#1
We saw a pediatric ENT on Monday by recommendation of our Speech Therapist in attempts to rule out any structural issues that could be causing Mia's feeding problems. Not sure if I posted this last time, but just to recap, our last swallow study at the beginning of the month showed improvement, but Mia is still silently aspirating on thin liquids. She was able to tolerate a thinner consistancy than the last swallow study, which was good news, but we are still having to thicken all of her liquids with a thickener called Simply Thick. You just shake it up in her milk, juice, etc. Back to the ENT... he used a flexible scope in Mia's nose and down the throat to take a look. Of course she was screaming, but he was able to see redness indicating some amount of reflux, and also a POSSIBLE laryngeal cleft stage 1 (very mild, but could be contributing to feeding issues). 'Possible' because he really coulnd't get a great look because she was crying, make that screaming, so hard. I have never heard of a laryngeal cleft (heck, I don't even know if i am spelling it correctly now) The easiest explanation is to go to wikipedia and search it :) If indeed this is the cause of her swallowing issues, the doctor at this point just recommended speech therapy (feeding therapy) and thickening of liquids- which we are already doing both, so that was some good news :) If they feel it is necessary, they can go in and do an endoscopy to take a better look, from the sounds of it from both the ENT and our Pedi- this wouldn't be preferred at this point (too invasive).
#2
We are STILL trying to get an MRI scheduled for Mia- looking for any neurological causes for the feeding issues, motor delays, and a cute tongue that turns a bit to the left :) (should come straight out). Insurance finally approved the MRI after about a month of paper work back and for between the doctors. Now the hospital can't see her until January!! :( She needs a pediatric anesthesiologist for the procedure and one is not available until then. Talk about job security! :)
#3 The week got better though when Mia decided it was finally O.K. to play on her tummy! She even thought it wouldn't be so back to try and move around to get her toys that way!! :) Yay!! Still need to work on strenthening her body so she can push up on hands and knees so she can crawl. She is really working hard though with physical therapy 2x's a week, and we are seeing great progess.
Well, that is enough for now! Will update with any new (or exctiting!!) info :)
Here come the cute pics.... :)
She looks like such a 'big girl' in this one!
Cutest Longhorn Cheerleader- thanks Aunt Candy and Uncle Bob Bob for such a cute outfit!
Our Nana loves us in Scotties! This outfit is from our friend Kim :)
"Do I have something on my chin?"
