Anyone else use the Genotropin Pen 5??

We had the pen back when he was 2, but complained about it leaking (as in there wouldn't be enough in there for the last dose) and were switched back to mini quicks.  Apparently at that time, many others had the same problem.  So ever since we've been on the mini quick indivicual shots. 

We switched to the pen almost a month ago, and maybe we are just paranoid, but we worry he's not getting all of the shot.  With the mini quick shots, it was simple.  There was no smell, no drop on the end of the needle when you pull it out.  But with the pen, no matter if you hold it in his leg for 10 seconds or 15 seconds or a year, it still comes out with a drop on the end, and it still smells.  I'm just curious as to other's experiences - if its something to be concerned about.  The dosage he's on right now doesn't come in the mini quicks, so we had to go to this for the increase.  So if anyone has any guidance I'd appreciate it. 

Also, we belted the refrigerator.  Isaac has been getting in the fridge but not really for the food.  Mostly just to play and nose around.  So we had to keep him out - and ended up cutting a canvas belt and strapping the two fridge doors together.  The belt is attached to one of the doors by a plastic strap so it won't fall off.  But like everything else with this syndrome, we always worry its the worst, the beginning of the monster.  We have to be prepared I guess. 

Enough rambling, for once all 3 of my children were napping so I decided to post - and of course 2 of the 3 are now up.  :)  I will post pictures of Isaac's 4th birthday soon!!!

The Busy Summer Begins

So we went to the Outer Banks for Vacation the first week of June and had a great time - then back home again to start extended school year and then off to Columbus this past week to see Orthopedics and go to the PWS Clinic.  I am in a blur it feels.  His VEPTR on the right side is holding on by a "whisper" but we are holding out until October to switch the entire thing out - its still keeping the boy straight and the infection seems to be gone (yippee) so we are happy.  We just hope we can make it that long without any excitement. 

Our PWS clinic appointment went well - they increased us to .7 dose of Hgh over our .6 - so he's growing.  Weight and height were going with his growth curve so they were pleased.  Diet is to remain the same.  Still unsure of how long we are staying with the clinic there - its just that the VEPTR has kind of locked us in there and we go to so many appointments with that.  Just don't know.  Eric wants to see about going somewhere in Pittsburgh maybe, and sticking with the Ortho in Columbus.  We are so indecisive - its amazing we ever married.  :) 

Summer is going great - he's really chatting us up - we love it!  He's turning 4 in July and he's having a pirate party!  Which we thought he'd be excited about but then he told us, "NO, NO pirate party, handy manny party."  So you want a handy party, "No, Barney party"  You want a Barney party "No, scooby doo"  And on it goes, but he's really getting excited about his birthday, just not the pirates.  :)  OH and he's all about the swimming these days. 

Katie Beckett

http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/23/us/katie-beckett-who-inspired-health-reform-dies-at-34.html?_r=2

I was told when he was first born I needed to apply for a "Katie Beckett" waiver - its amazing what has come about in our country due to this wonderful woman and her family fighting for their daughter to have a better life. 

Isaac has been on WV's Waiver program for almost a year and it is amazing.  Our waiver provides him a special needs medical card and access and funding for therapies, respite, nursing, all kinds of things.  Its amazing what is available to my son through this program - Its amazing how much better you can sleep at night not worrying about whether your insurance will cover everything - and knowing that there are so many wonderful resources out there.  I'm thankful to Katie Beckett and all that she accomplished for so many out there.  RIP.

Oh and some more of our little Matlock

Finally got our Easter pictures done :)

They are so stinking adorable - yeah I'm super partial, but I can't help it.

Any insurance appeal tips out there?

Isaac was denied speech therapy - we've had it for half a year and now they are saying he doesn't fit the guidelines for medically necessary? Even though he fits all of the required list word for word? Even after his pediatrician did a peer to peer review twice? For real? You don't think this little boy needs speech therapy? Whatever. I'm just tired and annoyed. So any tips on insurance appeals??

Doing much better

So we had an appointment Friday 13th to get the bandages removed again - dr. said it looked really good. Hoping that 6 weeks more of antibiotics gets rid of the infection - then we can still be on board with a total revision of the device in 6 more months (switching out the entire thing on both sides). If not - other crappier alternatives exist but I am staying positive that this is just killing it. :) Isaac is feeling sooo much better singing and laughing and back to his happy self - he still has horrible balance, made obvious by the enormous pump knot on his head he got his first day back to preschool - but hoping that all starts to improve too as he gets more used to the adjustment. We also had an eye appointment, and surgery was discussed. Isaac's eyes are crossing even with his glasses on - so yeah the glasses aren't going to correct it anymore. Accommodative esotropia is the actual term for what isaac has. Anyways, just wanted to update.