Four pounds and Obamacare (not really about Obamacare)

For over a year, we've been trying every possible way to get Connor to gain weight. Given how hard it is for him to eat, and at times, keep food down, it's practically impossible for him to gain weight. Between the way his bones are stretching out and his intestinal issues, it's a daily battle. About six months ago, though, I was cruising amazon.com and found this small calorie additive called Benecalorie. I decided to order some and give it a try, and our pediatrician, via email, supported the idea. He didn't seem to have any adverse reaction, so we kept on it, using the additive in one or two meals each day. 330 extra calories in each packet, in an ounce and a half.

A week ago, Connor had his 7 year well child check up. First of all...seven years old!?? There were many days in year one where we never thought we'd get to something as mundane and wonderful as his 7 year old well child checkup. But nevertheless, Lee and I toted him into the doctor's office and found out that since last February, he's gained 4 pounds, 3 of which were after we started with the additive. Connor at most has gained maybe a pound and a half per year since that first spurt of growth as a baby, and the steroids he had to take as his first course of treatment. It's a profound change for him, and for us.

Then, right as that week that started with something so positive was drawing to a close, we received a letter from our healthcare provider. It changed with the new year, so we've been waiting to see how soon the new company would realize that it's de rigueur to reject our claims and DMEs. Apparently, not yet is the answer. They approved our first DME request (DME = durable medical equipment). Connor has grown so tall he's outgrown his school chair, which we received in the summer of 2008. And it would seem that while we know he's due for a new one, no one, for the first time, no one is telling us no! It's our first attempt since the new healthcare package was voted in (and before it's dismantled). Probably unrelated, but who knows?

Anyway, just wanted to share the great news. Oh, I should mention that he's grown almost 4 inches in the last year. At this rate he'll outgrow me in a few years!