Today's Test

Today we took Thomas to the Speech Therapist at MCG. We had to go to the Radiology department. There, they performed what is called a Barium Swallow Test in order to check Thomas' swallowing ability. Maddy and I had to step out due to the radiation while Shannon got to wear a snazzy coverall. Maddy and I watched on the TV screen. We have had so much trouble with his eating and have been very concerned. Today did nothing but ease our hearts and minds. Thomas has what is called an aversion to textures.....foods with texture that is. He also is dealing with Reflux issues that makes meal time a bit more frustrating for him as he cannon take in the quantity that most children his age can. Therefore, our tasks are to gradually try to increase textures in his food.....slowly.....in order to build up the consistency he will accept. We are to also allow him to chew and taste various objects in order to build up his acceptance toward textures (this will be easy as he already chews on everything). We will also let him play with spoons more and massage his tongue to try and desensitize his gag reflex. In addition, we are to give him smaller and more frequent meals in order to help the reflux. The Speech Therapist was wonderful!!!! She gave me her phone number and told me to call with any questions or concerns. She also said she would like to follow up with Thomas and help us with his eating development. Shannon and I were both very happy with the outcome. We will discuss all we learned with Dr. Jester....our pediatrician. There may be an Upper GI in our future but not at this point. We will also get to cancel next Friday's appt. So....for next week, we have a Baby Smith appointment and that is it!!! WOW.....I won't know how to act with only one appointment to go to......thank you all for your prayers of support and words of encouragement. I will continue to keep you posted!