Monday, October 27, 2008

Monday, October 27, 2008 - Update

Who's down with OPG?
My little gangsta

I don't know why Olivia looks like such a gangster in these pictures. I thought it was hilarious when I went to look at them. Unfortunately, we weren't headed anywhere fun. . .we were headed to her doctor's appt with her developmental pediatrician. It didn't quite go as well as I planned and I was thankful to have Kerry with me. Hmmm. . .where to begin.

Olivia first visited with an occupational therapist who was very concerned about Olivia's retracted shoulders and inability to transition from one position to the next. She thinks that Olivia is a prime candidate for intense occupational therapy. . .more than Rainbows has been giving her. They have an outpatient clinic at Wesley that she can go to, but that would require me to get Olivia out a lot more often this winter. Without the protection of her Synagis shots, do I risk exposing her to so many things? Is it better to expose her to get the therapy she needs or is staying healthy more important? I don't know and I am so extremely stressed about it.

Her retracted shoulders are still a huge problem for her that is preventing her from progressing in her development. Olivia wasn't able to complete any of the tests appropriate for her age because they all involved manipulating toys and grabbing onto things. Again, she has still come a long way but is nowhere near where she should be. Also, her walking?? It has to come to an abrupt end. Her doctor says that for most children, it is not a concern if they walk before they crawl, but for Olivia it is HUGE. When we walk her around the house, we are forcing her to retract her shoulders even more. So, it's like we are creating an even bigger obstacle for her to overcome. Needless to say, I'm pretty stressed about the whole thing and frustrated that I don't know what to do for her. I think that's all I should go into for now.
***The most frustrating thing for me (besides the whole Synagis issue) is that I am not supposed to let Olivia do any of the things that she loves to do. I have to limit her time in the jumperoo and not let her walk around the house. Needless to say, she's getting a lot of pony rides around the house. . . .I don't think that negatively affects her in any way.

5 comments:

Cristi said...

I am sorry you are so stressed. Even though we know how far they have come, it is still hard not to want them to be caught up. They have already been through so much. It is tough to think of future struggles. You are in my prayers.

Sarah said...

I'm sorry :(

Kerry said...

I'm buying you some knee pads, stat! Pony rides must be a second best to walking though. I'm glad I could help out today even if just a little.

And yeah, I kinda forgot I had brownies and still ate ice cream for dessert. I actually had some vegetables with dinner though so maybe that cancels out the two desserts?

Anonymous said...

I'm sure you've looked at it, but incase you haven't here is the link to the website for the synagis shots. http://www.synagis.com/links.aspx

It has some tips and links with statistics and info to send to your insurance as persuasion. Maybe the March of dimes would be able to help also. You shouldn't have to sacrifice one health need for another. Good luck!!!!

Anonymous said...

I'll be praying for you,Ryan and Olivia and hope you can find someone to help you figure out what to do about the synagis shots,
We have to keep brainstorming to help you find the way for Olivia to get that shot. Keep the faith.

The pics are great.

God is Awesome:)