, 2013
Jacob Gets Braces
Jacob received his upper braces. His lower ones will be put on in about three months, after his bite has opened and there is room for them on his bottom teeth. The procedure went smoothly and he didn't have a lot of pain afterwards. Took Tylenol for a couple nights and really only had one tooth that was sore. He seems used to them already.
Before:
After:
Before:
After:
Sunday, September 15, 2013
Sarah Gets Crohn's Disease
I've been writing this post for quite awhile ... editing here and there. Adding, mostly. Sorry if it rambles.
Sarah's saga started back in May, while school was still in session. She appeared thinner and had dark circles under her eyes. I thought maybe she was dehydrated and encouraged her to drink more water. Later she started complaining of abdominal pain - but not often - and she got her first pimple. Right in the middle of her nose. So I thought maybe she had early onset puberty. We had a menstruation talk in preparation but nothing materialized. Since the abdominal pains continued - sudden and strong - but only about once a week, we took her to the pediatrician.
Dehydration and puberty were ruled out. She had gone from the 75th percentile in weight to the 25th. She had a urine test and a blood test. The urine test results came back that she was slightly anemic and that she didn't have a UTI, but there were signs that it might become one, so she was given antibiotics and put on a multivitamin with iron.
Results from the blood test came back negative for Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and some other things. But she was still having abdominal pain, occasional vomiting and diarrhea. And she was obviously not her energetic usual self. Easily fatigued and not interested in her usual activities, even though by this time summer vacation had officially started. The doctor ordered another round of urine and blood tests and also requested a stool sample.
Then came the diagnosis of a C.diff infection. Her symptoms were textbook and we were relieved to be treating the right thing with the right medication, Flagyl. She also started a probiotic called Florajen.
During the course of Flagyl, Sarah complained of a sore throat. We went to the doctor again, expecting strep, but she was diagnosed with herpangina, common in the summer months, and even on the local news as being prevalent in the area. In younger kids, it's commonly referred to as Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease. There can be ulcer sores in the mouth and blistering on the palms and feet. There's no treatment given for that - just Tylenol or Motrin for pain, and her throat pain stopped relatively quickly.
After her Flagyl was finished, we went back to the doctor for a follow up visit with another stool sample. This time, the C.diff appeared to be gone, but she was still anemic and still had a few lingering mouth sores. They recommended a new yeast-based probiotic called Florastor. She was also still having fatigue, diarrhea and occasional vomiting, so we got referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.
After her initial exam with the gastroenterologist, Sarah needed an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy with biopsies. Four days later, she was under general anesthesia for both procedures which took less than an hour. The doctor took many interior photos of her digestive tract and concluded that Sarah had Crohn's disease, an auto-immune disease of the digestive system, even though earlier blood work for that came back negative. The mouth sores from herpangina may have in fact been a Crohn's symptom, as the disease can strike anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the lower bowel. She was put on a steroid to reduce inflammation and Prevacid for stomach irritation.
Sarah followed these procedures with a tuberculosis skin test and an upper GI with small bowel x-ray series to help determine which medicines might work best for her. It was a five-hour process to drink the barium "shake" and wait for the fluid to pass through her system, with x-rays every 30-45 minutes. Her TB skin test was negative, as expected.
After about two months on the steroid, she had gained almost 15 pounds. Her low at the time of the scopes was 59 lbs. and, as of last Friday, she's up to 74 lbs. and in the 50th percentile. Some of her energy has returned and she's no longer having diarrhea or vomiting. She does deal with constipation, hiccups, heartburn, and frequent trips to the restroom.
She is now on a maintenance medicine called Azathioprine and on a reduction plan for the steroid. She continues to take iron, a probiotic, a children's multivitamin, and Prevacid. Hopefully in a month or so, we'll be able to drop the steroid completely and she may lose a little water weight. Her cheeks have swollen to the point that she has "chipmunk cheeks" but luckily her friends at school are kind and don't tease her about it. We have to get blood drawn every two months or so. Her current diet does not allow popcorn or any ultra-fibrous foods. Other than that, she can eat like her siblings during remission.
The more people we've told about her diagnosis, the more people have said that someone they know has Crohn's. However, most of these cases are in adults. We take comfort in the fact that Sarah's gastroenterologist also has a daughter Sarah's age and can say "if it were my daughter..." with a relevant perspective. And yet another reason to be thankful that this house "waited" for us - our next-door neighbor, Ricky, has suffered from Crohn's for years. He's been on countless medications and even had a portion of his bowel removed about six years ago. He has a great outlook and lots of experience and is willing to share all of the ups and downs.
Her gastro doctor, pediatrician, and we are all pleased with her progress this summer. We hope this disease will stay in remission for a long time and flare-ups will be few and far between. We'll keep you posted...
Please send me any questions via email and I'll do my best to answer them.
Sarah's saga started back in May, while school was still in session. She appeared thinner and had dark circles under her eyes. I thought maybe she was dehydrated and encouraged her to drink more water. Later she started complaining of abdominal pain - but not often - and she got her first pimple. Right in the middle of her nose. So I thought maybe she had early onset puberty. We had a menstruation talk in preparation but nothing materialized. Since the abdominal pains continued - sudden and strong - but only about once a week, we took her to the pediatrician.
Dehydration and puberty were ruled out. She had gone from the 75th percentile in weight to the 25th. She had a urine test and a blood test. The urine test results came back that she was slightly anemic and that she didn't have a UTI, but there were signs that it might become one, so she was given antibiotics and put on a multivitamin with iron.
Results from the blood test came back negative for Celiac disease, Crohn's disease, and some other things. But she was still having abdominal pain, occasional vomiting and diarrhea. And she was obviously not her energetic usual self. Easily fatigued and not interested in her usual activities, even though by this time summer vacation had officially started. The doctor ordered another round of urine and blood tests and also requested a stool sample.
Then came the diagnosis of a C.diff infection. Her symptoms were textbook and we were relieved to be treating the right thing with the right medication, Flagyl. She also started a probiotic called Florajen.
During the course of Flagyl, Sarah complained of a sore throat. We went to the doctor again, expecting strep, but she was diagnosed with herpangina, common in the summer months, and even on the local news as being prevalent in the area. In younger kids, it's commonly referred to as Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease. There can be ulcer sores in the mouth and blistering on the palms and feet. There's no treatment given for that - just Tylenol or Motrin for pain, and her throat pain stopped relatively quickly.
After her Flagyl was finished, we went back to the doctor for a follow up visit with another stool sample. This time, the C.diff appeared to be gone, but she was still anemic and still had a few lingering mouth sores. They recommended a new yeast-based probiotic called Florastor. She was also still having fatigue, diarrhea and occasional vomiting, so we got referred to a pediatric gastroenterologist.
After her initial exam with the gastroenterologist, Sarah needed an upper endoscopy and a colonoscopy with biopsies. Four days later, she was under general anesthesia for both procedures which took less than an hour. The doctor took many interior photos of her digestive tract and concluded that Sarah had Crohn's disease, an auto-immune disease of the digestive system, even though earlier blood work for that came back negative. The mouth sores from herpangina may have in fact been a Crohn's symptom, as the disease can strike anywhere in the digestive tract, from the mouth to the lower bowel. She was put on a steroid to reduce inflammation and Prevacid for stomach irritation.
Sarah followed these procedures with a tuberculosis skin test and an upper GI with small bowel x-ray series to help determine which medicines might work best for her. It was a five-hour process to drink the barium "shake" and wait for the fluid to pass through her system, with x-rays every 30-45 minutes. Her TB skin test was negative, as expected.
After about two months on the steroid, she had gained almost 15 pounds. Her low at the time of the scopes was 59 lbs. and, as of last Friday, she's up to 74 lbs. and in the 50th percentile. Some of her energy has returned and she's no longer having diarrhea or vomiting. She does deal with constipation, hiccups, heartburn, and frequent trips to the restroom.
She is now on a maintenance medicine called Azathioprine and on a reduction plan for the steroid. She continues to take iron, a probiotic, a children's multivitamin, and Prevacid. Hopefully in a month or so, we'll be able to drop the steroid completely and she may lose a little water weight. Her cheeks have swollen to the point that she has "chipmunk cheeks" but luckily her friends at school are kind and don't tease her about it. We have to get blood drawn every two months or so. Her current diet does not allow popcorn or any ultra-fibrous foods. Other than that, she can eat like her siblings during remission.
The more people we've told about her diagnosis, the more people have said that someone they know has Crohn's. However, most of these cases are in adults. We take comfort in the fact that Sarah's gastroenterologist also has a daughter Sarah's age and can say "if it were my daughter..." with a relevant perspective. And yet another reason to be thankful that this house "waited" for us - our next-door neighbor, Ricky, has suffered from Crohn's for years. He's been on countless medications and even had a portion of his bowel removed about six years ago. He has a great outlook and lots of experience and is willing to share all of the ups and downs.
Her gastro doctor, pediatrician, and we are all pleased with her progress this summer. We hope this disease will stay in remission for a long time and flare-ups will be few and far between. We'll keep you posted...
Please send me any questions via email and I'll do my best to answer them.
Sunday, September 8, 2013
Sarah's 10th birthday
Sarah selected BJ's for her birthday dinner. The food wasn't good and the service was as slow as ever, but it was a nice way to stretch out her birthday dinner!
Two days later, we had her birthday party. I had suggested a fashion designer sleepover party at home. She wanted a LEGO Friends party at Chuck E Cheese and a cookie cake (gasp!). She ended up with a non-themed party with Funfetti cupcakes at Main Event, the same place Ethan had his birthday in April. *head spin*
Ali & Sarah
Cara & Sarah
Sarah & Kamryn
Grace & Sarah
Two days later, we had her birthday party. I had suggested a fashion designer sleepover party at home. She wanted a LEGO Friends party at Chuck E Cheese and a cookie cake (gasp!). She ended up with a non-themed party with Funfetti cupcakes at Main Event, the same place Ethan had his birthday in April. *head spin*
Ali & Sarah
Cara & Sarah
Sarah & Kamryn
Grace & Sarah
Thursday, September 5, 2013
Flag Ceremony
Ethan got to be a flag bearer during the closing ceremony of the scout meeting. Lucas became a Tiger scout!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Perot Museum of Nature & Science
The Perot Museum of Nature & Science just opened last year and we needed something to do on a rainy Labor Day weekend. It also completed a science belt loop for both Ethan and Lucas, so it was definitely worth facing the crowds.
Dinosaur bones.
Sarah pretending to be a bird in a 3D simulator.
Machines area
Jacob racing a T-Rex.
Dinosaur bones.
Sarah pretending to be a bird in a 3D simulator.
Machines area
Sarah racing a world class sprinter.
Jacob racing a T-Rex.
Monday, August 26, 2013
First Day of School 2013
First day, and we're not the NEW kids anymore. Hallelujah! Sarah (4th grade), Ethan (3rd grade) and Lucas (1st grade). Jacob is in 7th grade and pictures are mortifying to him. LOL.
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