Monday, August 18, 2008

Growing

Today we went to the Cystic Fibrosis Center for Lainey's 3rd visit. Since this time last month Lainey has grown 1/2 inch and gained 1 1/2 pounds. She is now 23 1/2 inches long and 10 lbs. 15.9 oz! Still not the 3 lbs. they had wanted to see (she is still in the 10th percentile for weight), but we are working on that. Due to the frequency and consistancy of her bowel movements, it has been concluded that changes with her enzymes need to be made if we wish to see an increase in weight. To assist in weight gain, Dr. Caplan decided to try upping her enzymes to 2 per meal and taken in applesauce. Originally we tried the applesauce, but it was way too difficult to feed it to a newborn. Now she is loving the addition of applesauce and doesn't seem to mind the new requirement! The thoughts behind the applesauce are that the enzymes will make it to the small intestine before the formula. This is important because the enzymes aid in digestion, fat and vitiamin absorption, and in the end ~ weight gain. If after a week of using this new regimine we don't see any changes in the number of bowel movements she has per day (4 or less), we will then change to another brand of enyzmes. As we have learned, this is a trial and error situation. Every person with CF is different and their body's needs are constantly changing.
As for Lainey's lungs, all is clear. We have been worried about her lately with her sinus drainage, cough, sneezing, and stuffy nose. Thanks to the antibiotics and chest physical therapy, Dr. Caplan was happy to report that all sounded nornmal in her little chest. We will be working very hard in the following months through the cold and flu season to keep the germs away. These will be challenging months, especially with myself working with 20 first graders, Logan in school, Liam in daycare, and Sid working in the ICU. Hopefully we can keep any and all illnesses to ourselves! To aid in her protection against RSV, Lainey will begin taking Synagis. This is very expensive and will take from September to April for Lainey to receive the entire dose. A nurse will come to the house once a month to give Lainey her shot. We will have to weigh her on a digital baby scale (they will provide) and call in her weight to assure she receives the appropriate dosage. Thank goodness for insurance!
Overall, today's visit was great. She is continuing to grow, have good chest sounds, and most importantly, she seems completely content with everything! The doctor did send CF testing kits home for us to collect cell samples from Logan and Liam. We are not sure how long it takes to receive the results, but we will keep everyone posted. I will be tested at Lainey's next visit. On September 17, both Gigi (my mom for those of you who do not know that Gigi is her name to Logan, Liam, Lainey, all of their friends, as well as their teachers) and Lainey have appointments in the same area. We will go to mom's cardiologist at Emory first and then to Lainey's CF appointment.
Thank you for all of the encouraging words, thoughts, and prayers. Please help us pray for good health and an uneventful winter in relation to Lainey's CF progression. We are lucky to have such wonderful friends and family, for they are the ones that keep us strong! Thanks to my parents, Lainey will have a more protected winter by staying at their house.

Friday, August 15, 2008

Sinuses

Hello! The Smithson household is under the weather with sinus drainage, headaches, and sore throats! Lainey began having a runny nose and a cough on Wednesday, several days after Liam and I began with the same symptoms. After speaking to Dr. Caplan, he was comfortable with placing her on an antibiotic and seeing her on Monday (we already had her monthly CF visit scheduled for Monday). We have also stepped up the chest physical therapy; spraying Ayr Mist in each nostril and performing percussions on her lungs several times a day. Since beginning the antibiotic on Thursday, she seems to feel better and definitely sounds better! Only 7 days into the school year and we already have runny noses. Hopefully this is all we will bring home from our days in the elementary schools, daycare, and hospital.
As I mentioned before, we are going to Lainey's monthly visit at the CF Center on Monday. Although she is still wearing newborn clothes, we are praying that her weight is at least 2 pounds heavier than last month. 11 1/2 pounds is what I am hoping for...more would be awesome! I will update after our visit on Monday!

Friday, August 1, 2008

Gaining Weight!!

Today Lainey went to her pediatrician for her 2 month check up. She is doing well in all areas, especially growing! She has gained almost 1 pound in 2 weeks! This is awesome for her since people with Cystic Fibrosis have difficulty gaining weight. She is now weighing 10 lbs. 5 1/2 oz. and is 23 1/4 inches long! She is right on target for her development as well. She is lifting her head and trying to turn over! She has been smiling for a couple of weeks and last week she began cooing! Thank you for all of your prayers. They have helped her as well as our family in so many ways. We will be going back to the Cystic Fibrosis Center on August 18 for another check up. Please pray that Lainey has grown by atleast another pound and that she is free of any infections!

Sincerely,

DeAnn, Sid, Logan, Liam, and Lainey