My heart sank. I can't take this away. I can't make it better for her. I can't promise that she won't always have these nightly, uncomfortable routines. I can't even relate to what her life is every day. I can only try to encourage her through it all.
She stood there weepy-eyed, draped in a towel by the toilet. I gave her a big hug.
"I know it's tough, Sweetie, but I'm so proud of you," I said, "Do you want to talk about it more?"
"Well, I want to go potty on my own like everybody else. And, I wish people wouldn't call me LITTLE!" Adria added. "There's only 2 people in my class shorter than me."
Adria is very short for her age. But she's right, there are two other sweet little girls in her class. So she's not alone and I tried to encourage her that it's ok to be little.
Daddy told her, "The BEST things come in SMALL packages!!"
I loved it. I hope she can hold onto that.
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| Adria strikes a pose in her "co-worker" style school uniform, new boots and mommy's hat, gloves and glasses. Stylin' |
Because after our hug and little chat, we had to do the same uncomfortable potty routine that we do 4-5 nights a week. It's called Peristeen, and it's an advanced enema system with a pump that enables us to flush out her bowels and large intestines. Usually, Daddy and I work together with Adria as that makes it easier on all 3 of us. That part takes just a few minutes, but then Adria has to remain seated on the potty for 30-45 minutes to allow her stool to come out.
It's stinky and unpleasant, but she uses the time to read books or watch cooking videos on the iPad. And when she's done, we catheterize her for the fourth and final time of the day, emptying her bladder before going to bed.
It may be no fun, but this system has dramatically improved things for her - she has now been wearing panties instead of diapers for a year. She still has an accident at school once in a while, but she wears a pad to help with that. It's great that she doesn't have stinkies often in her diaper anymore...that's sooo NOT cool as a 7 year old.
And this little first grader is quite smart. Adria just brought home her report card and got straight A's once again this second quarter! She doesn't even realize what that means, she just enjoys school and expects to get most things right...haha. That may be hereditary ;)
It's stinky and unpleasant, but she uses the time to read books or watch cooking videos on the iPad. And when she's done, we catheterize her for the fourth and final time of the day, emptying her bladder before going to bed.
It may be no fun, but this system has dramatically improved things for her - she has now been wearing panties instead of diapers for a year. She still has an accident at school once in a while, but she wears a pad to help with that. It's great that she doesn't have stinkies often in her diaper anymore...that's sooo NOT cool as a 7 year old.
And this little first grader is quite smart. Adria just brought home her report card and got straight A's once again this second quarter! She doesn't even realize what that means, she just enjoys school and expects to get most things right...haha. That may be hereditary ;)
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| Happy girl posing last week after our only big snowfall of the winter. |
Moments of sadness and grumpiness are tough, when she seems keenly aware of her differences, but I am so very encouraged by the incredible young lady she is becoming!
It's true, some of the best things do come in small packages.
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| At 7 years old, Adria is only an inch taller than her 4 year old sister Johanna (who likes to try on my boots...) |
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| Adria's new pair of AFOs - Ankle Foot Orthotics. She might not like wearing them sometimes, but at least they can be fun and colorful! |
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| Plus, Daddy found these amazing boots that tie and zip up the back. Yeah for cute shoes that fit over leg braces! |
To read more about our journey with bowel management programs, here are some links:
Answer to Stinky Situation
Panties are Priceless
Mermaid Magic
Learning to Catheterize a Toddler
A Day at the Children's Hospital
When the School Nurse called
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