A NEW AND IMPROVED HARRY

The boys and I have been down and out over the long weekend with temperatures and a nasty cold and to top it off Oscar has impetigo on his face. This is something we have not had to deal with before and it's amazing to see it multiply before your very eyes! Thankfully it's clearing up nicely. Oscar was at the doctor for this yesterday and again today for a follow up on where to next for his stomach. His stool sample has come back showing a high level of inflammation. This really doesn't tell us much more so isn't a great help! If anything  it proves there is something wrong with him. The paediatrician suggested the next step is worming him and another dose of antibiotics for two weeks. Thankfully the doctor agreed with me and believes that antibiotics are not the solution. So monitoring at this stage and coeliac test in a few weeks with Oscar's next bloods. This was supposed to have been done already but for whatever reason was missed at the lab. For an accurate test there needs to be a little bit of gluten in your system for a few weeks so at least this way we will know for sure. Oscar's happy enough but still complaining of a sore stomach 3-4 times a day and comparing him to what he was like when on the last round of antibiotics there is a vast difference. This was the only time we saw Oscar up early to start the day!

On a great note, Harry is looking amazing! His antibiotics finished nine days ago and he still looks good. He seems to have 'normal eczema' so will see what the next few weeks bring. His skin also feels so soft. I can't help but touch his legs. Tonight before bed Harry pulled up his sleeves and proudly showed Charlie his arm and said "Feel my arm Charlie!". The last two nights we haven't wrapped Harry's hands and I'm very excited to say Harry has had two nights in a row of sleep. One night alone of sleep previously would have equated to three nights sleep!  The first thing Harry said when he woke up this morning was that he had a good sleep in his bed. Fingers crossed this continues. I believe this a massive factor in Harry's Skin looking well, he's able to heal with the amount of sleep he's finally getting. Harry is also eating now with no sleeves. It's so strange seeing him without sleeves on. The biggest thing we are still getting used to is seeing Harry wear proper clothes. ..not all in one suits backwards! The hair that has been rubbed off behind Harry's ears and also his eyebrows is beginning to grow back too. Gosh, so many positives in such a short time frame. Harry really is a different child and I'm hoping I can safely say we are over the worst of topical steroid withdrawal. This means that Harry won't need to go on immunos either.  He's still dam itchy and has moments of needing redirected but he's no longer sitting on the floor screaming and crying all day trying to attack his skin. This means we can finally start toilet training, Harry will be able to start Kindergarten at some stage in the near future and it's one huge step to normality for us. Most importantly Harry is able to play and learn and enjoy a life of being comfortable again. The biggest damage is to his feet still but in time they will heal, as will Andrew and I. This has been one hell of a journey and our children have had to come first. Their health and their healing has been paramount. Andrew and I...and our marriage will be the next step in healing. Again this will take time but we will get to where we need to be.