Override

We went to the GI doctor on Monday. Olivia weighed 24 kilos = 52.8 lbs!!! I can't believe it. She has NEVER in her life weighed 50+ lbs. He was very pleased that she has gained over 7 lbs. since we met him in July. I asked him if he thought she was gaining weight too quickly, and he said that he didn't think that's possible. We will next see him in December.

Tuesday we saw the Surgeon's partner (Dr. Duke) and he said that Olivia's site looks great, and it's clear we're doing a great job caring for her. The resident that was with him told me that the dressing looked great and I should become a GI nurse. I thought to my self, "It's gauze and tape, how hard can it be?" Dr. Duke said that some people will make the dressing too tight on the skin, and it will cause breakdown. Who knew! We will next see Dr. Safford (her actual surgeon) on November 15.

So the "override"... We are on the schedule for the new Orthopedic Surgeon. When the referral was put in, it was classified "A.S.A.P". In order to be put on the schedule, the scheduling person had to override the appointment calendar to fit her in. The appointment is NEXT Wednesday at 2:15 p.m. at Children's National Medical Center in DC. Her doctor is Michael Oetgen, recommended by Dr. Todd. He specializes in Congenital Spine issues. We had recommendations for 3 other providers there, but this is a 4th option. We're going with him due to the recommendation from Dr. Todd. He refers many patients to him, and they seem to have a great working relationship between the two departments. Mo told me it'll be an easy transition since Dr. Oetgen has a very similar personality to Dr. Todd. "He is honest, compassionate, and very good." I'm looking forward to hearing what he has to say.