I never thought the title to a series of popular books would be a title of a blog entry, but it seems suitable. This summer has been a continuation of our little medical drama's that have occurred throughout the year. Let me preface this by saying that we in no way have had terrible, life threatening, or chronic illnesses. I know so many people are dealing with incredible health issues, and we have been so blessed in that area. It is just eye opening to know we have had more doctor's office appointment's, x rays and lab tests in the last six months than we have had in the last six years combined!
About seven weeks ago, on the first weekend of summer, Josh broke his ankle. He was just playing in the backyard with his friends, stepped funny on an uneven area of the lawn, and rolled his ankle. Me, the expert of all things medical, relied on recent history of bad sprains we thought were breaks, and decided surely this was one such case. Feeling like we could avoid another unnecessary x ray and costly doctor's visit, I decided to wrap it and treat it at home. Needless to say five days later when he still couldn't put weight on it, I decided more intelligent heads should prevail and carted him off to the doctor. Seeing the proof that my strong, agile 14 year old had indeed fractured his ankle, I felt terrible. No mother of the year awards around here anytime soon. It was tough on Josh, he missed out on a lot of fun times in the water, with his friends, youth activities and family vacations. He just recently has been able to start putting weight on it and is getting along pretty well.
Last week Ryan mentioned in passing a few times, that his ear was bothering him. Since he has been swimming with the PG swim team this summer, Dr. me just assumed it was swimmer's ear and bought some over the counter drops. This weekend the pain drastically increased until it was nearly unbearable, and yesterday once again we were making an urgent care visit to the doctor. Turns out that he ruptured his ear drum and has terrible infections in his middle and outer ear. This week just happens to be his church Moab trip with the Priests, a few days of hiking, rafting, kayaking, biking and so on. This Saturday also happens to be the biggest swim meet of the season. So of all the weeks of the summer to be down with something, this isn't the one he wanted.
It's so hard as a parent to watch your kids in pain, but it is even harder to see them disappointed when they have to miss out on things that are important to them. Life used to be easier when a kiss and a band-aid could make the world better.
About seven weeks ago, on the first weekend of summer, Josh broke his ankle. He was just playing in the backyard with his friends, stepped funny on an uneven area of the lawn, and rolled his ankle. Me, the expert of all things medical, relied on recent history of bad sprains we thought were breaks, and decided surely this was one such case. Feeling like we could avoid another unnecessary x ray and costly doctor's visit, I decided to wrap it and treat it at home. Needless to say five days later when he still couldn't put weight on it, I decided more intelligent heads should prevail and carted him off to the doctor. Seeing the proof that my strong, agile 14 year old had indeed fractured his ankle, I felt terrible. No mother of the year awards around here anytime soon. It was tough on Josh, he missed out on a lot of fun times in the water, with his friends, youth activities and family vacations. He just recently has been able to start putting weight on it and is getting along pretty well.
Last week Ryan mentioned in passing a few times, that his ear was bothering him. Since he has been swimming with the PG swim team this summer, Dr. me just assumed it was swimmer's ear and bought some over the counter drops. This weekend the pain drastically increased until it was nearly unbearable, and yesterday once again we were making an urgent care visit to the doctor. Turns out that he ruptured his ear drum and has terrible infections in his middle and outer ear. This week just happens to be his church Moab trip with the Priests, a few days of hiking, rafting, kayaking, biking and so on. This Saturday also happens to be the biggest swim meet of the season. So of all the weeks of the summer to be down with something, this isn't the one he wanted.
It's so hard as a parent to watch your kids in pain, but it is even harder to see them disappointed when they have to miss out on things that are important to them. Life used to be easier when a kiss and a band-aid could make the world better.
5 comments:
Geez, I am glad I don't live at your house. Don't spread that stuff around. :) Just kidding. Sorry it has been such a rough 6 months.
When it rains it pours. I know how you feel, both misdiagnosing and feeling for your children when they miss out on something they've been looking forward to. Hope you guys stay healthy and happy for the rest of the year!
Poor Ryan!
Don't feel too bad Val. My mom let my four year old sister walk around with a broken arm for 4 days before she took her in. We're all just doing our best!! Also, when there are so many false alarms to deal with, it's hard to know when they REALLY are in pain, even the older ones.
Hope Ry does well with all the water activities!! My girls constantly talk about him!
I know how you feel Valorie. I thought McKay's broken arm back in February was a separated shoulder and that it would heal on its own! Don't feel bad--it happens to all us moms!!
They say things come in 3's...so you are done right? Hee Hee. Hang in there girl!
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