Government Approved

A wonderful lady from the Special Medical Services called me yesterday to find out what Wesley really needs in terms of his care and what services they can help us find, or provide. It's the first (or maybe second) time that I felt like I was talking to someone who knew their stuff and could really get us more help with Wes' issues. His biggest is feeding and swallowing. Like clockwork, every time he eats, he stuffs his mouth to the point of gagging and choking. And just like clockwork, I have to fish food out of his mouth before he vomits. Yes, we cut up his food and we monitor him eating, but I can't sit down and watch him like a hawk. He also doesn't chew his food completely and that also can cause him to choke. Just another thing on the long list..

So this wonderful woman is setting him up with a feeding and swallowing specialist and not just a nutritionist. That is what we need to focus on before we can really manage his nutrition. I had been toying with the idea of taking him to an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist because, to me, it seems like he has a narrow throat. I could be wrong though.

During our conversation, she asked about Medicaid and whether we had applied for it. There is a program affectionately called "Katie Beckett". This program was set up for children who don't qualify for Healthy Kids, but have a severe disability that impairs their everyday life. I had applied for this back in April and was told it could take 90 days to hear back from the state. She offered to check a list she gets with approved children and sure enough, Wes' name was on that list. WOOHOO! I got a letter in the mail stating that he was approved and that we will be getting all the documentation along with his cards within the week. I am sending Wes' new pediatrician an email letting her know we are approved so she can write prescriptions for diapers and for Pediasure . It will be a huge help for us financially as diapers are expensive (especially when you have two kids in diapers).

On another note, today Casey and Wesley were playing with their new ball pit . Casey was pushing against the back towards Wesley and at one point got a bit too excited. Wesley hollered out at him "No, Casey Joseph. Stop!" I looked at Tim in amazement. That's the most clear, and appropriate sentence he has ever said! The music really seems to be helping.