First Annual Check

This past Tuesday we headed out to Oxford's John Radcliffe Hospital for Jeb's annual check with the head CF team. We were a bit nervous as to how Jeb would handle the day of being pricked and prodded, but he did really well.

The Children's Wing is two years old, so everything is brand new, which put us at ease right away. We started with the blood draw, which was made so much easier by the play specialist, who blew bubbles to distract Jeb - we still had a few tears, but nothing major. Next stop was the physiotherapist. Both Tom and I had to demonstrate how we do our daily percussions on Jeb. A few changes to both our techniques (daddy may be a bit overzealous!) and then we were off to the dietitian. Jeb is nearly 27lbs and 40th percentile!! His height decreased by a cm, so I'm thinking they didn't do it right. But, we are really happy with the numbers and his daily pediasure can now go down to a couple times a week or when he is sick.

Next stop - x-ray of the lungs. The door opened and it was like a disco! Seriously! Lights flashing and Lightning McQueen and the gang all on the wall. Jeb was in heaven. And b/c the equipment was new, all he had to do was stand in front of the 'X'. (No film this time, Aunt Kara!). Ultrasound to the stomach, liver and pancreas went well while watching a movie. (Aiden asked if they'd be able to see the butterflies in his tummy!). After that was lunch. Phew!

We had a two hour wait and I was a little on edge since I knew there were 2 other CF patients there and we kept passing in the hall (CF patients cannot come within too close of contact b/c of cross contamination). Finally we found a outdoor playground within the hospital. But, Jeb decided to dirty his diaper. I didn't know how much time we had so I changed him on a bench. Buns in the air as the doctor came out to greet us. Instead of Jeb's face, he got a real good look at his buns. A bit embarrassing!

This was the best part. Dr. Hull said that Jeb is off daily antibiotics from now on. He also said that he was very confident that Jeb would not be in the hospital this year. In fact, he didn't see Jeb needed IVs for years. And when I asked when his pancreas would start to fail, dr. said he doubted that it would. His genetic mutation is mild. A look at his x-ray showed clear lungs - a score of 1 on a 0-5 scale (0 being perfect). We walked out with smiles and a very tired boy.

It was a great day, but even when sitting in the state of the art hospital and getting the best news that we could get, it was hard. Jeb looks and acts so normal and we try to make sure he lives a normal life, but it's hard not to wish it wasn't us and more specifically it wasn't him. But, we grasp those great moments and celebrate.

It's been awhile since I posted a video of Jeb. Take a look and celebrate him with us...