It is amazing thinking back that Pierce’s diagnosis was just under 4 months ago. It seems like a lifetime since all the stress, angst and worry started around his “mysterious illness”. I rarely feel the pain in my heart anymore….the nagging one I felt each day, all day, when no one could give me an answer. This week it all came rushing back.
On April 15th, there was a photo shoot in our home. Pierce had seemed even worse that particular week….increasingly lethargic and vomiting almost every meal. Nathan was traveling to Charlotte and I was juggling a stressful work schedule. Thankfully my wonderful mother in law stepped in and took Pierce to the pediatrician. I tried not to let most people at work know what was going on (I am not one for sympathetic stares or the awkward questions) so I desperately needed to pretend all was fine. After his appointment, I got a text from my MIL saying the doctor was very concerned about Pierce’s weight loss and he was sending them to Vandy for blood work and other tests. I rushed upstairs to my bedroom, pretending to take a call….and honestly I went to hide and cry. “What kind of mother isn’t there for those tests?” I asked myself. After 5 minutes of sulking, I sucked it up and went back to my pretend world and the photo shoot. Luckily, that trip to Vandy led us to Dr. Moulton’s office, in the GI clinic at Vandy, the following day. Sitting in that waiting room, praying that once behind the door we would get answers. Pierce moving from my arms to Nathan’s arms and back, completely uncomfortable and exhausted from fighting. It felt like hours before we saw the doctor. And then, just like that…he provided an answer. I remember his soft, sweet voice saying “your son is in celiac crisis and I would like to admit him to the hospital”. It was scary. Scary and calming.
Thursday, Pierce had his first follow-up at the GI clinic since the hospital. He has moved from the 3rd percentile in weight to the 57th. He walks, talks, and actually prefers for me not to hold him. The kid I took to the doctor four months ago and the one who returned this week are so far apart…and I am so thankful. At the end of the appointment, the nurse practitioner said “he looks great. You are doing a fantastic job, mom”. Weird how one comment that probably seemed so small in her world, made my heart almost explode with joy. We are on the right track:)
But don’t worry….I didn’t leave the appointment too high on my fancy horse. She brought up gluten free make-up, shampoo and a whole slew of other things I had honestly not researched. So Thrive Market has that appointment to thank for my rash order of baby shampoos, vitamins and cleaners. And due to my google searches on GF make-up, my Facebook feed has never looked so pretty:). One day, I will know all the ends and outs of where gluten hides….right??? Until then, I will keep making random purchases, trying crazy recipes, and watching my buddy grow!
Adventures in Celiac 