Lincoln's Blog: Synagis Shot, and Side Notes

Linc had an appointment at the pediatrician this morning for his first Synagis shot (RSV antibodies). He did ok in the car on the way there. He likes it best when the car is moving, as most kids do. Lincoln was in a pretty good mood after being taken out of his car seat. We got his weight (12 lbs 5 oz = less than 1% for his age, but at least he's growing!) to verify the Synagis dose. No other measurements were taken though since his 6 month well visit isn't until next month.

Lincoln was smiling and talking to Dr. Fitz-James when she came in. She was very pleased with his progress, especially head control and awareness of his surroundings. She told me that Lincoln's cough and sneezing probably meant he had another cold. She said he most likely has had a string of different infections, rather than one cold lasting for the past 6 weeks since Lincoln has had some days when his symptoms are better. She said as long as his SO2 stays up that his wheezing and coughing are nothing to be too concerned about. His airways are not completely healthy yet and some respiratory "stress" is to be expected. If his mild upper respiratory symptoms turn into lower respiratory symptoms, that is when we get worried. She did find a mild ear infection in Lincoln's right ear, probably due to him having nasal drainage for so many weeks. Lincoln has been more irritable the past 4 days or so, but he never ran a fever or pulled at his ears. She prescribed a round of antibiotics to make sure he gets over the infection.

The doc gave the go-ahead for Lincoln to start experimenting with solids in a few weeks since he is holding his head up in-line now when sitting. She also said that giving Linc some water and juice are ok too to make sure his bowels stay soft since he is on a concentrated formula, and may need some extra fluids. After the doctor was finished, the nurse gave Linc his Synagis shot, which was quite big, almost one ml. He also got a few of his 6 month vaccines so that he doesn't have so many shots at once next time we visit. He will get his flu shot next month too, as he will be 6 months the required minimum age! In all Lincoln got 3 shots in his thighs and one oral vaccine. He wasn't too happy after that (poor baby), but he soon fell asleep in the car and has been since. The doctor did say that Linc could run a fever from the shots and of course he may be irritable.

It was a good visit and nice to have a professional look Lincoln over, especially with his lingering cold symptoms. Needless to say, I worry about Lincoln constantly as a first time mom in addition to Linc's CDH. It's a little comforting to know he now has the RSV antibodies to help him out this season, and next month he will even have the flu vaccine to help more! Lincoln will go back to the pediatrician every 28 days through RSV season (Nov - March) to get a Synagis shot to help him fight any RSV he may come in contact with. Linc has two doctor appointments (Newborn Med and Surgery) and an echocardiogram scheduled for this Thursday at St. Louis Children's Hospital Clinics. Hopefully he will get two "good report cards" this week.

Side Note #1
Lincoln was accepted to the Missouri First Steps program for his home developmental therapies! He was accepted based on the DAYC evaluation that was taken a few weeks ago. He scored below his age group (5 months) in all five categories, but had to score at half of his age to qualify.
Cognition - 4 months
Communication - 3 months
Social/Emotional - 1 month
Physical Development - 3 months
Adaptive Behavior (self calming/dressing/bathing)- Birth

We have an appointment this Friday to discuss frequency of visits and what therapies Lincoln will benefit from. The Missouri program is more family based than the private agency we were using before, meaning the goal is to teach me, the parent, to help Lincoln, and not depend on only therapist working with Lincoln. He will have one main therapist, probably a PT, but she will have access to OT and Speech as consults if we run into a road block. I'll know more after our visit Friday. I'm so happy that Linc was accepted. This way I know I will get he help I need to help Lincoln catch up properly.

Side Note #2
Since I didn't post for Halloween, I thought I would sneak these pictures in of Lincoln's first Halloween. He didn't dress up, but still looked festive in a Jack-O-Lantern shirt and sleeper. We just stayed in and handed out candy to the many trick-or-treaters we get.