Doctor Visits

This is the latest post in the series of William, grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

As November approached, and my mother was now in Oklahoma, instead of Michigan, I was getting a little worried about who would be able to collect the big girls from school during our quadruple doctor's visit in Grand Rapids.  My back up plan had been to use the Eatran, but they didn't run any routes this direction, that time of day, as they were short on bus drivers.

I finally asked my friend Natalie if she would be willing to pick them up.  She agreed, and that was the plan.  Then, my mom returned sooner than expected, so she did not have to worry about collecting them that day.  

With rides arranged, I was able to focus on getting the little ones to their appointments.  First up was a follow up visit for the curve in William's spine.  We were crazy early, since we left straight from Alice and Emily's school drop off, but they were able to take us back early.  After a few xrays, she told us that he had actually improved and that both curves were smaller than they had been!  So, she wants to see him back in a year, or if any concerns come up before then!!

From there, we went to have lunch, and then played.  

That still didn't eat up much time, and so we were quite early to the second appointment as well.  Sadly, they were booked solid, and were not able to bring us back early.  So, we finished the second part of Sonic 2, and got through the first half of Turning Red before we could meet with the Plastic Surgeon.

His assessment was also good news for now, no big changes yet. He wants to continue yearly checkups with them.  I was concerned about a lump that seems to be growing on Juliet's head.  He ordered a CAT scan for her.  I was surprised when we were able to schedule it so quickly.  So, about a week later, the day after Thanksgiving, Billy and I accompanied Juliet to a very short appointment.  

Since she had to give up part of her break, we decided to do some fun things with just the three of us.  

First up was a much busier mall than I had anticipated, despite being black Friday.  I guess I'm just so used to empty malls at this point, but the one in Grand Rapids was busy!  We found a booth that rents ride on animals, and she had her pick of the litter. (lol)

She and Billy also spent some time in the Arcade.

We were hungry, but skipped out on the Cheesecake Factory, because they too were swamped.  We drove out to an adorable town, not too far away, called Lowell.  We ate at the brewery there (because many things were closed!) and it was very pleasant.

I think Juliet had a good time, despite a less than fun task at the beginning of the day.  We didn't hear from the doctor (aside from the technical report in her online portal) which to me is an indicator of good news.  It's when the doctor calls himself, and promptly, that you have to worry.  So, I guess we'll be able to wait another year!

later days

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edit: backdated for continuity

Endocrinologist, for a checkup

This is the latest post in the series of William, Grace and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

Billy took Friday off, so that he could pick up the big girls from school, should we be in Grand Rapids longer than expected.  

After taking the big girls to school, I came home and finished getting the little ones ready, we loaded up and headed out.  We hadn't been on the interstate more than 30 seconds when my check engine light came back on, but that's another tale.

We arrived and unloaded about 10 minutes before the appointment time.

I really like the endocrinologist.  She reviewed the past 6 months, and then we discussed my list.  I wanted to get William's genetic testing done, had questions about limiting vitamin D,  and other such things.  

She did raise William's dose just a bit, and ordered same day wrist x-rays, and blood work when we come back next month. = (

Also, she got to meet the endocrinologist that the kids had in Houston! I'm sure that she will never forget William...  Apparently our Houston doctor is one of the most knowledgeable about hypophosphatasia now (which comes as no surprise, she was amazing) and travels a bit to teach other doctors.

Endocrinology was the only appointment we had for the day, so afterwards we went to eat lunch in the cafeteria, then headed down to x-ray.

Radiology has my favorite waiting area in the hospital. The children's area is completely separated and has books, riding toys, and lost of farm/house/castle playthings.

When we walked back, they took William and Grace first, while Juliet and I waited in the hall.  It took no time at all before she was called back and we were on our way home.

We were happy to have a 'light' day at the hospital, and even made it back in time to pick up the big girls!

later days

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Orthopedic Doctor

 This is the latest post in the series of William, Grace, and Juliet's journey with hypophosphatasia.

In addition to picking up William's inserts, we also saw an orthopedic specialist.  The day was lots of back and forth for me, as the twins had speech, then we had to go back to pick up William, then back past speech to go up to the clinic.

Their waiting room was designed for adults, but mercifully had a children's area.  It was not enough to keep their attention through the entire wait though, we had a trip to the restroom and water fountain* in there too.

The orthopedic doctor was unfamiliar with hypophosphatasia,  but took some x-rays of his leg.  he saw some new bone growth, which normally happens when there is a fracture or break, but could just be the Strensiq in action.

He sent the films to their endocrinologist to view, so after we see her in April, we will return to him for a follow up...for something?  He didn't see anything worrisome, and surgery is not in the short term plans. = )

At least the snow should be gone by the next time we go up, in May, right?

later days

P.S.  I seem to always be put in charge of the jackets when we are at appointments.  I'm not sure about the big girls' coats, but all three of the little one's jackets will zip together!  It makes them much more manageable to carry around.

*The details are so easy to lose, and I really want to be able to read this and remember how it was.

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