Upper EnDO or EnDON'T

We're at a crossroad again. I'm standing here (actually sitting) trying to make an educated decision about how to proceed. We've hit a few rough patches this summer including:

• a battle with pneumonia (a four letter word in our home)
• a hospital stay (likely more pneumonia)
• a sleep study (moderate obstructive apnea)
• some insane sleep disruptions (full blown night terrors with screaming and tears)
• the addition of a suction machine (like the one used by your dentist)
• another mystery illness/infection that has resulted in another round of antibiotics (don't judge, you're not in our shoes)

It's time to make some more decisions and I don't feel qualified to make them, but we're the only ones that can say yes to the proposed course of action that includes:

• an Upper Endoscopy (requires anesthesia which geeks me out a bit)
• a PH Probe/Impedance (requires a hospital stay with a tube down her throat)
• another (third) Modified Barium Swallow Study (it counts as 1 of her 35 therapy visits)
• a conversation about her tonsils and adenoids (remove or not remove)

I know it doesn't sound like a lot or even very drastic, but I see what they truly are…milestones. The end of the small, easy tests with simple answers. The tide is changing. The stakes are getting higher. I had finally found my sweet spot with our day to day routines. Now I am just standing here with no idea which way to turn or what it may mean for Evie and for us if we do (or don't) pursue some of these options.

Am I more afraid of the obstructive apnea or of a surgical procedure to remove her tonsils and adenoids? (which in all likelihood the doctor will not support, but I have to ask)

Am I comfortable authorizing MORE testing, uncomfortable testing that requires sedation and a hospital stay?

What changes will we have to make to her diet if she is now aspirating food particulates like we suspect?

It is a ever changing world that we live in. I find it unsettling most days. (or at least when I allow myself to think about it)

If you ever think you're tired of your monotonous, boring, somewhat predictable life, please take a moment to be thankful for it because the alternative can be downright nasty.

Where Shopping is a Pleasure

Do you have a Publix where you live? Have you ever been to a Publix? Do you know what you are missing? Munching on their crispy chicken tenders, sipping their sweet tea, and satisfying your sweet tooth with one of their sugar cookie can become addicting. To put it simply...

We love our Publix!!!

Not just because of their food, their coupon policies, or their cleanliness. What makes Publix so incredibly AWESOME is their customer service. Their willingness to help you find something, even when you don't ask. Seriously, they see you cruising slowly down an aisle and will just offer assistance.  Is the product you're looking for not on the shelf? They will go check to see if they have more in the back (instead of saying, "I don't know" while shrugging…cough, cough…Walmart...cough, cough). 

What is best is the interaction between the employees and Evie. They always talk to her and ask how she is doing (on the rare occasion she stays home). Hands down her favorite department is the bakery (and the apron strings kiosk). She loves getting her cookie!