GRADUATION, END OF SCHOOL, BIRTHDAY AND A TRIP TO THE ER!

Parker started his 5th grade year with a broken arm and he ended it with a dislocated kneecap! It was May 21st, his birthday, the next to the last day of school and 5th grade graduation in the evening but that wasn't all we did. That day by 9am we were headed to Mercy ER. I dropped him off at school at 8am and by 8:48am the school was calling to tell me Parker had fallen off the climbing wall and dislocated his knee. The ER was able to put his knee back in place (with the help of pain meds) and no broken bones. I did pray on the way to the hospital for an easy fix and my prayer was answered. Out of all our ER visits in the past few years this was minor in comparison. I'm taking it as a sign that we are coming out of the dark tunnel and maybe next time it will be a stitch or two (no more)!

Home by 12:30, propped his leg up, put a movie on for him and then I was off to get pain meds and to find a leg brace for Parker. The hospital didn't have one small enough for him. I stopped by the school to pick up his backpack and give them an update. The 5th graders were all so upset and had been crying all morning. I saw a lot of red, swollen eyes even on the boys. They love him and are so caring! When I told them how he was doing and that we were going to try and come to graduation they all cheered and clapped!!

Parker started having a meltdown around 4pm and crying that he couldn't go. I think he was just scared. Gave him some pain medicine and at 5pm we were on our way to the graduation. He did awesome! Parker picked up his walker and carried it most of the way across the stage! I think he was feeling no pain!! He paid a little for it on Thursday.

The appointment with the orthopedic doctor was Tuesday (5/27). He indicated that some of the ligaments are torn & stretched so Parker will need to stay in the brace for 2 more weeks. Then it should be mended.

Next appointment with the respiratory doctor is Thursday, a follow up to our ailing allergy season. Parker seems to be doing fine.

Have a great and safe summer!

Love, Kay

some photo explanation...

First Photo: Parker and his birthday cake he received from Aunt Penney.

Fifth Photo: Parker with Lauren. We forgot to take her picture when they brought us dinner we hope this makes up for it Lauren:)

Last Photo: Parker and his good friend Chandler at the 5th grade swim party - Chandler was on crutches because he dropped his desk on his toe last day of school so they were sitting the party out.

UPDATE 5-2-8

We may have made it through the flu season with flying colors but allergy season has Parker suffering! Three weeks ago I received a call from the school that Parker had a fever of 100. Therefore it was off to the doctor. Strep throat was going around and with all of his symptoms I felt sure that was what he had. The doctor agreed but the strep test was negative. He was already on antibiotics so they felt that may be giving a false test. Parker's 3 month checkup with respiratory doctor was scheduled for a few days later. When we arrived they didn't have us go for an Xray as usual but as soon as the doctor listened to his lungs we were headed for an Xray! Both lungs in the lower parts were full so out came the prescription pad and Parker was on the strong stuff. He responded very quickly and was doing great. Five days off the antibiotic and fever returned with all the same symptoms. Parker's follow up appointment was today and the Xray was pretty much the same. The doctor decided to switch his breathing treatments to a new inhaler so hopefully this will help and give him a little relief. His next appointment will be in a month. Parker looks great so I think we can handle and survive this roller coaster! Love, Kay

Parker and some of his classmates at the state capitol.