And all the medical stuff

While we were out of town we got a letter from PCH wanting to schedule a "CF Annual Visit". This is a time to meet with all members of the CF team to discuss Samuel's past year and set goals for the coming year. We should plan on being at the CF center for 2-3 hours. That appointment is set for October 7.

However, prior to the appointment, Samuel needs several tests. He needs lots of bloodwork, a urinalysis, TB skin test and a chest x-ray. I figured these things weren't going to take care of themselves so last week I started making appointments. This morning he had all his bloodwork and TB skin test taken care of. I felt bad doing this in one day, in one morning, but it's all done and we don't have to get more pokes. Samuel did GREAT with the pokes. I honestly believe he hates being held down more than he hates the sticks. As for the urine and x-rays. Well, the x-rays can be done later this week. We don't need an appointment for them. And the urine...

This afternoon we tried for the urine test but boys don't aim very well and he's even worse at peeing on que. To help this process, the lab gave me 2 collection bags. The idea is to give him a drink, lay him down for a nap with the bag strategically placed to collect what he releases during his nap. When he wakes, you empty the bag into the cup and all is done. I had the right idea, I guess. Drink? check. Lots to drink? check. Nap? check. Bag placement correct? I didn't have a diagram to follow but I'm confident that's a check. Bag 'O Pee after a nap? Not so much. See, the diaper and the bag were competely dry after the nap so I left it in place thinking "He has to go sometime!" About 1/2 hour to 45 minutes later I could smell that he had indeed peed and thought this process could be over. I laid him down to carefully remove the bag and the sample and change the diaper that had caught what was left when the bag was filled to the brim (yeah right). I was a little disappointed to find the diaper was soaked and the little plastic bag had worked it's way from the designated location. Not only that, but it was wet on the wrong side. Dry on the inside, wet on the outside. Fabulous. Thankfully, the nice lady gave me 2 bags. Now that I think about it, she probably gave me one "practice" bag and one "real" bag. If I mess up the real bag though, I'm going to have to go back to saying, "Here Samuel, just aim for the cup." I might as well start potty training.