First Doctor Visit

Thursday the boys had their first visit with a pediatrician here.  We are currently working with a doctor at the Texas Children's Hospital International Clinic to get the boys caught up on shots, testing, etc.  Later this year we will look for a pediatrician closer to home (although the Clinic is only about 20 minutes drive, parking is impossible and we would rather have someone closer in the future).

We had requested a Russian translator for the visit (part of the services they offer) and she was helpful in going over the papers we got from the Baby Home (shot records, etc).  We found out that they seem to be current on their immunizations, but we are waiting on the final word from the doctor about it all.

The boys are healthy (as far as we can tell without the results of the blood and stool testing) and seem to be on level for their age (maybe just a few months behind on some things, but they will catch up quickly).  We did get orders for them to see a speech therapist, physical therapist & an occupational therapist for evaluation.  They also need to have a hearing test done as there isn't a record of that being done in Russia.

The boys got some shots after the check up: David got 4 and Michael got 3.  Both boys did pretty well, unless you consider all the screaming and crying that went on (no, mom didn't cry).  I think that the most screaming was because of Chris laying across them to keep them from moving (they don't like being constrained).

We also got to go to the 3rd floor for blood draws.  We only had to wait for about 20 minutes before they were ready for the boys.  I took Michael in the hallway while Chris held David for the nurse.  Then we switched kids for round 2.  They each had 7 vials to do so they were rather woozy for the walk back to the car.  David worked himself up before the lady even got them seated.  He could be heard in the waiting room.  Yes, that was my child.  Michael on the other hand screamed for just a minute as he was being 'stuck' then watched it all quietly.  Chris did rather well himself (I couldn't have handled it at all; I don't even like it when I have to have blood tests done).

In addition to the blood tests, they have to have parasite testing done.  Unfortunately it has to be done with stool samples.  We were sent home with plastic bags for each boy as well as a plastic 'hat' to put in the toilet to catch David's samples.  This is why I never wanted to go into the medical field.  I've dealt with some icky stuff in the past, but this is definitely The Worst And Grossest Thing Ever!!!  There are 3 vials for each boy: one gets one sample, the other 2 get 3 different samples put in.  Each vial has a little scooper attached inside the lid to make it easier (but not better!) and you have to put in enough to reach the red line on the label.  Once we get the all the samples, we just have to drop it all off at a Quest Lab facility.  I think this definitely puts me in the 'Best Mom In The Whole Universe' category.  Be glad you don't have to deal with this; be very glad.

After shots, before lab work.....