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Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
Navigate Life Texas: Resources for kids with disabilities and special needs
December 11, 2017 | By: Sharon Brown
Categories: Diagnosis & Health Care
There have been many medical procedures and there will be many more to come for my little girl. One of her issues with her muscle weakness is having a weak respiratory system and mouth and throat muscles. Those two issues do not mix well together at all!
She has difficulty swallowing solids and liquids. This has interfered with her growth and makes her a good candidate for a g-tube. For about 4 years, her gastroenterologist has made me aware that the surgery of placing the g-tube, which is a feeding tube, would be in her near future.
Here we are 4 years later, and no tube yet. Don’t get me wrong, I know it is in her future due to her progressive muscle weakness, but I am happy we are not there yet. When the time is right and she needs it, of course we will have it done. But I know once it is placed, it will never be able to be removed.
It is more equipment, more to clean, and of course another surgery. She has breathing issues after having anesthesia, so I always make sure surgery is absolutely necessary before having her go through unnecessary respiratory risks.
She is doing well with her growth right now; the GI doctor did not even mention it at her last follow-up appointment. It has been a very long road with many changes and accommodations made to meet her needs. She must have short meal times, very “wet” foods, added supplement drinks, and now we have to thicken her liquids as well.
She loves “her” foods and loves to eat, so that has really helped. As long as she is healthy, happy, and growing, I am very happy to hold off on the g-tube placement, for now.
Find out more about durable medical supplies and how to get them.
The last time my son was in the hospital, it was a children’s hospital. But recently, after he fell out of bed and broke his leg, he was taken to an adult hospital and needed surgery. I’m forever grateful to the doctors and nurses caring for him through it all.
Categories: Diagnosis & Health Care, Transition to Adulthood
Brushing your child’s teeth from an early age can keep them healthy and their teeth strong. Children with disabilities often need extra help with oral hygiene.
Categories: Diagnosis & Health Care
Healthcare decisions should be based on the needs of patients, not their age. Pediatric patients are treated based on their size. The right dose of medicine is determined using their height and weight. Equipment is sized for their safety and comfort.
Categories: Diagnosis & Health Care