A Busy Wednesday Morning

This morning, we had our appointment at Texas Children's Hospital to do an x-ray of Andrew's upper GI. We previously had explained to Andrew that we were going to hospital to drink a chocolate shake and take pictures of his throat and stomach in hopes that if he knew what was going on, he would cooperate better (like with the sleep study).

Our appointment was for 9:15am with a 8:45am check-in time. We checked in and then waited in the waiting area trying to keep Andrew happy, entertained, and quiet. Minutes upon minutes passed. I admit I was getting frustrated--so much so I even went up to one of the admissions clerk to inquire about the length of our wait. It had almost been an hour and a half. The clerk checked on things and said they were way running behind (no duh), but they would get to us as soon as they could.

We have been to TCH a few times for other appointments, but had never waited very long. I typically commend them for their organization and timeliness. I usually am patient when it comes to these things, but anything after an hour just to get called back into the examination room starts to concern me. And what got me the most was that Andrew had to fast since midnight last night. So, here it was almost 10:30 and and Andrew hadn't eated or drank anything! I was scared his hunger or thirst might become so unbearable that he would combust into total meltdown. I didn't want to have to hear him ask for food or drink and to have to then tell him that he couldn't.

Finally, we were shortly thereafter called to the back. We walked into the x-ray room. The nurse placed those heavy coverings for protection during the x-rays on Daddy and me. As for Andrew, she said he could wear a gown or just go in his diapers. He opted for just diapers.

We started with a few stationary shots of his throat and stomach, which didn't go well. The wiggle worm and was pretty fussy and uncooperative. He usually doesn't like xrays so it didn't come to a surprise. But I had hoped that maybe he would be okay this time.

After those first xrays, the nurse went to prepare the berium drink for Andrew. We of course chose to have her add the chocolate syrup to the berium hopefully making it taste better for Andrew.

For the procedure, Andrew would lay down on the x-ray machine and drink the berium. The radiologisth would be able to observe the berium move from his mouth to stomach all the while record it too. Gotta love technology.

After the drink was ready and the radiologist came into the room, we placed Andrew on the table. The nurse was brillant and told Andrew he would get to go under a "tent" to take the "pictures" of his throat and stomach. The "tent" was basically the x-ray machine with a covering over it (which I don't know why it was like that, but whatever). Andrew totally dug the idea of a "tent" and did fantastic! He laid down so well and drank the shake. It was a total 180 degree turn. Unfortunately though, he wasn't drinking the shake fast enough (understandable considering it was thick and the nurse said it also had a weird texture). So, the nurse asked if Andrew would be okay with a syringe. I was confident that he would considering how well he takes medicine via a syringe and told her so. True to form, he was more than fine with it and the nurse was able to get enough berium down fast enough such that the radiologist could see what he needed. Andrew made it through the rest of the procedure beautifully!

After the procedure was completed, the radiologist said that everything looked great anatomically. He didn't see any problems with Andrew's swallowing and digestion. He would pass the information onto the GI doctor who would be in touch with us. At least, we know that everything looks okay (at least, anatomically) with Andrew.

It was pretty late in the morning by then and Daddy had to leave to get back to work for a meeting. As for Andrew and I, after I got him dressed, we drove down to South Houston where we were meeting up with my family for a last lunch before Uncle Nhat drove up to Austin.

Since Andrew didn't eat breakfast, I had promised him doughnuts and kolaches after the procedure. So I stopped by a Shipley's before the restaurant. Andrew ate a few donut holes. I thought he would devour his food, but he didn't. I wonder if he was pass the point of hunger at this point. Anyhow, we met up with the family at a pho place where Andrew ate noodles and bo vien (beef meatballs). He also ate some of his kolache too.

Then, after we all finished eating, we said our goodbyes. It was kind of sad, but I know we will see them soon!! Andrew and I headed back home to take a nap. I was exhausted!!