Sunday, August 9, 2009

Sixth Trip to Duke

We went to Duke again this last week. It was our 6th trip. We got there earlier than normal so Abigail got to take her customary trip on the escalator...not once, but twice. I'm always amazed at how the little things can thrill my kids. Riding the escalator up and then down again happens to be one of those little thrills. I'm not sure Abigail fully appreciates or even understands the full extent of our participation in this trial. All she's focused on is that it's a really long drive, she gets poked and prodded (and occasionally pricked) and she has to daily be inconvenienced to take her drops. Little treats like warm bagels with cream cheese from the cafeteria and escalator rides make it tolerable. That, and the surprise books and small games that I pack in our "Duke trip" bag which, by the way, has a large Wake Forest Demon Deacon embroidered on the side. Dad, that one's for you!

At this visit, her dosage increased from 4 drops to 8 drops. Again, she had tingling in her ears and throat. Dr. Kim said that it was a frequently reported sensation for other participants. It sounds silly now, but I asked if there was any possibility that it could be a result of holding up your tongue for 2 minutes or if he felt that it was definitely a result of the drops. Definitely the drops. Again, no sign of hives.

Three other girls came in while we were there. They had all started the trial about the same time as Abigail. I'm always proud of her when she initiates a conversation and tries to make a new friend. There's only been one time though when we've seen a little boy at two different visits. Mostly, it's all new faces every time we go. It would be nice if another treat was seeing a special friend at each visit. Dr. Kim's new schedule is going to mean that we can only schedule appointments on Mondays and Wednesdays so we might start to recognize a few other participants.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

A good reminder we should all enjoy the little things in life!
love, Susan

Paul said...

and I think your awareness of the need to counter the dookness is a good thing. It may be catching. The Deacon Decal on the bag may be sufficient,-- she may need a blouse or something before long though with the regular exposure.

love and looking out for her total health

U Paul

Anonymous said...

Melanie, to you and to all others Mothers who are dealing with a food allergy, I would like to remind you that your kids (and my grandkids) are the firt true generation of our packaged, prepared, perserved, sweetned and enriched society in our history. My generation did have Campbell's soup in a can and green beans etc but for the most part everything was prepared from scratch and grown fresh or we froze it. For you children (the mother's of today) we were very careful with your food sources and joined a co-op with other families and I always tried to give you fresh but then the hectic schedules with 3 kids and the now plentiful supply of "convenience" mixes, it was sometimes just faster and easier to use a box.
So you guys are the first to have all these convenience foods introduced into your bodies. I know how careful you are with Abigail's and Nathaniel's foods and you are very conscienious about what is in their food but our environment is so enriched and perserved that I believe that is the basis of all the food allgeries in this generation. We did not have these allergies except for a rare case now and then. What I am saying to you mothers' is that you have a difficult task of feeding your families in a healthy manner and I have many concerns about how our food is being produced and perserved for longer shelf life.
As an extended family, you know we are also dedicated to Abigail's wellness and we try to do all that we can to support this venture towards that goal.
I love you all.
Mom/Gramma