Lessons....sharing....

The past two days consisted of two full appointments, with Pediatrician and GI doctors, appointments to move to next and new steps.  History was discussed, past reactions and steps taken to get to where we are at today and next steps discussed on how to move forward from today to continue to get Little man to a healthy baseline to thrive through these FPIES years.  The pediatrician's goals are simple: growing and developing on track.   GI's goals are more complex.   Learning about treating FPIES here, learning from Little Man, learning how to avoid his allergens while still helping him thrive with the nutrients and medications he needs.  Developing protocols for treating FPIES, for food challenges and trials.  But right now, today, Little man continues to have bloody stools and the GI doctor has moved this up to top priority to seeing if further testing can tell us why.   Little man will undergo his 3rd scope on Friday morning.  Our GI will peform that scope and run some new tests/biopsy's. 
The past two days have been busy, and my head is spinning from all the potential progress....and while Little Man maintains a beautiful baseline.  He is a happy, playing, cuddling, kissing, giggling little boy the past few days and we are enjoying every minute of it. 

Last night, a friend posted her Lessons FPIES has taught her.   FPIES mom's come from all over the country, all over the globe!  We connect on this level....every one of us has a picture in our head that goes with each of these lessons learned....I not only want to link to Carter's Maze but also share her text here.  Thank you Carter for teaching your mommy, who teaches me, who supports me, who has shared so many of the ups and downs over the last 6mo. with me.   FPIES has taught me these lessons as well.  

Carters Maze: Lessons

"Things FPIES Has Taught Me . . .



· Two year olds have more compassion than the average 30 year old.
· Walking around wearing a shirt with vomit stains really isn’t that embarrassing
· It is possible to go a whole day with poop on your shirt and not know it and not care
· Doctors are human too, which means they are fallible
· Doctors don’t keep up with the latest research in their field of expertise
· Crumbs are scary
· “A taste of this won’t hurt” is completely untrue
· The internet is amazing. You really can find anything!
· Mommy instinct should always be acknowledged
· Poop really is a four letter word
· The American culture is completely intertwined with food
· Support is essential to sanity
· Passing a food feels like a kid on Christmas morning
· Failing a food is heartbreaking
· Just reading food labels will not keep our kids safe
· Seeing your child’s face covered in food can bring tears of joy to your eyes
· A birthday cake doesn’t have to be made out of flour or even food
· Every sunrise is a chance to start over, full of possibility
· Strength is tangible
· Sleep is optional
· It’s amazing how creative you can be with foods
· No matter how many children you have, you are never prepared for this!"

And here are my additions:
-Corn and soy are in everything
-Projectile poop is something new, even to a 4th time mom...

-Acidic vomit stains carpets...
-FPIES is an ironic, ironic world
-Love and support of family and friends is truly amazing
-I used to think I knew what busy was...
-I used to think I knew what tired was...
-I never knew how strong a sick baby could make me
-Everything amazes me and nothing surprises me anymore.
-Instincts are amazing
-Faith sustains me
-Everything, every.little.thing, happens for a reason.