UPDATE: Happy (soooo happy) to report that Big T is finally eating again. Apparently it only took a massive hospital bill nasty "bubble gum" barium shake to encourage him to try again. But whatever, I will gladly pay that hospital bill to know he's OK.
(The pediatric ENT had told us that he may have been traumatized after his choking incident to the point of being scared to swallow and/or have severely scratched his throat in the process. This appears to be the case... while scary, it could have been much, much worse.)
Only Big T.
:::
You know, when it comes to parenting, if it's not one thing (say, getting the flu so badly that it lands your 6 year old in the ER and he misses 12 days of school), it's another (like your 4 year old possibly having something lodged in his throat and requiring a barium esophagram STAT!) (Same child who just came off breathing treatments for pneumonia every 2-3 hours for the last week). And this was just in the last month or so.
What can I say? We like to pay medical bills?
Ha.
Hahahaha.
HA.
(Excuse me while I cry.)
But in all seriousness, this little dude --
This indignant, charismatic, raucous 4 year old who thinks he rules the world (and every Starbucks in it) - could use a few good thoughts today as the doctors and radiologists try and figure out why he hasn't eaten in 12 days.
Possibilities:
He swallowed something he shouldn't have and it's lodged in his throat.
He scratched his throat when a tortilla chip was pulled out of his throat after choking.
He's afraid to eat (and very adamant about it?) since choking.
He has some sort of infection or (I hate that this word was even mentioned) outpouching in his esophagus.
Knowing him, it's none of the above because he is just That Kid, Mr. Difficult, always finding a way to do things against the grain. But no matter what it is, we just hope it's a) not too serious and b) fixable.
Because Big T may have plans of ruling the world someday, but right now, he rules ours and we like it that way.
Good luck, Big T. Hopefully, he's just afraid to eat because of a scratched throat.
Posted by: Arwen8Aragorn | 15 March 2011 at 06:41 AM
Sending you tons of good thoughts and vibes.
Posted by: jenni | 15 March 2011 at 06:58 AM
Sending good thoughts your way. Really hoping it's nothing serious. Keep us posted.
Posted by: PrincessJenn | 15 March 2011 at 07:07 AM
Ugh. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Sending hopes for clear diagnosis and a quick resolution
Posted by: Nancy | 15 March 2011 at 07:22 AM
Hopefully it's just nerves. Positive thoughts your way. Let us know.
Posted by: mel | 15 March 2011 at 07:40 AM
Huge hugs friend and tons of good thoughts his way.
Posted by: Issa | 15 March 2011 at 07:55 AM
Oh my. Thinking of you guys.
Posted by: DC Urban Dad | 15 March 2011 at 08:07 AM
Sending all of my good thoughts your way!
Posted by: Michelle (@michellew_) | 15 March 2011 at 08:17 AM
OH no, the poor sweetie.
Many hugs and good healing thoughts are coming for you all. Hang in there Mom, you are strong and awesome.
Posted by: monstergirlee | 15 March 2011 at 08:26 AM
Good thoughts, and laughing at the Bee Gees.
Posted by: Jeremy Pepper | 15 March 2011 at 08:31 AM
My almost 4 year old stopped eating and tried to live on milk for a long period of time. It took us about 3 months to get her back to eating food again. We think the cause was her getting a duplo stuck in her mouth, then later that day choking on a piece of steak. Kids!
Posted by: Madge | 15 March 2011 at 08:45 AM
Poor little buddy! Good thoughta are being sent out to you. My goodness! I hope EVERYTHING is okay!
Posted by: claudia w | 15 March 2011 at 09:38 AM
Sending warm wishes to you and Big T. Because having a 4 yr old who won't or can't eat is a problem. One I know all about. So sending you big internet hugs. xo
Posted by: Redneck Mommy | 15 March 2011 at 11:55 AM
Crossing all appropriate parts, sending love, and here at all the "worrying hours" if you need me.
Posted by: califmom | 15 March 2011 at 01:17 PM
Sending you love. Sending your boy love.
Posted by: Miss Grace | 15 March 2011 at 01:19 PM
Just saw your tweet!! Holy shit! I'm glad they figured out what it was!! You SERIOUSLY need a vacation! Sending good thoughts your way!
Posted by: Tonya | 15 March 2011 at 01:36 PM
Oy.
Posted by: Backpacking Dad | 15 March 2011 at 02:41 PM
Feel better soon buddy!
Posted by: Aubrey | 15 March 2011 at 06:04 PM
Damn I hate when the kids are sick. Especially when you don't really know what the solution is. Hang in there and happy thoughts to you and your family! Hope everyone is well and eating again soon.
Posted by: DawnA | 16 March 2011 at 06:42 AM
Soooo, how is he now?
Posted by: Kelly | 17 March 2011 at 08:37 AM
SO crazy. Glad he's okay!
Posted by: VDog | 18 March 2011 at 06:47 PM
Glad your babies are ok!
Posted by: Missy | 18 March 2011 at 06:47 PM
I am so glad everything is working out for your little one. There is nothing more scary for a mom than having her kid in trouble.
Posted by: The Mother | 29 March 2011 at 04:54 PM