The Endocrine Clinic

Judah had his first appointment at the endocrine clinic this morning. First of many. It was ok. The nurses were nice, but I finally met a doctor I didn't like. I guess with all the doctors and specialists we see it was bound to happen, but it's still a bummer. It's amazing what difference a doctor can make. Well, just look at Dr. B., my perinatologist. He had an incredibly positive effect and influence on the scariest time in our lives. (Truth be told, I really miss him.) I'm thinking if we have to see this doctor every 3 months, we should like him. Which means I'll probably ask for one of the other endocrinologists. I thought I should give this one another shot, though. (That, and I was too chicken to ask for a different dr. when I made Judah's next appt.) Maybe he was just having a bad day. My gut tells me that this just isn't a good match, but we'll see. All that said, Judah did great. He's now 8 lb. 12 oz. and 20 3/4 in. long. (I trust that length measurement more than the one at the pediatrician's office!) We need to go back to Childrens for more labs to make sure his hormone replacement doses are right on, and I need to take in a urine sample to be tested for a diuretic condition that Judah will develop soon, if he hasn't already started. And how does one get a urine sample from an infant? A special urine bag literally gets taped around his little business, put the diaper back on, and wait. Hoping he doesn't pee around the bag like he did in the NICU...3 times. He also has an ultrasound scheduled for the 3rd. The dr. couldn't find his testes and there was no specific information about them from his previous ultrasounds and VCUGs. He wants to know if he has them and where they are. IF he has them? Not ready to travel down that road.

I've been thinking that there's so much "medical-ness" surrounding Judah all the time, that he almost gets lost. It's even hard for me sometimes to set all of that aside and just gaze lovingly at my little boy. Just Judah. He's so beautiful and sweet. He's such a champ, a survivor. But he's also just my little boy.

We finally got our report from BoysTown today. Nothing new. The next step is our consult with the surgeon at the end of September. Then we'll know when he'll have his lip surgery. Boo. It's inevitable, yes, but I'm struggling with the upcoming change in Judah's looks and the recovery process.

Still no word from Dr. L. I've called twice in the last 2 weeks and had the privilege of talking to the same nurse who makes me feel like I'm bothering her. I've realized, though, that this just presents another opportunity for me to be gracious. There have been many, many opportunities in the last 2+ months; I really think that being gracious is one of the ways God is using us in the lives of those we "work" with. He's maturing me in this area, and it's a very practical way that we can be different from other parents. When someone makes a mistake, there's an inconvenience, or someone is rude, we have the opportunity to be kind and gracious. Anyway, hopefully I'll hear from Dr. L. early next week. It's hard not knowing if Judah can or will ever be able to really see me.

There goes my alarm. Time for the 2:00 meds.....