The Hell?

Patrick's pediatrician is sending him to a neurologist following the fourth of what we are now calling his episodes in a little over a week. The episodes vary a little but for the most part they involve blinding headache pain followed by projectile vomiting. The first time was after the split lip and it seemed reasonable to classify it as being related to a mild concussion. The second time occurred a week later after he was running around. Then two days after that he woke up screaming in the middle of the night and threw up all over the bed. Tuesday morning he woke up with a headache that didn't seem so bad but halfway through breakfast he ran to the bathroom and dry heaved. In between these bouts he feels fine, normal, ok, great but he has taken to carrying a large silver bowl around with him just in case he suddenly shoots vomit out his nose (I was unfamiliar with just what projectile vomiting is - now I know and I wish I didn't.) We call the bowl his bucket and it struck me how not ok Patrick is, really, when I was picking up the living room last night and said to myself, oh I'd better bring Patrick his bucket in much the same way I remember to put the book he is reading next to his bed.

So we don't know what is going on and for the those of you (see dopey but harmless comment on last post) for whom I need to spell this out: I AM VERY WORRIED ABOUT HIM AND I AM SEEKING NEAR-DAILY MEDICAL INPUT.

Seriously, what the hell? Migraines? Post-concussion whatsit? Allergies? Right now the neurologist cannot see him until May 2nd (GOD) but our ped has promised to try to get that moved up. In the meantime I'd like to pursue all the possibilities we can collectively imagine. You always have such good insights into things. 

My poor baby. I drove him to swimming yesterday and when we got to the parking lot he said, "I'm sorry but I think I'm too nauseous to do this today." I just drove him home again.

But, like I said, most of the time he feels totally normal.

He's on this team at school that is doing some kind of creativity competition that involves... I don't understand it, actually. There is a building challenge and they've written a script and there are some other parts to it as well (it's Destination Imagination, if that means more to you than it does to me.) Last week I picked him up after their meeting and he cheerfully told me that he had invited his team of seven to our house where they were all going to make their own pants for the tournament. I thought this sounded overly ambitious but the competition makes parents sign a blood oath saying they will not help assist input or intervene in any way whatsoever so I just smiled with my teeth clenched and said Mmmmmmhmmmm?

Patrick made a list of what he needed, solicited color preferences from his teammates and then I drove him to Jo-ann where he picked out notions and fabrics and told the woman at the sewing counter how many yards he wanted of each. She kept looking over his head at me until I threw up my hands and said, "I don't sew. This isn't my project. I just drive."

As it happened we got almost a foot and a half of snow over the weekend and we (the other parents and I) decided it was not worth it to have the kids over when the roads still weren't plowed. This left Patrick to make seven pairs of pants by himself on Monday. It took eleven hours and to his credit he did them all but he bitched incessantly as he worked and he kept asking if I felt sorry for him.

I didn't and I asked him if he felt sorry for his teammate who was busy typing up the scripts or the ones who built the prototype thingy while we were in Arizona. He admitted he did not. So I said, "See? It's part of being a team. You are all working. Now buck up and get back to those straight pins unless you want me to tell you about working conditions for child laborers in 19th century woolen mills?"

He got back to work but at the end of the day he called my mom:

"Nana, I made seven pairs of pants and it took me all day long and I didn't get to do anything else today that was fun, like play, AT ALL and my mom and dad didn't feel sorry for me."

My mom said, "Oh sweetie pie you poor thing! That's terrible."

Patrick purred. I just rolled my eyes.

The pants looked pretty good, though.

Our new babysitter worked out beautifully. She was great with the kids and after they went to bed she cleaned the kitchen; she even neatly labeled the leftovers she put away. I expect any second she will be stolen from me but until that happens I am clinging to her with both hands and booking her solid, so we're going out to dinner this weekend and getting her to help with the twins during Patrick's tournament the week after that.

It's such a nice feeling to know - however briefly - that we have help when we want it. In retrospect (although I love Minnesota) I don't know if I would have moved so far away from our families. It sort of sucks to be so isolated when the kids are little.

Anyway, I went upstairs to say goodbye to Patrick before we left on Saturday and found him working with a box of old letter stickers he had found. He told me he was doing a letter recognition sheet for the babies and I said great, have fun with that.

When we got home I found this certificate on Caroline's door

I said, awwwwww.

Then I checked Edward and found this.

Feel free to click on that link for the punchline. I'll wait. Somehow I don't think that tutoring session went as well, do you?

I like to ask the twins to show me different emotions, partly because it makes me feel like Fellini and partly because it is sort of boring to spent lots and lots and lots of time with post-toddlers.

Edward as Angry.

Two interpretations of Thoughtful

Worried

And Caroline nails Coy

I know there is other stuff going on but I cannot seem to think of any of it right now, maybe because I'm perserverating on Patrick. I am really worried about him.

Comments

[Katherine]

I am thinking migraines too! BUT, I am also curious about his slightly off blood tests. Maybe one more blood test is in order? I keep checking to make sure your super special snowflake (whom I think is superspecial too!) is ok!!!! Please keep us updated.

[Flyover Belle]

Gah. And here I blabbed on forever, and forgot to mention, while delurking, that your children are adorable. Yours is one of the only blogs that I will open immediately when a new post shows up in my feed reader. I hope you get some answers - soon - to your concerns about Patrick.

[Terri C]

Oh, dear, I'm sorry--this sounds so scary I went straight to comments without following the links to the "punchline" which I will now do. I too would want him seen before MAY, although I suppose there is something to be said for the "watchful waiting" approach--it eliminates any possibility of YOU have LOW blood pressure anytime soon. Can you stay in close touch with the ped, and if things get suddenly worse take him to the ED at Children's? At least at Children's he could maybe have a scan or two that would rule out some of the most scary possibilities. Everything crossed here for you all. Now I'll go look at the funny photos. It goes without saying that the kids are wonders.

[Sandi]

We did the headache diary with my daughter, too. It really helped by keeping track of foods, activities, etc... so that we kind of knew what might be triggering them.
My daughter would have an aura about 10 minutes before when she would say that it felt like she was standing on a stage and people were flashing cameras in front of her.
The first time she did it, we were in a store and she kept asking what those lights were. I was like huh??? and about 10 minutes later she fell to the floor in pain and I helped her out of the store. This was followed by vomiting and sleeping for many, many hours.
I definitely understand your fear, it is very scary!
Just as an FYI my daughter grew out of these pre adolescent migraines. The doctor said they were probably brought on by the beginnings of puberty. Although we did find that any red food dye or oreo cookies would trigger one. (shrugs shoulders)
Anyway, the tots are ADORABLE as always and I am so proud of Patrick for making all those pants!!
End of my book.

[AnnaN]

Chalk another one up for migraines. I started when I was 10. Visual flashes/blind spots followed within the hour by vomiting. The worst thing is that it could literally be anything that triggers them. Hormones, lights/visual optical irritations, environmental or food allergies, you name it. Mine are trigged by sulfites in food and lights. Caffeine, lots of water, and Advil stops them for me.

I concur with the headache diary. Could they be prompted by an environmental allergy, did anything change in your house recently? Any type of detergent? Cleaning supplies? Scented dryer sheets are horribly toxic...

And I have to ask - is Patrick washing the fabric prior to using it for his various projects? The fabric is loaded with various chemicals and flame retardants.

I am certain that if these symptoms were accompanied by other, more worrisome signs (deteriorating coordination as opposed to improving) then your pediatrician would have scheduled him immediately for a CT/MRI and neuro eval.

Sending a mental hug your way.

[Shawna]

I thought of migraines, but since my mother, sister, husband, and I all get them (and we suspect our young daughter does as well) I might be a little biased. I have to admit, if he's not experiencing head pain right before the vomiting it's not like ours, for what that's worth.

Hope it all gets solved and resolved soon!

[Tine]

Patrick. His symptoms must be those of the Rare Not-Only-Brilliant-But-Also-Frickin-Hilarious Genius.

Seriously though...I'm worried too. And I've never even met you or yours. It really bugs me that he can't be seen RIGHT NOW. I find myself wishing I knew a neurosurgeon around here. Alas, my medical contacts are all nurses, midwives, pharmacists, and a lone podiatrist.

[Barb]

Oh Patrick. I hope you feel better soon. And thank you for making us laugh with Edward's "report card". That is just so funny.

Good job on the pants, too. When is your mom going to get you a serger?

[Terri C]

OK I went back and looked at the picture. Patrick is a genius. I looked at the others more closely and somehow I feel that Caroline's "Thoughtful" is not quite entirely benign...

[NetWriterM]

What about concussion and migraine, perhaps he has both?

I just hope he feels better soon!

Caroline and Edward are so adorable I sometimes wonder if Hollywood agents have found your blog and tried to sign them.

M

[JenniferB]

MAYO CLINIC! I'm hoping it's "just" migraine/concussion ... but if you can't see a neurologist until May 2, then call the MAYO. They really are that fabulous, just call the general phone number (customer service is awesome) and see when you can get in -- Rochester is not that far from you, and probably no more expensive than your local dr.

[Leah]

I'm in the concussion camp. The timing is a little too coincidental. Good call getting him evaluated by a neurologist. I hope Patrick feels better ASAP. The lyme suggestion is also a good one to rule out.

[Pam/Wordgirl]

I am so sorry to hear about Patrick -- I read here all of the time but often am too shy to comment. While I've never had migraines myself my brother does -- and that sounds much like him.

I found this link:http://www.migraines.org/treatment/treatkid.htm -- but I imagine you've found it already...

Love the photos as well --

It's been over a year since the local bloggy meet-up -- I am still lobbying for another so I can make it this time!!

Best,

Pam

[Liz]

The only reason I'm not sold on migraines is the onset - after his tumble during tumbling. Can you or ped order a cat scan prior to that horrible date of May 2 (which might as well be next year)?

My 3 year boy of boy/girl is also a bit of a biter. Please let this phase pass quickly.

[babelbabe]

I am so sorry, I cant read everyone this time, but just quick, 2 things - be careful with excedrin and kids - it has aspirin in it.
also, ice really helps my migraines. doesn't cure but alleviates symptoms.

[Txtingmrdarcy]

I am not going to pretend to be smart and discuss migraines for poor Patrick, but just offer sympathy and hugs.

The three of them together are quite a comedy team. You may have the next, non-incestuous-seeming Osmond Family on your hands.

[Gina]

Not to be an alarmist, but are they doing an MRI or CT scan? I am always nervous about symptoms like headaches and vomiting and think that a scan would be in order.

[MFA Mama]

I have no clue what Patrick's Mystery Ailment is; I mean it certainly SOUNDS like migraines but in this house it's never that simple so I don't know. The symptom journal is probably a good idea as it'll enable you to present the neurologist with useful information.

I mostly commented to say that I DIED over Edward's sign. That's AWESOME!

[Sabrina]

Cluster headaches. Not uncommon, but a total bitch to both diagnose and treat.

[Sabrina]

Also, you need to start a headache diary for Patrick... when, how it feels where, how long it lasts, etc. It'll help pin down patterns and possible triggers..

[Pam L]

OMG I'M A BITER totally, literally, had me laughing out loud- hilarious I have to show Paul when he gets home. I tell/show him things about your kids from time to time , and, maybe because he too was a Calvin kid, he gets it, even though he's now 18, he thinks it's funny.

I always tell my nieces and nephews to not move far away from their parents. I LOVE LOVE LOVE Colorado but we are way too far away from family for everything except staying out of the fray when two sisters or a brother are in a fight about something, and it was really bad this year when my Dad was failing and I had to make trips back to NY and MA in the middle of winter. But, way too late now , I guess.

[Sally]

Oh, poor Patrick. No useful input, I just hope he feels better. If it is migraines, I know how horrendous those can be.
And "I'm a Biter" is hi. lar. ious.

[elana]

the only thing that comes to my non-medical mind is migraines. i hope you get in to see the doc much sooner than may. poor patrick! (and those pants are awesome. i want to see them unfolded!)

[Allison]

what about Cyclic Vomiting? I saw something on the show the Dr's yesterday about it, sounds
A LOT like that.

[Sarah]

I have no real experience with migraines, but I just read another blogger's book recommendation that her fix her migraines. I have NO idea if it would be helpful, but I can only imagine how awful it is to see your baby like this.

http://finnyknits.blogspot.com/2011/01/first-i-bitch-then-something-awesome.html

[Pamela]

Thinking of you, nothing makes you feel better until you KNOW and have solution, until then it's daily torture of worst case scenario. I'll be praying for you - again.

[Audrey]

Poor Patrick. I hope he feels better. His signs (and siblings!) are delightful.

[Olya]

*big hug*

Hope your pediatrician will be able to wrangle an appointment a lot sooner than May 2nd, and that they'll figure out what's causing Patrick's headaches and vomiting.

Hang in there!

[rosie]

Is your Ped able to order an MRI for Patrick before his appt with the neurologist?

If you took him to an Urgent Care or ED with these symptoms, I would hope they also would order an MRI or CT.

I would rather know sooner rather than later that the most serious concerns can be ruled out, you know? Push it.

Best wishes!

[afc]

please don't wait until may 2nd. i second the mayo clinic visit OR just even take him to the ER & let them do the catscan/mri as part of the work-up.
may 2nd is just really far away and too long to suffer from these symptoms.

[MaryAnn]

From what I understand, Destination Imagination began to replace Odyssey (National group) of the Mind. Not sure why...

And Julia, you're right. The kids have to do all the work. They challenge kids to solve problems and think on their feet.

I volunteered one year to be a judge for Destination Imagination. It was so fun.

Our kids (that we judged) had what was called egg-emergency. They had to do a skit involving real eggs, and had to solve something (sorry, it has been over ten years ago) and of course not break the raw eggs. The kids were so creative.

I was actually the timekeeper. I had my script that I had to read exactly the same to introduce each team. Then, the kids performed and then there was a critique of their performance by the judges. I gave them two minute warnings for them to complete each part.

I had my timing down and our group was one of the few that stayed on time. It was fun to be part of a team with my group of co-judges.

Then, I participated in the state competition. I worked with one other judge. In my event the kids didn't know what was coming exactly. We had some objects (shoes, balls, toys, household things too). They had to judge what they weighed- put them into two groups and have both groups weigh the same.

The difference for me this time was I didn't know my co-judge until the event. We did fine, the event was new to us too- just directions for what was to take place. That made it kind of nerve wracking but fun too.

I have to look into volunteering for them again. Thanks for the reminder!
MaryAnn

[Genevieve]

I just want to emphasize that even if you get an earlier appointment with that neurologist or the Mayo or a sports-medicine place, it would be a very very good idea to have begun a headache diary before then. Because the neurologist, in particular, is extremely likely to prescribe a headache diary, first thing, and then set a follow-up appointment to discuss what the diary shows. (Obviously, an appointment to look at potential concussion would also be key, but if migraines may be part of this -- and apparently onset could be triggered by a blow to the head -- then having the diary ducks in a row before your first appointment can save you from being sent away with nothing new.)

[MaryAnn]

Opps. I didn't mean to put National group right after Odyssey. Odyssey of the Mind is a national group that started before Destination Imagination. It is also a international group!

[Susie]

My 11-yr-old daughter gets a random stabbing pain above her left eye and then vomits quite violently, and there's no rhyme or reason for it. She's had blood tests and an MRI and has seen a few doctors but so far they can't find a reason - I'm thinking random food allergy so we're keeping a food diary.

Hope the doctor gets Patrick in sooner. :( I'll be thinking about him.
And for what it's worth, it gets harder being away from family as your kids get older. :( :( :(

[cassey]

I think it could be Patrick's eyes and some of the concussion, or a migraine. I say eye's because before I got my glasses I got headaches and sometimes some dizzyness/vomiting, and when I need a stronger prescription it happens all over again.

Hope you get to see someone soon.

[Jenny]

Just adding to the commenters saying migraines. My daughter (2.75) has a condition that is a precursor to childhood migraines and the neurologist told us that they are much more likely in children who have parents with migraines and/or who have a history of motion sickness (the parents that is).

When we needed her first neurologist appointment, we called on June 4 and were given an appointment on August 27- WTF? So we found a private neurologist who didn't take insurance, got an appointment the next day, paid out of pocket, then resubmitted to insurance and got reimbursed for the out-of-network rate (70%). It was well worth it to us for the peace of mind of not having to wait all summer wondering if there was something majorly wrong with our baby's brain. Just mentioning it in case you could use an option like that to get seen sooner.

[Elizabeth]

If the headaches get better after he hurls, then I think migrane is most likely. Either way, if he's had 4 in the past since-you-last-posted that it's serious and I would threaten mayhem if it were my child and he was being made to wait over two months before getting seen.

[Ginny]

Poor little fellow. When he's feeling better, have him look up the difference between "nauseous" and "nauseated." It should give him a good laugh.

[Monica C.]

I'm on the ER-MRI team. Or, you could find another neurologist who could see you sooner (but keep the original appointment as a 2nd opinion), because unless those symptoms disappear right away, the waiting would kill me.

[Priscilla]

Oh dear. I hope Patrick is on the mend soon. Certainly sounds like migraines, but then, odd coincidence that he had that weird virus right before they appeared. Did you mention the weird virus when you called for the neuro appointment? I find at the academic institutions, they get more excited when there are unusual symptoms and can sometimes then magically find an earlier opening. If not, could be worth calling back and telling the full story of all those symptoms.

Also, I love MN Children's, but the folks at Gillette in St. Paul are lovely, too - I know they specialize facility-wide on congenital stuff, but they do all the regular ped things, too. Maybe the queue is shorter there?

If you are keeping a tally of migraine triggers, mine are not enough sleep, not eating, and then too much sugar.

And a tip for the puking on the go - I used to have anxiety barfing. I found a mini trash bag I could stuff in my pocket/purse came in handy. I have also been known to steal barf bags off of planes - those work great! Again, hope Patrick feels better soon!

[Betsy]

I'm going with migraines. I started getting them at age 9 and when I get really bad auras, I projectile vomit, too.

Ugh. Hopefully the neurologist will be able to give him something!

[Tonuala]

I've suffered from migraines as far back as I can remember, and they almost always include vomiting. They come on fast and fierce. My 7 year old has already had what appears like 3 or 4 of his own. I would also recommend the headache journal keeping note of food, sleep patterns and any extra visual stimulation (extra time on the computer, long periods of time reading in poor light?) and see if you notice any patterns.
As for meds - be cautious of the any over the counter migraine meds because most contain aspirin. Kids + aspirin = Reye Syndrome = bad news.
Get well soon Patrick!

[PeekyToe]

Julia,

Poor Patrick. Hope you guys get a diagnosis and Patricks gets relief SOON.

This is my son's 3rd year on a DI team which I co-coach. We love DI and the kids on our team have gotten so much out of it. The tournaments are tiring, but fun.

If you ever have an questions about the ins and outs of DI, please email me.

[Krissy]

You poor thing. You're getting a lot of advice and I have nothing to add, but to virtually pat you and Patrick on the back ... s... and say "poor things!" That sounds terrifying. I hope the doc can get you in sooner.

Meanwhile, may I just say that the sign on Edward's door has me, literally, sitting in my dining room chortling like an idiot. Fabulous!

Also, please tell Patrick that I am very sympathetic that he had to make a billion pairs of pants all by himself. Poor Patrick.

[Kirsten]

I am commenting having only read abut 50 or so of the comments, so please excuse if I am repeating something...
As you clearly feel, he needs to be seen earlier than May 2. Tips that have worked for me (apart from getting the pediatrician to call since he is already working on that): calling every morning after the staff has had a chance to listen to their voicemails to hear if there are any cancellations. Doing this means you get the slot if someone has cancelled but also impresses on the staff how serious you feel the issue is -- so they are likely to think of you and work him into the schedule. Also, how about calling to another nearby city and making an appt there? It is worth the travel. (I think I have been putting too many l's in the word cancellation but not sure where the spell check is...)
Poor him and poor you!
Loved the signs! Too funny.

[Anon]

I vote MRI. Projectile vomiting post-head injury doesn't sound like something that should wait until May.

[Cris]

MAY? Get thee to any of the great neurologists that populate Chicago. Let me know if you need recs.

So sorry this is going on.

And also, I think all of us knew you were very concerned and are both a great mom and great writer. Most of us know that (like many of us) you find a way to deal with the horrible through humor. Only one person seemed not to know that and I think maybe they have a social disorder. They just don't get it, and felt the need to make that obvious to the rest. Eh, bien.

[KatieV]

I don't even want to KNOW what the dopey comment was on the last post, because I'm sure it would make me mad. I don't even know you but I knew you were worried. We're all worried with you and hope it's answerable and resolved and easy and that the neuro appointment gets moved way up.

LOVE the punchline picture.

[Kathy W.]

If Patrick didn't have an MRI or CT scan already, then why not take him to the emergency room, tell them about his head injury, and see if they'll do one? (Don't mention his upcoming appt. Yes, be tactical!) This sounds really worrisome, since it started after the tumbling accident...

[Melissa]

I'm a biter! Hysterical!

I've been checking back & checking back for a new post - I"m sad to here that Patrick's still having troubles. You guys are in my prayers.