International Adoption Clinic

The boys both had their appointments at Riley on Wednesday. This children’s hospital in Indianapolis runs an international adoption clinic. The boys each met with a developmental pediatrician who is familiar with difficulties that these children may have faced as well as medical issues that may be common to their country of origin. They also provided a translator so the boys knew exactly what was going and could voice any concerns they had. It was a great appointment and one I am glad we took the time to attend. Joseph has gained about 5 lbs since he’s been with us and has grown ½ an inch. Jonathan has gained 2 lbs too. It is amazing what a stable environment can provide. I have to say that both boys were cared for in the orphanages. They were fed regular meals with fruits and vegetables every day. They had appropriate clothing and shoes and led very structured lives. Jonathan was truly loved as well, but apparently being “home” is all they needed to really thrive. Dr. Keck was pleased with their health and didn’t see any issues of concern. We received orders for blood work, got stuck for their TB tests and were on our merry little way. After discussing it with Dr. Keck we decided that both boys will just repeat all of their vaccinations. We have no records of what (if any) they have received and so we will just start over. We had their blood work done on Friday. (I had to collect stool samples for each of them as well. That is NOT an experience I want to repeat!) Joseph – as usual – was a trooper and hardly made a peep as they took the 5 vials of blood they needed. Jonathan on the other hand, threw a big enough tantrum for 8 kids! I understand it’s no fun being stuck and seeing all that blood leaving your body. I’m not a big fan of it myself. The thing is, he has had tons of surgeries and so you know this is not new to him. I think a majority of the issue was that it was at nap time and he was exhausted. I felt bad for the poor phlebotomists who had to stick him though. It took 4 of us to get the job done. What an ordeal. He’s only 33 pounds and his mobility is limited but he gave mom a workout that day!
After picking up Michael and Charity from school we then went to have the TB tests read. Unfortunately they came back positive so we had to have chest x-rays done and then read. That took a little over an hour and then we had to go back to our pediatrician to see what we needed to do next. Luckily the chest x-rays were clear and so neither of the boys had to be put in isolation (understatement of the year) but they are on an antibiotic for the next 6 months. The plus side is they should never have to be tested for TB again since they are already carriers and will have been treated for it. The antibiotics also turn their urine bright orange – which for an 8 and 5 year old boy is a pretty cool thing!
We go to Riley again on Monday to meet with the ortho doctor about Jonathan. I don’t know if this is a consultation appointment only or if they will actually be taking x-rays and stuff too. Hopefully after we have met with him we will have a clearer picture of what we are dealing with.