Behind The Scenes This Week

Hello Friends! I decided I would give you a look behind the scenes at our life. Have you ever just had “one of those weeks”? Well, that’s what I’ve been having!

This week was suppose to be our 3rd week of our new homeschool year, however, we were hit with a horrible stomach bug last Wednesday and it went through ALL 9 of us! As I write this Tuesday evening, we are still not completely well! We did school through Thursday last week and I am still hoping to get some schooling done this week!

We usually have endless complications with illnesses. This time was no different.

Here is why:

Our oldest (10) has digestive issues, asthma, dairy allergies, and an IgA deficiency. He actually did okay with this stomach virus.

Our 2nd child  (8 ) has a mitochondrial disorder and is severely developmentally delayed with very serious digestive issues (chronic vomiting and a feeding tube), among other health conditions. She also did okay with this illness and just required us to give her pedialyte via her j-tube.

Our 3rd child (6) has growth issues (small for her age, still trying to figure out why – besides the fact that she has ALWAYS been a super picky and light eater!) and low blood sugar concerns when sick. She spent two nights in the Children’s Hospital in May when we were hit with another stomach bug. She has been having a hard time recovering this time. She vomited again today after two days of no vomiting. We are constantly having to encourage her to sip juice, etc. She seems to be improving overall.

Our 4th child (5) is recovering okay (his special needs: peanut allergy).

Our 3-year-old is still having stomach issues, but no more vomiting. I think she will be okay (no major health concerns).

Our 2-year-old is recovering similar to his 3-year-old sister and has no health concerns.

Our 16-month-old “baby” is having the hardest time this time around.

What I haven’t shared on the blog yet, is that our youngest has some serious developmental delays. Because of his oldest sister’s mitochondrial disorder, he was referred to a neurologist/mito specialist several months ago. Besides growth delays and developmental delays, he doesn’t have any other health concerns.

After multiple tests and a brain MRI, it was determined that he does indeed have a serious medical condition, yet to be named. His brain has some serious delays (I guess, you would call it). He received genetic testing that did NOT diagnose a mitochondrial disorder, but did indicate another genetic condition that *could* cause mitochondria damage. Further genetic testing is being done to specify whether or not the genetic abnormality is a concern. Our oldest daughter has never been genetically diagnosed and all genetic tests have so far came back completely normal for her, so these new genetic tests could potentially give her a more specific diagnoses as well.

Back to this week:
I brought our youngest to his pediatrician this morning because he was refusing his bottle and hadn’t taken any fluids for over 24-hours. The silly boy decided he would take his bottle while we were at the doctor’s office! (Thanks be to God!) However, his blood sugar was borderline too low. We are keeping a close eye on him and praying he improves. He did take another bottle this afternoon, too. Any sign that he has taken a turn for the worse and we will bring him to the ER.

So, it has been a stressful week. We had plans to take next week off from school, but now I am not sure we will. So much for planning, hey?

P.S. I turn 30 today (the 16th!) and my dear husband turns 36! Yes, we share a birthday!