I am in West Des Moines today for Iowa's Education Weekend. I enjoy seeing so many familiar faces and meeting new families. Stop by the CSL booth and say "Hi" and get your Mom2Mom pin!
Lori
Saturday, October 8, 2011
Friday, August 19, 2011
Back to School - Ugh or Yippee!
Well, it is that time of year again when most of us send our precious babies back to school...or should I say back to the great unknown! I have chatted with a few friends recently and they are so happy to "get them out of the house". Many parents find summers very hectic and fun but also frustrating sometimes. With the kids home they simply do not get a lot of things done that maybe they were planning to do. Sometimes the unscheduled chaos can send even the most calm and collected mom into "orbit." If you have more than one child you can probably identify with that. They all want to do something different and they all want you to do it with them! Either that or they are bickering with each other, picking on each other, whining, or making a complete mess of your freshly cleaned house. Ahhh the joys of motherhood!
Are you looking forward to school starting again? Just waiting for those free mornings to sip coffee on the patio, catch up with friends, read that book you have been meaning to, or take a leisurely shopping trip? Or are you in the other camp of dread and worry because school has started? Do you jump every time the phone rings thinking it is the school nurse calling to summon you because your child is bleeding? Does fear grip you until your child arrives home and you know everything is alright? Do you worry that your child will not understand what is being taught, get bad grades, be rejected by friends, be teased, harassed, or worst of all injured by some bully? These are very real things that we face as moms. Even moms of children without bleeding disorders have many worries. But we have the added stress of the "what if they are bleeding", "what if I can't get there right away", "who will help my child", and the list of "what ifs" goes on and on.
Many parents of children with bleeding disorders have a "school plan" in place to help aleviate some of these worries. The principal, the teacher, classroom aids, the school nurse (if there is one), and the playground aids need to be made aware of your child's situation. Emergency numbers need to be provided so they can contact you, your doctor, or your Hemotologist should the need arise. Your Hemotologist would be a great resource for you to employ in putting together a plan that is right for you and for your child's school. You definately want the plan to be simple and something that the school will actually be able to carry out at the moment the need arises.
Maybe you have a plan or a protocol in place that is working well for you. If you don't mind sharing, I would love to hear about it! There may be others that can benefit from your well thought out school plan. Or, maybe you have some great ideas or thoughts to share about how you deal with the stress of sending your child back to school...I know I can always use advise on how to lower my stress level! Thanks for sharing!
Are you looking forward to school starting again? Just waiting for those free mornings to sip coffee on the patio, catch up with friends, read that book you have been meaning to, or take a leisurely shopping trip? Or are you in the other camp of dread and worry because school has started? Do you jump every time the phone rings thinking it is the school nurse calling to summon you because your child is bleeding? Does fear grip you until your child arrives home and you know everything is alright? Do you worry that your child will not understand what is being taught, get bad grades, be rejected by friends, be teased, harassed, or worst of all injured by some bully? These are very real things that we face as moms. Even moms of children without bleeding disorders have many worries. But we have the added stress of the "what if they are bleeding", "what if I can't get there right away", "who will help my child", and the list of "what ifs" goes on and on.
Many parents of children with bleeding disorders have a "school plan" in place to help aleviate some of these worries. The principal, the teacher, classroom aids, the school nurse (if there is one), and the playground aids need to be made aware of your child's situation. Emergency numbers need to be provided so they can contact you, your doctor, or your Hemotologist should the need arise. Your Hemotologist would be a great resource for you to employ in putting together a plan that is right for you and for your child's school. You definately want the plan to be simple and something that the school will actually be able to carry out at the moment the need arises.
Maybe you have a plan or a protocol in place that is working well for you. If you don't mind sharing, I would love to hear about it! There may be others that can benefit from your well thought out school plan. Or, maybe you have some great ideas or thoughts to share about how you deal with the stress of sending your child back to school...I know I can always use advise on how to lower my stress level! Thanks for sharing!
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Step Out for Bleeding Disorders
Today was the first annual walk for the Hemophilia Foundation of Minnesota and Dakotas. There was a great turn out! It was so nice to see so many familiar faces and meet new families! A wonderful time was had by all as money was being raised for a great cause!
Have any of you attended a walk?
Lori
Have any of you attended a walk?
Lori
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
First Gene Therapy in Hemophilia Successful in a Mouse
This is the best news I've ever heard! Thank you, Lord. Just wanted to share.
http://www.pcworld.com/article/231326/living_mouse_receives_the_first_genome_therapy_cures_hemophilia.html
http://www.pcworld.com/article/231326/living_mouse_receives_the_first_genome_therapy_cures_hemophilia.html
Saturday, June 11, 2011
Wisconsin Bleeding Disorders Conference
Good Morning!
I am in Wisconsin for their annual meeting at the Kalahari resort. Looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as meeting new!
Make it a great day!
Lori
I am in Wisconsin for their annual meeting at the Kalahari resort. Looking forward to seeing many familiar faces as well as meeting new!
Make it a great day!
Lori
Monday, May 23, 2011
Baseball ....Hotdogs.....Summer
Nothing kicks off summer better than baseball, hotdogs and popcorn at the ball park. Looking forward to a River Dogs game June 23rd in Charleston, South Carolina! If your close or willing to drive we will have a group going with great Mom 2 Mom discussions and watching baseball with our families.
Hope to see some of you there or meet some new Moms to welcome to the Hemophilia family!
Hope to see you then!
Suzanne
Hope to see some of you there or meet some new Moms to welcome to the Hemophilia family!
Hope to see you then!
Suzanne
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Saturday, May 7, 2011
Happy Mothers Day
Good Morning, We are getting ready for the tea in the Greater Portland, Oregon Hope to see everyone there
Thursday, April 28, 2011
April - Volunteer Month
This is the month were we recognize all you volunteer out there, for all your hard work
Thanks everyone for taking a moment to share your self with others and making thier lives better
Rhonda
Thanks everyone for taking a moment to share your self with others and making thier lives better
Rhonda
Up Coming Events - Mom to Moms Portland, Oregon
Hemophilia Moms- Special Mom2Mom event Saturday May 7, 2011 2:00 pm
Vancouver, Wa (greater Portland, Oregon)
The Grant House
In honor of you this mother's day enjoy this unique chance to take time for yourself, relax, enjoy meeting other parents, and relax.
Hope all you Moms, Grandmothers, and Wife's can come join up on this special day
I will be there talking about challenges and achievements as a parent of a Hemophilia Child
Vancouver, Wa (greater Portland, Oregon)
The Grant House
In honor of you this mother's day enjoy this unique chance to take time for yourself, relax, enjoy meeting other parents, and relax.
Hope all you Moms, Grandmothers, and Wife's can come join up on this special day
I will be there talking about challenges and achievements as a parent of a Hemophilia Child
Friday, March 25, 2011
Appleton, Wisconsin Moms
I will be traveling to Appleton Wisconsin on Tuesday March 29 to speak at a Moms dinner. Looking forward to seeing all the moms!
Lori
Lori
Tuesday, March 22, 2011
Spring Break!
My son's home for the week, for spring break. Thank God!
Though Vohn's 18 and self-infusing, still, can't stop worrying about him. What we go through as parents daily. Sigh... Sometimes, I'm happy for his independence, yet fear it the same time. I guess getting over the fear is never an option for all of us, or is it just me? He's home, he's safe. I guess for me, that's all that matters.
Enjoy everyone, springs here.
Though Vohn's 18 and self-infusing, still, can't stop worrying about him. What we go through as parents daily. Sigh... Sometimes, I'm happy for his independence, yet fear it the same time. I guess getting over the fear is never an option for all of us, or is it just me? He's home, he's safe. I guess for me, that's all that matters.
Enjoy everyone, springs here.
Monday, March 21, 2011
To Port Again or Not
We have had such a hard time finding veins in my 16 year old. He had his port removed about 5 years ago. However, his veins lately have not been cooperating at all! Of course this has become very stressful! My son has now decided he would like to have another port placed. We stand behind whatever decission he makes.
I am wondering if there are other families out there that have made the decission to place another port years after having one removed.
I hope you all are enjoying the begining of spring!
Lori
I am wondering if there are other families out there that have made the decission to place another port years after having one removed.
I hope you all are enjoying the begining of spring!
Lori
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
IV Iron
My 16 year old has been horribly anemic the majority of his life. Taking oral iron makes him so sick to his stomach. We have now gotten to the point where his hemoglobin is 9.1 and his red cells are sooo very small. His doctor felt that at this point the only option would be to start him on IV iron. This is done over 10 infusions given 3 times a week. He has had 4 infusions now and is so sick! He is taking Zofran several times a day. This last infusion they even tried giving him the Zofran by IV before hand. That did not help. It is very hard to watch your child suffer no matter what the age is. In the end I know it is what is best for him. I feel so bad for him as he not only feels so crummy but is having to miss a lot of school.
I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with IV iron. Do you have any ideas?
Hope you all are enjoying the promise of spring!
Lori
I am wondering if anyone has had any experience with IV iron. Do you have any ideas?
Hope you all are enjoying the promise of spring!
Lori
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Port vs Veins
Well, the big day in my 10 year old sons life has finally arrived! He has his surgery scheduled to have his port removed. For 10 years I have been telling him that when he was old enough and mature enough to learn to self infuse using his veins, we would have the port taken out. He has asked to go to different summer camps, to his cousins house out of state ALONE with out Mom, weekend trips with friends and family and Mom has to go because Mom knows how to infuse or he has to pass on the trip because he can't go by himself.
About a month ago he contracted a bacterial infection in his port which went into the bloodstream. He was a very sick little boy. Thru 4 days in the hospital, IV antibiotics for 2 weeks, no school, very limited and restricted physical activity and his doctors saying it was time to get the port OUT, he learned to self infuse. Motivation is a wonderful thing.....he got the vein the first try and we are on our 6th successful self infusion. Mom supervises now. It is very liberating for him.
My question to you Mom's, how did you deal with the surgery of getting the port taken out. I am nervous about that. I am nervous that my security blanket (the port) is being removed. Easy access in an emergency. I have met some great Mom's on the west coast and they have never used a port to access there child as they have always used the veins. I feel selfish but worry about the longevity of his veins for the rest of his life.
I would love for any insight you could give!
Suzanne
About a month ago he contracted a bacterial infection in his port which went into the bloodstream. He was a very sick little boy. Thru 4 days in the hospital, IV antibiotics for 2 weeks, no school, very limited and restricted physical activity and his doctors saying it was time to get the port OUT, he learned to self infuse. Motivation is a wonderful thing.....he got the vein the first try and we are on our 6th successful self infusion. Mom supervises now. It is very liberating for him.
My question to you Mom's, how did you deal with the surgery of getting the port taken out. I am nervous about that. I am nervous that my security blanket (the port) is being removed. Easy access in an emergency. I have met some great Mom's on the west coast and they have never used a port to access there child as they have always used the veins. I feel selfish but worry about the longevity of his veins for the rest of his life.
I would love for any insight you could give!
Suzanne
Monday, February 21, 2011
An Open Letter To A New Hemom... Tatyana
Hi Tatyana,
No need to thank us. We thank you for finding us and we are so grateful to have made a difference in your life.
I guess, I'll start by saying, we all had the same fears when we first came about the news that our precious children are affected by the condition... Hemophilia.
For years, I've tried to find answers too. Tried so hard to get understanding for it. It took me a while, nevertheless, worth every effort. Through the help of my son's medical team, treatment centers, other Hemoms, volunteers and the entire hemophilia community, our family was able to survive the nightmare. I always thank God for that! I always thank Him for guiding us in our way through our darkest moments.
My son now is in college. He was diagnosed with severe Hemophilia A at age seven. Currently a 3x National champion in golf, living a normal life through prophylaxis treatment of his meds, Helixate FS. Never better... We are so proud of him!!!
We Hemoms are here for you. We are here for each other. Feel free to ask questions and each one will be able to help guide you through your journey, as they have for mine. We have a website that you can always visit as well with our stories, at www.hemophiliamoms.com. I'm sure you'll find the site not just informative, but also full of resources. I guarantee you that it will give you, not only peace of mind and assurance, but also the greatest gift you can possibly imagine... Hope.
Take care,
Jenny
No need to thank us. We thank you for finding us and we are so grateful to have made a difference in your life.
I guess, I'll start by saying, we all had the same fears when we first came about the news that our precious children are affected by the condition... Hemophilia.
For years, I've tried to find answers too. Tried so hard to get understanding for it. It took me a while, nevertheless, worth every effort. Through the help of my son's medical team, treatment centers, other Hemoms, volunteers and the entire hemophilia community, our family was able to survive the nightmare. I always thank God for that! I always thank Him for guiding us in our way through our darkest moments.
My son now is in college. He was diagnosed with severe Hemophilia A at age seven. Currently a 3x National champion in golf, living a normal life through prophylaxis treatment of his meds, Helixate FS. Never better... We are so proud of him!!!
We Hemoms are here for you. We are here for each other. Feel free to ask questions and each one will be able to help guide you through your journey, as they have for mine. We have a website that you can always visit as well with our stories, at www.hemophiliamoms.com. I'm sure you'll find the site not just informative, but also full of resources. I guarantee you that it will give you, not only peace of mind and assurance, but also the greatest gift you can possibly imagine... Hope.
Take care,
Jenny
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Helitrax
Finally, our much awaited mobile Helitrax (for users of Helixate FS) application is now available for my son and our family to use!!! Yayyyy!!!
I've been requesting this for the longest time, but since it wasn't available through my son's old treatment center, he never got one. I'm so glad to have it now available for us. His new doctor and treatment center is using it too. It worked out perfectly, I'm so excited!
Finished my training today too using the device and application. It's highly recommended if you don't have it. They made it so user-friendly. It is a very useful tool for the hemophilia community. And since my son now is in college, this is one way for us to keep track of his infusions without getting on his case all the time. You know how some teenagers are, they just doesn't wanna be asked.
I will definitely enjoy it with my son this weekend, by practicing on how to use it.
I've been requesting this for the longest time, but since it wasn't available through my son's old treatment center, he never got one. I'm so glad to have it now available for us. His new doctor and treatment center is using it too. It worked out perfectly, I'm so excited!
Finished my training today too using the device and application. It's highly recommended if you don't have it. They made it so user-friendly. It is a very useful tool for the hemophilia community. And since my son now is in college, this is one way for us to keep track of his infusions without getting on his case all the time. You know how some teenagers are, they just doesn't wanna be asked.
I will definitely enjoy it with my son this weekend, by practicing on how to use it.
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Good ways to find veins
I was wanting to find out as parents at home some way to find good veins to infuse in. I've tried many, but someone may have a way that may work better for me. I've tried a heating pad, water and cream. So far it's not helping alot.
Thanks,
DeAnn
Thanks,
DeAnn
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Happy New Year!
I hope this finds you all healthy and bleed free!
The beginning of a new year can be stressful time when it comes to insurance. I encourage you to place a call to your insurance company and check to see if anything with your benifits has changed. That way hopefully you will avoid any surprises. Your Hemophilia Treatment Center is a great resource for you as well.
Enjoy 2011!
Lori
The beginning of a new year can be stressful time when it comes to insurance. I encourage you to place a call to your insurance company and check to see if anything with your benifits has changed. That way hopefully you will avoid any surprises. Your Hemophilia Treatment Center is a great resource for you as well.
Enjoy 2011!
Lori
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)