long-overdue update

Ricky holding baby Elliot
Originally uploaded by Beckerbuns

I know, I know, I've been bad about updating! Had a little staycation at home when my BFF from Washington came to visit.

Last Tuesday, Ricky had his appointment with endocrinology. The good news is that he has grown an inch and is showing signs (I'll spare you the details) of puberty. The endocrinologist checked the computer for the MRI results and found that there were some interesting things found, but nothing significant to the growth issue... Which I suppose is now a non-issue! I got a copy of the neurology report. We did not need to make a follow-up appointment but we're following up with the CF doc of course, and she'll refer us back to endocrinology if Ricky shows signs of CF-related diabetes or anything else of concern.

A couple of days later I got a call from the neurologist's office saying that his MRI was essentially normal... Nothing to worry about.

Good news on the neuro front... Ricky's dizzy spells have STOPPED. That's right. No more. He is at 3/4 of the total dose of Topamax that was prescribed to him. I hesitate to be hopeful because my hopes have been struck down so many times. But... This IS hopeful stuff.

Ricky has still been tired a lot and has the chronic cough going on... But he is still healthier than he has been in a long time. Yay, Ricky!!!

He had an orthodontist appointment last week. We have been going back periodically because Ricky's teeth have been around 5 years behind. The last time, we went back to the dentist and Ricky had four teeth pulled. Luckily (?) after that he lost a bunch of teeth in quick succession (including one a couple of weeks back), and now in fact he is about to lose the last baby tooth he has.

The problem with the teeth is that he is already growing in permanent teeth that have nowhere to go because his mouth is so small and his teeth so plentiful. It is possible to see permanent teeth under the surface trying to come in. So in a few months he'll have to have some permanent teeth pulled and move into orthodonture (oh joy). The dental coverage we have right now doesn't cover orthodonture, so we'll have to cross that bridge when we come to it.

In case you're wondering about the picture attached to this entry... That's not some sneaky surprise of mine. That baby is Elliot, new baby son of our friend Rachel. Ricky still remembered how to hold a little baby without being shown! :)

Guess that's it for now...