The Van

The New Van

I promised a picture of the new van so here it is.  Not much to do with our health, but it makes us all a little happier and that means something.  At least now we will cruise to Dr. appointments in style.  Well, as in style as one can be in a minivan.  No Dr. appointments until next Friday.  Yay!

Kate's Contacts

I took Kate back to Shiley Eye Center at UCSD and she had all the usual tests that she loves to much.  Tell me what you see,  which is most clear 1 or 2, etc.  This was a contact fitting and our insurance doesn't cover it.  Fun.  Here's the deal.  Her contacts will be there in about 2 weeks.  They are specially made because her vision is so stupendous.  They are supposed to last a year.  They cost $150 each,  that's $300 a year,  which isn't too bad unless she starts losing them left and right.  Still not sure if our vision plan will cover any of the contact cost.  So, we will go in and the Dr.  will put the contacts in and make sure she can see and that they fit correctly.  If they don't,  we place a new order and wait another two weeks for new contacts.  If they do,  they teach Kate how to use contacts.  I wore contacts for years so I am hoping that I will be helpful.  They tell me that 8 year olds can totally get it,  so here's hoping.

Kate was really bummed that we walked out of there sans contacts.  Kids meal at McDonald's helped cure that,  not a treat she gets much...  if you can call it a treat.  I will admit that after most Dr. appointments these days I often feel the need for a pick-me-up.  And wouldn't you know it,  there's a McDonald's right there in Rady Children's Hospital.  I end up getting whoever I have with me that day an ice cream cone.  And I always get myself one, along with a Diet Coke.  I guess that's why I'm gaining weight. 

Noah and Abby

Noah and Abby had their cardiac echo today.  It's funny,  because when I took Kate to have hers I was so certain that nothing would be wrong I sat through it a little anxious,  but ok.  Today,  when it's almost certain that nothing will be wrong,  I cried the first 10 minutes of Noah's.  I keep looking at the dumb screen and seeing things that are wrong when I know I have no stinking idea.  I finally switched seats and watched 'Bugs Life' with Noah facing away from the screen. I was even thinking I need to go back to school and use my RN to get me into an accelerated ultrasound course.  HA!  I have time for that.  But it sounded good at the moment.   By the time Abby got in there I was much better.  Ugh.  One more appointment done. 

Kate's Eye Surgery

Well,  I  just got off the phone with the eye Dr.  at Shiley Eye Center at UCSD.  After conferring with another Dr.  that saw Kate,  they think it's best we postpone surgery for now.  They would like to have her fitted for contacts as they are supposed to give her better vision.  After we see how she does in contacts,  which I'm thinking may be difficult for an 8 year old,  we will revisit the surgery.  The eye surgery will happen at some point.  I think their thinking is that as long as she can see well enough we can postpone it until she gets a little older.  So,  we go back to Shiley on October 26th to see someone who will fit her for contacts.  Hopefully she will be able to use contacts.  She has asked to get them in the past so I know she is motivated.  Wish us luck.  I know Jed thinks we should just do it now.  Jed was the one who caught the dislocated lenses in the first place.  I am eternally grateful that he did.  I can't imagine something happening to Kate because we never caught it.  And I am really ticked at her regular optometrist here in SD who never dilated her eyes and caught it himself over the last few years!  Anyway,  I can see both sides of the argument for waiting and doing the surgery now.  It's difficult getting different opinions.  I can just hope and pray that erring on the side caution and trusting the Dr.'s at Shiley serves us well.  Where's that crystal ball when you need it?

Ethan's Cardiac Echo

Just found out that Ethan's cardiac echo has come back normal.  The first Dr saw a slight enlargement of the aorta,  but I guess with the more thorough test they were able to see that it is within normal limits.  Good news for once.  Now we wait for the blood test and Noah and Abby's cardiac echos. 

Noah, Abby, Ear and Van

Noah and Abby have their cardiac echo's this Friday.  Abby hates that she's missing school.  Who's kid is she?  I doubt they will say anything,  but we can hope.  I guess Nov 4th is sneaking up on us anyway.  I am going to see the ear Dr.  on November 17th,  same day Kate is seeing her orthopedic Dr.  If there isn't a Dr.  visit scheduled during the week it actually feels like something is missing.

Other news,  picked out a new van.  I will post a pic when we get it.  It's been  almost 11 years in my black van.  I noticed today that the front passenger headlight is actually falling out....it's my van confirming the choice to ditch it.  I hope.

Ethan and Marci Cardiac Echo

We both had our cardiac echo's done yesterday.  Usually the techs doing it won't say anything,  but we both got a "things look good to me" from them.  We'll find out for sure Nov. 4th or earlier if our primary drs decide to call us with the results.  Taking off for the Zoo and van shopping today.  I know, it's about time on the van.  It used to be a kind of badge of honor,  driving til it drops, etc.  But lately it's just embarrassing,  and squeaky,  and about to die,  I can feel it.  More than usual,  I should add.