Levi's ENT Appointment

I was prepared to hear that Levi might need a sleep study, that he may need his tonsils and adenoids removed...totally braced to hear the word surgery. What I did not expect was to hear that Levi probably has acid reflux, and I sure didn't expect it to be so complicated to figure out when or if he needs surgery. The ENT put a tiny scope up his nose and was able to fully see his throat. His vocal cords and larynx were so swollen & inflamed that she can't really make any decisions right now. First we have to get him on Zantac to clear it up. She also confirmed that he has a large tongue and a tiny airway.

I thought it sounded so weird that this kid who never throws up could have acid reflux, but I met another mom there who's 4 yr. old daughter with Ds had the same problem. Her daughter was actually swallowing it rather than throwing it up. Maybe this is a low muscle tone issue. I don't know. (Side note: I met the mom b/c Adam saw her two little girls in the stroller & decided he needed to bring them each a book from the waiting room library. Such a charmer.)

The doctor was also very concerned about him getting pneumonia at such a young age. She said that's not typical. This is someone who specializes in Down syndrome, too. She wonders if his food is going down the wrong pipe. So I have to call tomorrow to schedule a swallow test, where he will have X-rays. We will go back to the ENT after the test.

At that follow up appointment, we will also be given instructions for doing a sleep test at home where we will monitor his oxygen levels at night (for sleep apnea).

*Sigh*

I liked the doctor's no-nonsense, direct approach. She told us what she found and what she was going to do about it and all the steps that would follow. No wishy-washy, wait and see stuff. She was all business, ready to go, & I loved it. I was so glad Wes was able to be there, too.

Thankfully we had a fun play-date planned directly after the appointment. It was a nice, fun distraction. Adam couldn't wait to see his beloved Aunt Tammi, and he had a blast. Plus he got to ride the train at the mall. A true delight for this sweet boy.
(Notice the passers-by in the background of this picture? That just makes me laugh!)