Drained

This summer has all been about getting Brandt the best possible medical care, but that has meant 2-4 doctor's appointments per week. He has been to every type of doctor imaginable: from atleast 10 visits to the pediatrician in the past two months to his weekly physical therapy. Then, we factor in trips to his pulminologist, neuro-opthamologist, geneticist, neurologist, otolaryngologist, cardiologist, and imaging centers... Did I leave anyone out?!?! We have done local visits in Port St. Lucie and Jensen Beach and traveled down South Florida to Jupiter, Loxahatchee, and South Miami.

He's been stuck with needles at least twice a mouth since March, from IVs to labwork. They've tested him for an array of genetic and metabolic conditions. He's had allergy tests and immune-deficiency tests. And, then there's monitoring his complete blood count to watch his anemia. Factor in his regular immunizations and an occasional antibiotic shot, and you'll understand why this kid does not like to be touched by doctors or nurses.

On a daily basis, Brandt takes at least six different medications--and that's assuming he's not sick. He takes albuterol and pulmicort around the clock for asthma. He takes Nasonex and Zyrtek for allergies, and he takes Ferrous Sulfate and Poly Vi Sol w/ Iron for his anemia and immune health. And, yet, he is ALWAYS sick. So, then they factor in an antibiotic and steroid--and maybe even a shot or two--and he's still sick.

We've been going nonstop all summer--but for what? Yes, physical therapy has helped Brandt to increase strength, and now he is crawling strongly with his belly off the ground. No doubt, that has been a success. But what about the rest of it? We have spent thousands and thousands of dollars on Brandt's medical care in just the past few months. Add on another grand for traviling expenses--hotel, gas, food. And, yet, we are no further into knowing what is causing all of these delays. We are no better off preventing Brandt from getting sick, no better equipped in helping him recover when he is sick.

So, one must wonder--when does it end? Will they figure out what is causing all of his delays? Will they ever be able to better manage his asthma and allergies, or is he always going to be sick?

I feel so helpless for him. He's always sick and crying, and I'm always exhausted. I spend every waking minute (many of which are in the night hours) trying to make him content--from playing with him to holding him around the clock to driving him in the car to sleep.

It's been a long, hard summer, and I'm exhausted. I'm not sure how much more fight my body has to give, and I'm not so sure that any of the fight will ever yield any results.

I'm not trying to sound so down, but I am truly drained... God, give me strength
Sent from my BlackBerry® by Boost Mobile