X-Ray Update

Just wanted to update all of you on this morning's doctor visit regarding Tay’s chronic cough. First of all, the x-ray experience itself was very scary for me. Taylor did wonderful, given the situation. The x-ray machine looked like a medieval torture device — an elevated seat where the legs dangle, and a plastic casing wraps around the body, forcing the arms to sit tight up against the face. It keeps little ones still so that they can take a good picture...and tortures parents watching their little ones in this contraption. She was great though. She didn’t cry, but had a permanent fearful look on her face...which was heartbreaking. She kept saying “Mommy, all done...all done...all done” in a little whimpering voice. The doctors were impressed, and so was I. She definitely doesn’t have my anxiety issues.

The technician said that it typically takes two to three days to get the radiologist's report. But, after about three hours of waiting, I called the pediatrician (see -- anxiety issues). The pediatrician was so understanding and could hear the oh-so-worried-Mommy nerves in my voice. They promised to put a rush on the report and get back to me ASAP. Fast forward two hours, and the doctor called. (LOVE this doctor.) The verdict is better than I expected, but not perfect. She’s clear of pneumonia, her heart looks great, and there’s no foreign bodies lodged in her system. She does have inflammation in her major airways, or what they have labeled “reactive airway disease.” Yeah, my heart stopped when I heard “disease.” BUT, the doctor reassured me that it is very common in little ones, and something that many grow out of. We’re not sure of the trigger that causes the inflammation, but it’s probably some sort of environmental irritant like dust, pollen or puppy hair (or Cayman vomit).

We’ve taken her off of the Singulair and her tantrums have not subsided yet (it’s only been 24 hours). BUT, her coughing got significantly worse this morning. So, we’re in a wait and see mode. Wait and see if the severe tantrums are related to the medicine, in which case we will be burning the Singulair and looking into other medicine alternatives. If the tantrums do not subside, we know that it’s not medicine-related and we chalk it up to the Terrible Twos (and hold on for dear life), then look into continuing Singulair or something else.

Thank you for all of the emails and comments. We are so grateful for the many many thoughts and prayers. THANK YOU!