We got a call back from the sleep clinic. We had her iron levels and ferrittin levels drawn to check to see if this was causing her Periodic Limb Movements. Her iron was 58 (normal 50-120) and her ferritin was 14 (normal 6-21). I guess when they have this syndrome they like them to be higher, so they will be starting her on iron supplements twice a day.
She can not have dairy 1 hour before or 1 hour after, and we have to space it out from her prevacid by 1 hour. I have to give it to her on an empty stomach, with 100% vitamin C juice. It takes about 4-6 weeks for the effects to kick in, so we go back in 3 months to get levels drawn again and hope to see the levels higher. It is not something that needs to be treated long term, as long as she maintains her level.
So we shall see. Hope this helps.
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
The Results Are In...
For the sleep study. We finally heard back from them yesterday with Brooklynn's sleep results.
Good news first - no obstructive sleep apnea! So that means she snores, but it does not physically effect her. Yay!
I knew there was SOMETHING they found though when they ended that statement with "so that's good news..."
Than came what they DID find. She has Periodic Limb Movement Disorder. There could be much worse. Still, I was expecting one answer and got another. This Disorder is where she unconsciously moves her limbs periodically throughout the night (legs, toes, knees) that takes her out of REM sleep. There is not much data on kids her age with this, it is a newer diagnosis. They said with older kids anything over 5 movements an hour would classify them in this realm, with adults it is anything over 12 movements an hour.
Brooklynn moved 12 times an hour randomly, and 20 times an hour periodically, so pretty much they say she has this disorder.
So what does this mean? Eventually it could cause mood disorders and ADHD, learning difficulties, etc since she does not get adequate REM sleep. There are ways to prevent this from happening.
We need to get her iron and ferrotin levels drawn because low iron (anemia) can cause these symptoms. Ferrotin delivers iron to the brain, the brain uses iron and produces dopamine, which helps with REM sleep and sleep cycles. So low iron would decrease the dopamine cycle. So if her levels are low, we will start her on 2 times a day iron supplements and reasses in 3 months. If she is still doing this, we will go for 3 more months at higher levels, and than reassess.
If the iron does not work there are other medications they can use, but they cause some major side effects. Looking it up online, they are benzodiazopenes and drugs used for Parkinsons. This step would require a lot of discussion.
Hopefully the iron works.
So not the worst news we could receive. Just more follow up needed, possibly another medication. But at least we do not need to worry about adenoid and tonsil removal at this time!
Good news first - no obstructive sleep apnea! So that means she snores, but it does not physically effect her. Yay!
I knew there was SOMETHING they found though when they ended that statement with "so that's good news..."
Than came what they DID find. She has Periodic Limb Movement Disorder. There could be much worse. Still, I was expecting one answer and got another. This Disorder is where she unconsciously moves her limbs periodically throughout the night (legs, toes, knees) that takes her out of REM sleep. There is not much data on kids her age with this, it is a newer diagnosis. They said with older kids anything over 5 movements an hour would classify them in this realm, with adults it is anything over 12 movements an hour.
Brooklynn moved 12 times an hour randomly, and 20 times an hour periodically, so pretty much they say she has this disorder.
So what does this mean? Eventually it could cause mood disorders and ADHD, learning difficulties, etc since she does not get adequate REM sleep. There are ways to prevent this from happening.
We need to get her iron and ferrotin levels drawn because low iron (anemia) can cause these symptoms. Ferrotin delivers iron to the brain, the brain uses iron and produces dopamine, which helps with REM sleep and sleep cycles. So low iron would decrease the dopamine cycle. So if her levels are low, we will start her on 2 times a day iron supplements and reasses in 3 months. If she is still doing this, we will go for 3 more months at higher levels, and than reassess.
If the iron does not work there are other medications they can use, but they cause some major side effects. Looking it up online, they are benzodiazopenes and drugs used for Parkinsons. This step would require a lot of discussion.
Hopefully the iron works.
So not the worst news we could receive. Just more follow up needed, possibly another medication. But at least we do not need to worry about adenoid and tonsil removal at this time!
Friday, June 17, 2011
My first adventure in couponing...
So as many of you know I have started couponing...this is my first week. I am really starting to keep my eye out for deals. So far I have made 1 really great purchase (hey it's a start) and have 3 rainchecks. I was really upset that I couldn't do anything more than this but I guess it's an okay start. All at CVS...
I bought Mitchum Advanced Control Deodarant - original price $3.99. On Sale for $1.99. Had a 0.75 cent coupon. So got it for $1.25. Not too shabby.
I have 3 rainchecks too since they were out of the product:
- Charmin 4 count toilet paper - original price $4.99. On sale for $2.99. Have a $1 off coupon. Final price: $1.99
- Schick Hydro Razor - Original Price $8.99, on sale for $8.00. Have a $4.00 off coupon. Will receive $4.00 extra bucks to use on a future purchase. Final Price: Practically Free
- Colgate Total - Original Price $3.69. On sale for buy one get one free. Have two $1 off coupon. Final price: 0.85 cents each.
Stay tuned for some more success stories (I hope). One day I hope to have a $200 bill that I got down to <$100! We shall see :)
I bought Mitchum Advanced Control Deodarant - original price $3.99. On Sale for $1.99. Had a 0.75 cent coupon. So got it for $1.25. Not too shabby.
I have 3 rainchecks too since they were out of the product:
- Charmin 4 count toilet paper - original price $4.99. On sale for $2.99. Have a $1 off coupon. Final price: $1.99
- Schick Hydro Razor - Original Price $8.99, on sale for $8.00. Have a $4.00 off coupon. Will receive $4.00 extra bucks to use on a future purchase. Final Price: Practically Free
- Colgate Total - Original Price $3.69. On sale for buy one get one free. Have two $1 off coupon. Final price: 0.85 cents each.
Stay tuned for some more success stories (I hope). One day I hope to have a $200 bill that I got down to <$100! We shall see :)
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Start of Being a Coupon Mom?
I am making a change in my life. I am going to become one of "those" moms who clip coupons. After watching Extreme Couponing on TLC I have made a promise to myself - by the end of the year I am going to cut our grocery bill in half. By this time next year, my ultimate goal is to cut it down by 1/4! Do you think I can do it? I am not sure but I am definitely going to try!
I am starting to watch out for ads. I am keeping a close eye on CVS and Walgreens...I guess these are where you can really save money! I have discovered based on reading up on those that coupon that you should never pay for bath and beauty, or at least have over 75% savings on anything you purchased. Toothpaste and toothbrushes should be free. Deodarant and razors should be free or at least no more than a couple of dollars.
So how am I going to do this? I have been reading up on multiple sites - including couponmom.com, thekrazycouponlady.com, and coupondivas.com. I will get the Sunday paper and save all coupon books. I will keep an eye on ads, and match up manufacturer, store, and discounts at the store so that we can start building our stock. In a months time I hope to be starting ot create a stock of nonperishable items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc) so that we can not have to worry about going to the store for these items.
Can I do it? I don't know but I sure hope so. It looks like it might take some time - but if others are doing it and only paying $10 for $75+ worth or product why can't I?
For once, I am excited about saving money! I will keep you up to date on whether I actually accomplish this - and I am hoping to post when I get good deals so hopefully you can enjoy these benefits as well!!
I am starting to watch out for ads. I am keeping a close eye on CVS and Walgreens...I guess these are where you can really save money! I have discovered based on reading up on those that coupon that you should never pay for bath and beauty, or at least have over 75% savings on anything you purchased. Toothpaste and toothbrushes should be free. Deodarant and razors should be free or at least no more than a couple of dollars.
So how am I going to do this? I have been reading up on multiple sites - including couponmom.com, thekrazycouponlady.com, and coupondivas.com. I will get the Sunday paper and save all coupon books. I will keep an eye on ads, and match up manufacturer, store, and discounts at the store so that we can start building our stock. In a months time I hope to be starting ot create a stock of nonperishable items (toothbrushes, toothpaste, toilet paper, etc) so that we can not have to worry about going to the store for these items.
Can I do it? I don't know but I sure hope so. It looks like it might take some time - but if others are doing it and only paying $10 for $75+ worth or product why can't I?
For once, I am excited about saving money! I will keep you up to date on whether I actually accomplish this - and I am hoping to post when I get good deals so hopefully you can enjoy these benefits as well!!
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
I have been a Posting Fool!
So I know I have just posted on my blog. I have been updating pretty regularly actually compared to my normal. But I posted mostly facts.
Now I am going to post some thoughts.
This has been a roller coaster of a ride...this thing called being a mom. The first time around I felt like it was easy - I had a daughter who was growing well, a pretty great baby whose only downfall was crying...a lot. But she was so cute I could handle it.
Than I got pregnant with my second. I loved every minute of it just like the first. But I was living on the edge. On the edge of will I be having her early? Will I be able to go back to work? Will I ever make it to term?
And I got close...4 weeks early just like the first. She was on the verge of being concerned when she was born. She was only for observation but just enough to worry me with her breathing, her sugars, her bilirubin, and her head. But never enough to worry the doctors.
Than her head started growing...quickly! And the doctors were worried. The tests were negative, but I was still worried. And we looked at her head 4 times with different tests - all pretty much the same - enough to be a little concerned and follow but not enough to do anything.
Than her breathing became an issue. She was holding her breath at night, she was snoring, she is constantly getting sick, and now we are working her up for asthma. Again, not enough to really worry the doctors, but just enough to worry momma!
And now we have this tiny thing called a PFO. I went in to cardiology thinking we would hear that her heart is perfectly normal - or rather perfect! Instead, we heard that she has a tiny whole in her heart. Again, not enough to worry the doctors, but enough to worry her momma...again.
Don't get me wrong. I am SOOO very grateful that everything we have done has not found anything serious. I just wish that every doctor we went to see would not find something tiny that we still have to monitor. Because a "it's essentially normal but we have to monitor" is not good enough for a mom. I want to here "it is normal and there is no concern."
I hope you don't think I am complaining. I hope you don't think I am not grateful for the fact that I have two beautiful girls who are growing and interacting and developmentally perfect. This is, however, my blog where I can write how I feel. And that is how I feel.
Still waiting on the sleep study and again...I am worried we will hear something is wrong. Something else to make me worry that one of these days the rug is going to be pulled out from under me and something will actually be really wrong.
On an end note - I love my family and I always will. I love being a mom, even when I am on the uphill sweep of this roller coaster.
Now I am going to post some thoughts.
This has been a roller coaster of a ride...this thing called being a mom. The first time around I felt like it was easy - I had a daughter who was growing well, a pretty great baby whose only downfall was crying...a lot. But she was so cute I could handle it.
Than I got pregnant with my second. I loved every minute of it just like the first. But I was living on the edge. On the edge of will I be having her early? Will I be able to go back to work? Will I ever make it to term?
And I got close...4 weeks early just like the first. She was on the verge of being concerned when she was born. She was only for observation but just enough to worry me with her breathing, her sugars, her bilirubin, and her head. But never enough to worry the doctors.
Than her head started growing...quickly! And the doctors were worried. The tests were negative, but I was still worried. And we looked at her head 4 times with different tests - all pretty much the same - enough to be a little concerned and follow but not enough to do anything.
Than her breathing became an issue. She was holding her breath at night, she was snoring, she is constantly getting sick, and now we are working her up for asthma. Again, not enough to really worry the doctors, but just enough to worry momma!
And now we have this tiny thing called a PFO. I went in to cardiology thinking we would hear that her heart is perfectly normal - or rather perfect! Instead, we heard that she has a tiny whole in her heart. Again, not enough to worry the doctors, but enough to worry her momma...again.
Don't get me wrong. I am SOOO very grateful that everything we have done has not found anything serious. I just wish that every doctor we went to see would not find something tiny that we still have to monitor. Because a "it's essentially normal but we have to monitor" is not good enough for a mom. I want to here "it is normal and there is no concern."
I hope you don't think I am complaining. I hope you don't think I am not grateful for the fact that I have two beautiful girls who are growing and interacting and developmentally perfect. This is, however, my blog where I can write how I feel. And that is how I feel.
Still waiting on the sleep study and again...I am worried we will hear something is wrong. Something else to make me worry that one of these days the rug is going to be pulled out from under me and something will actually be really wrong.
On an end note - I love my family and I always will. I love being a mom, even when I am on the uphill sweep of this roller coaster.
Brooklynn's Cardiology Appointment
Today we went to see Dr. Bingler in cardiology. They started with measurements - she was 81.2 cm long, 12.2 kg, and her blood pressure was 107/66. I asked about the blood pressure because it is the same as mine, and they said it was in her leg which is usually higher and also that the dynomaps that they take them on are not 100% accurate. Okay...I guess I am okay with that answer.
They did an EKG which I am assuming was normal because they did not say anything. The doctor came in, said he heard a soft murmur, and therefore wanted to do an echo. We did the echo, and found out that she has a 3-4mm PFO (patent foramen ovale). This is a whole that is there in utero to help with blood flow from the placenta to the lungs in the fetus, but should close after birth. Hers did not. He said that there really are no complications that they know of for sure with PFOs. If they are large enough it can cause respiratory infections (which he said it sounds like hers are not necessarily from here - but it could have complicated things when she had RSV as a baby and required oxygen). He said since this is the first time we have seen her, we don't know if her PFO was larger when she was a baby, and therefore it is hard to determine if it is closing or staying the same size. They will be following her again in 9 months with another echo to see if the PFO has grown larger as she gets bigger, has gotten smaller, or closed.
I guess there is some research out there that this possibly might increase the chance of her having a stroke when she is older, but there is such conflicting research that it is not sure if this is true. He said hopefully in 5 years we will know more and that will be beneficial for her if it is still there to know this research. He said there is no risk at this time of a clot, and if it was less than 2mm they wouldn't even follow it any more. So let's just hope next time it is closed. Makes me a little nervous for a long term outcome, but hopefully the research is not true!!
We are still waiting on the results of the sleep study...
They did an EKG which I am assuming was normal because they did not say anything. The doctor came in, said he heard a soft murmur, and therefore wanted to do an echo. We did the echo, and found out that she has a 3-4mm PFO (patent foramen ovale). This is a whole that is there in utero to help with blood flow from the placenta to the lungs in the fetus, but should close after birth. Hers did not. He said that there really are no complications that they know of for sure with PFOs. If they are large enough it can cause respiratory infections (which he said it sounds like hers are not necessarily from here - but it could have complicated things when she had RSV as a baby and required oxygen). He said since this is the first time we have seen her, we don't know if her PFO was larger when she was a baby, and therefore it is hard to determine if it is closing or staying the same size. They will be following her again in 9 months with another echo to see if the PFO has grown larger as she gets bigger, has gotten smaller, or closed.
I guess there is some research out there that this possibly might increase the chance of her having a stroke when she is older, but there is such conflicting research that it is not sure if this is true. He said hopefully in 5 years we will know more and that will be beneficial for her if it is still there to know this research. He said there is no risk at this time of a clot, and if it was less than 2mm they wouldn't even follow it any more. So let's just hope next time it is closed. Makes me a little nervous for a long term outcome, but hopefully the research is not true!!
We are still waiting on the results of the sleep study...
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
bp photography
I am starting a new blog to display my photography work. If you are interested in being a member please let me know.
It is http://photographybybp.blogspot.com.
Either join just to be able to look at the pictures (there will be lots of the girls I am sure), or feel free to contact me for a session.
If you want to book a session contact me either through here, facebook, or e-mail me at kityhawk13@aol.com.
It is http://photographybybp.blogspot.com.
Either join just to be able to look at the pictures (there will be lots of the girls I am sure), or feel free to contact me for a session.
If you want to book a session contact me either through here, facebook, or e-mail me at kityhawk13@aol.com.
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