My life with the Sullivan boys

The Problem: Aspiration syndromes include all conditions in which foreign substances are inhaled into the lungs. Most commonly, aspiration syndromes involve oral or gastric contents associated with gastroesophageal reflux (GER) , swallowing dysfunction, neurological disorders, and structural abnormalities. Complications: Chronic lung disease may develop from repeated aspiration of refluxate. Pulmonary fibrosis may occur over time secondary to repeated aspiration of small volumes of gastric secretions, promoting a progressive fibrotic pulmonary response. Chronic bronchitis and bronchiectasis are also recognized complications. The Solution: Dear Parent/Guardian, Dermot Sullivan, has been scheduled for a procedure at Children's Minneapolis with Dr. XXXXXXX on 03/01/2010 for their PEG Insert Standard G Tube. Here are the items to be done to prepare for your child's procedure: HISTORY AND PHYSICAL EXAM: This must be completed within 7 days of your child's procedure. (This includ...

Just as I crossed the last thing off my grocery list, I heard a muffled chime from my purse. I thought to myself, I wonder if its Dermot's school. Not really believing it was, but teacher Jan was on the other end of the line. "Hi Sue, Laurie has administered the Diastat for Dermot", she said with a tinge of sadness in her voice. "Okay, I'll be right there" I said. I looked down at my full cart of much needed groceries and pushed them to the register. One part of me wanted to continue and check out as if nothing was happening, the other, wiser part said "get the hell out of here". Another abadoned cart at the grocery store. This time I call Joe, "I'll meet you there" he says. Three stoplights later and a quick jaunt on the highway and I'm there. Wiped the tears away and ask the receptionist for admittance to the special education wing of the school. I walk briskly to Dermot's classroom. The other little boys are having circle...

I'm a full glass of water. Don't tip me, don't bump me, and please don't add anything else to my glass. If you leave me alone I won't spill anything, I won't get anyone wet and I won't go anywhere. Occasionally when people ask me how I'm doing. My response is "I'm a full glass of water". I walk around my daily life functioning with a full head and a full heart. My head is full of tasks: grocery shopping, remember to send the order form in Owen's backpack, remember to set the DVR for LOST, call Jenn, Tanja, Dad, Pat, Rebecca and the Toyota service guy about some alarming recall? Get Dermot's prescription refilled, go to the hardware store for a toilet thing-a-ma-jingy, make cookies, fold the laundry, decide what's for dinner, Find a new physical therapist for Dermot, confirm his eye appointment, schedule flight to Arizona. Empty the dishwasher, fill the dishwasher, vacuum the dog hair off the living room couch... My heart is full...