Updates on my Boys

Yesterday morning, my husband went in for his endoscopy to try and get to the bottom of what's been causing his ongoing stomach pain and discomfort. The procedure went well, and the anesthesia didn't make him loopy at all. I was really hoping to get some hilarious comments out of him afterwards, but no dice. :) It was relatively quick, too. When it was over, we had a diagnosis. Justin doesn't have ulcers like we originally thought. The only abnormality is that he has a Hiatal hernia. The strangest part is, apparently he's had it for a long time, but it's just now causing him pain. He had another endoscopy nearly seven years ago, when we were first married, and they saw it then, too. (I had forgotten about that until he reminded me yesterday.) That time, though, he had an ultrasound as well and ended up having his gallbladder removed when they found that gallstones were the source of his trouble. Since he doesn't have a gallbladder anymore, that can't be the problem now, so it seems his Hiatal hernia has been causing the recent pain. He's been put on an incredibly bland diet (poor guy) and has some strong antacids to help with the reflux that the Hiatal hernia causes. Only about 50% of people with a Hiatal hernia have symptoms, but unfortunately Justin has become part of that 50%. It won't ever go away on its own, but he can minimize the symptoms by following the special diet and taking meds when necessary. If it ever gets to be too much, he can have surgery to correct the problem.

As for Colin, he's been feeling better and regaining his crazy toddler energy. After several doses of a strong antibiotic, his double ear infection seems to be tapering off. However, he's been in serious teething mode on top of that, and the antibiotic he's on has upset his stomach some. As a result, he had a few days of massive diarrhea that caused an awful, blistering rash. Desitin wasn't really doing the trick, so at the suggestion of my sister-in-law who also happens to be an RN, I slathered up his red bottom with Aquaphor before bed last night. That did seem to help a little. I asked Colin's daycare teachers to treat the rash during diaper changes today, but of course I wish I could be the one to change him and take care of it. Today is one of those days when I really wish I didn't work outside the home and have to be away from my sweet boy so much. I feel that way often, but it really hits me when there's something I want to stay on top of - like a crazy diaper rash. Oh, motherhood.

In other, happier news, Colin is learning to eat with a fork. Isn't he just the cutest?! Don't judge his haircut, please - I did it myself and it isn't perfect. :) Also, it wasn't brushed here, and his curls kind of do what they want. Ha!