COLTON'S NEXT FEW YEARS
Over the course of the next three to six months, there were alot of changes in our lifestyle and a few more struggles.
Colton had been put on a strong dosage of Phenobarbital for the seizures and had to endure many, many tests. From Spinal taps, EEG's to Sleep and Blood studies.
The testing seemed never-ending.
And then, on one evening, Colton started crying out again and would not eat or drink anything. He laid curled up most of the time just crying. When he would eat a little bit of something, he would just vomit it up and cry some more. I began to notice that it was not just flu-like symptoms or gas pains.
When I had changed his next diaper, I noticed that his stools were darker in color and inspected it more closely than normal.
And there was bright red blood there.
John and I rushed him to the Children's Hospital and there they found under x-ray that Colton had developed Intussusception. Showing us the x-ray, the Doctor explained that his bowel had developed a telescoping affect where the small intestines sucked into the large intestine, causing a blockage.
The blockage needed to be corrected immediately.
The Doctor continued to explain how this correction would be done. First, they would try "blowing it out". If that failed then the next things to try was "forcing fluids" into the intestines, and finally surgery.
Well, the first procedure worked, however, it did cause Colton alot of pain, for they had to do the procedure while he was awake.
All was going well for Colton for the next six months or so. No seizure activity and he seemed to be staying pretty healthy.
Colton began seeing a Developmental Doctor for his delays. He was tested on scales of all development from Fine and Gross motor activity to Visual and Audio. It had been determined that He was delayed in all areas.
We began taking him to Crossroad's Rehabilitation Center where he had Physical Therapy, Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy and more. He began to make many improvement in all areas, but it had been a slow going process.
Just when we thought that all was going well, Colton had to have a minor surgery for Tubes in his ears and to have his adnoids taken out.
His surgery went well, but that night in the hospital, His Throat closed up and he began to turn dark blue in color in a matter of seconds. The nurses called a "CODE BLUE" and many hospital personel were by his side instantly.
He was transported to the Intensive Care Unit and put into a medically induced coma, while given Anti-inflammatory medication for the swelling of his throat.
Again, another night in which I thought that I was going to lose my Baby!
Currently, Colton is continuing to make progress (We call them "Milestones"!) He is walking, although clumbsily. He is eating well now. He is Trying to vocalize, however, I continue to teach him "sign language" to help with our communication barrier.
All in all, Colton is a happy child who LOVES attention! He is over the growth scales of child development in his size (Over 50 Lbs of Gritt and Muscle) and wears a size 7 or 8 clothing. *LOL*
He is very intelligent and is an escape artist from the word "Go". We have to put locks on everything or else he will either destroy things or get hurt.
He continues to go to Special Education Pre-School and Loves riding a bus. There are continuing medical studies being done with him, however, many feel that Colton has a mild form of Autism. We are looking into information about testing for this and hope to find more help soon. For me, if we find that it is Autism, I feel that at least we will finally have a term for his disabilities and have resources to help him. "Developmental Delay" just seems so broad of a spectrum.
Hey just a quick note to let you all know that I have FINALLY gotten around to adding more to Colton's Page. It has been a LONG TIME COMING and I feel horrible that I was unable to keep up with it over the years. Anyway, I have added ALOT of pictures on the next few pages. I will continue to add information as I remember it. So what are you waiting for?? Click the next button!! ;)
