Tooth stuff

A few weeks ago, Clark had a lip infection.  His lip was swollen to about 4x it's normal size and he was treated with antibiotics, which made it go back down...but not all the way back to normal.  This week, we noticed the lip was swelling again and then the night before last we noticed a lump above his right front tooth on his gums.  The lump kept getting bigger and bigger until eventually you couldn't see 2 of his teeth.

Yesterday, we took him to see his pediatrician about it, who was very worried after she examined him.  She wanted to admit us immediately, but said that she thought it would be a good plan to either see his dentist right away or go to the ER at children's hospital.  We opted for the ER. 

That ended up being a bad idea because here we were, for 3 hours, surrounded by people who know virtually *nothing* about the mouth.  Going to the dentist first would have been the better idea.  Luckily, the ER called Clark's dentist, who said come over right away.

The dentist explained that what was happening was the body's way of rejecting the teeth (these are the two that do not have enamel, due to the high level of antibiotics he was given at birth in the NICU).  SO, he prescribed antibiotics and scheduled Clark for surgery next month (the day after his birthday) to remove the two infected teeth.

Please pray that this infection (which was diagnosed as an abscess) goes away quickly and for a safe and uneventful surgery for Clark.  We've known that these two teeth were going to be a problem ever since they grew in, since they didn't have enamel.  His dentist was hoping that the solution would be as simple as a cap, but unfortunately, that's not the way it turned out. 

Thankfully, so far though, Clark has had no signs of infection other than the lump in his mouth and has been eating normally.  Well, normally for Clark.  Although, he has gained a few oz.  He's just shy of 20 lbs.  He'll be 2 in a few weeks and wears 12 month clothes, which are quite loose in the waist.  He's a very skinny little guy.  Prayers for weight gain are very much appreciated, also.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Quick Clark Stats:

 20 lbs 3 oz

31.5" tall

World Prematurity Day

but those who hope in the LORD
   will renew their strength.
They will soar on wings like eagles;
   they will run and not grow weary,
   they will walk and not be faint.
 Isaiah 40:31

 

Roadtrip to Nashville

 

We just got back from a trip to Nashville to visit friends.  It was a great trip and Clark traveled really well, surprisingly.  He did lose 1/2 a pound while we were there, so that is worrisome, especially considering we have his followup with the GI next week.  Please pray for him to regain that weight.

Plan P

Prayer & Pediasure

As you may know, Clark has been a milk (& any milk like substance) refuser since February. That , I believe, is *the* reason we're in the boat we're currently in. Last night, as I was chatting with my dear friend KK, I told her we were moving on to "plan C" because the tube didn't pan out. She quickly responded that her husband said "We're on plan P, more prayer and Pediasure!". I was immediately a fan of this plan.

I wanted to report that as of this moment, Clark has had 2 boxes of Pediasure today (totaling over 700 calories). Plan P (especially the prayer part) is working! Keep praying because this could be the ticket to avoiding (another) surgery for Clark. I am amazed that he is drinking it, as he has never done this before, and we have certainly tried countless times.

While we're at it, if you could please pray for him to be 20 pounds by next week, we would really appreciate it. Right now, he weighs 19lbs 2 oz & has a BMI of 14. If you know anything about BMI, you know that 17 is considered underweight. Anything lower is practically emaciated. And Clark's ribs are definitely visible.

Thank you all again & again. We couldn't do this without you & your love & prayers <3.