Faith's Blended Diet and Other Things that Help with Her Digestion

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This page contains affiliate links and Faith's Mom may earn a commission if you use them. As an Amazon Associate, Faith's Mom earns from qualifying purchases.  Learn more.   Ever since Faith was born, she has struggled with her digestion. When she was in the NICU, she would spit up after eating even the tiniest amount of formula. Her dad and I were convinced her tummy was too small to handle large volumes of food. Sometimes when she ate, her heart rate would drop really low, which is why she needed to be in the NICU for longer. She just could not get the hang of eating and breathing at the same time!  Faith receiving food through an NG tube in the NICU.  Grandma giving Faith a bottle when she was 2 months old.  After finally bringing her home, eating continued to be an issue as she struggled with severe reflux and constipation. We tried various formulas, but she was never able to drink enough formula to gain a lot of weight. She also had trouble burping, and she...
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A Slight Scare with My Heart

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Today I find myself struggling. I have been on the verge of tears all day. No, it's nothing to do with Faith. I'm going through a little 'blip' with my own health. Strange, even though I know I have a heart condition, I don't really think about it much. I take my daily meds and that's about the extent of it. 

I'm always way more concerned about Faith and how she's doing in school, at therapy, with her digestion, with her stretches, with her learning, the list goes on and on. There is little room to think about me. As is the norm, I think, not just for moms of special needs children but all moms.

It all started last week when I went in for a routine pacemaker check to see how much life was left on my battery. It was good news - still about 16 months left to go, which means no trip to Rochester anytime soon for a battery replacement. 

Then early this week, my cardiologist from Mayo calls and asks how I've been feeling lately. Apparently, there was an arrhythmia called atrial fibrillation on my pacemaker report. I was a bit baffled as I hadn't been feeling any palpitations or abnormalities. He wanted me to get a 24-hour Holter monitor and then go from there.

Hoping to be around for many more years to look after this girl! 

 On Thursday, thanks to my good friend, Tina, I made it to Medcenter to get my Holter attached. I had one about 15 years ago and they are much smaller now. While I was getting hooked up, Tina had taken Faith and her kids to the library. When I was all done, I met them all at the library and as it turned out a local dance company was giving a ballet demonstration. There were twelve dancing princesses, and the girls just loved it! It's all Faith could talk about last night.

I didn't sleep well last night because I was paranoid about something on my monitor getting disconnected. So, this morning after getting Faith to school, I was thankful to get in a three-hour nap.

Since receiving the phone call from my cardiologist and especially since being hooked up to the monitor, I have been trying hard to not let fear or anxiety take over. Admittedly, I have had moments of thinking what if something were seriously wrong with my heart? What if I end up needing another surgery? How would I take care of Faith? 

BUT I do know that God is in control, He truly is the Master Planner. He knows what my future holds, and he will make provisions for all of my needs to be met, just as He always has. I'm so thankful that by knowing Him, I can take comfort in His promises.

It helps, also to have a wonderful friend to talk with and be with and pray with during this time. I'm so thankful for my friend Tina. I don't know what I'd do without her! She is a total blessing to our whole family.

Seven minutes left, then I can finally take off this monitor and take a nice, soothing shower!

Comments

  1. AnonymousSeptember 22, 2010 at 5:45 PM

    Dear Cari First off I wanted to say hi!!!! I am so glad i found you on hubpages!! I too have congenital heart condition, and a son born with it as well. I have been looking for someone that i cold relate to because it has been difficult!!!! I had my first open heart surgery at mayo clinic, but it was a long time ago back in 1974! Dr. magoon performed my surgery. I am now 42 years young and living in missouri. I love reading your blog as it is inspirational to me!! keep writing, and best of luck to you and your beautiful daughter!!!

    ReplyDelete

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