Please Keep Us in Your Thoughts Tomorrow

[Audrey_M]

On Thursday, my 20 year old son and I will be going to specialists in lead poisoning on the recommendation of my neurologist.

While I have concerns for myself, it scares me more for my son. We were dx'd with lead poisoning when he was a toddler. He's ADHD (IQ of 130, but big discrepancies in scores), which in all likelihood is a result of the lead poisoning. What gets me scared is that he has been complaining of headaches on a regular basis for a few years (never had them before) and joint pain has been a major complaint for longer than I care to remember. I was mind jarring to put his sx together with mine and realize this could be a possibility.

He's been to a number of ortho specialists, and the lead history has always been mentioned, but without any in depth review. Best any could come up with was that he was flat footed and it put extra pressure on the knee.

As much as I would like an answer to my problems, I don't want it to be this! It would probably mean that more damage has been done to his brain, which is irreversible. While I am in no way responsible for the lead poisoning, it would still hurt me deeply if he has even more problems as a result of prior exposure.

Yes, treatment can stop the progression if we have dangerous levels of lead in our systems, but whatever damage has been done is done.

So while I do want a dx, this is one that I don't want because it involves my son. I would hate to find out that he has more lesions on his brain than I do.

Hope for the best, fear for the worst. Please don't let this be the case.

My eye is also on Earl; we might have a busy afternoon after the doctors' appointments.

Audrey

[Sparkysarah]

Really hoping that today goes OK for you and just to say that you are in my thoughts. Let us know how you get on and of course hoping for the best.

Love Sarah x

[michelleric]

(((Audrey))),

Thinking of your today and sending you prayers and hugs...
Michelle

[sllowe]

Praying for a good outcome of today's appointment. Don't beat yourself up over all the possibilities. No matter the outcome, you will both be doing it together!

hugs,
And, please do tell us how you make out.
-Shell

[michelleislay]

oh audrey,

what a worry!  you will be in my thoughts for sure...and no matter what the outcome, it is clear you are a mum who is truly concerned for her son and i know you will be the perfect person to help him deal with whatever comes his way!!!

xoxoxox michelle

[PastorDan]

Praying for the best outcomes on all fronts.

[jujuminx]

Oh Audrey, from one mom to another I can understand your pain.  Of course you and your son with be in our thoughts and prayers.

Stay focused sweetie and remember to breath.  Look up girl, that is where your real strength with come from.  We will be thinking and praying for you throughout the day and beyond.

Julie

[jules2212]

Hi wishing you and your son the very best outcome possible at his next hospital appointment.
Know that many many people will be with you both but invisible supporting you both.
You will be in my prayers.

Kindest Regards and Wishing You Both Better Health
((((( Hugs )))))
Julie xxx

[Erin0313]

Oh wow that stinks! I know your fear and feel it with you. No lead poisoning here but I often wonder if either of my children (21 &24) will pop up with MS symptoms soon.

Of course I have it but so does their grandma on hubbies side has PPMS and has been in a nursing home unable to move without some crane like thing and at least 2 nurses for years. Your mom and your Dad's mom both having MS seems that it would increase the odds big time and it scares the bejesus out of me!

Goose bumps just typing it and thinking of you with your son tomorrow - I guess today now. I am off to bed where I belong at this hour but I am glad that I stayed up and saw this so that I can say some prayers for you before sleep comes and again when I wake up.

Have a safe trip and keep your eye on Earl

Tons of Hugs To Take With You!
Erin :)

[starryeyes1]

You and your son are in my prayers. Take Care!
Kristi

[Audrey_M]

Lead exposure was in Antigua, where Sunshine (yes, that is his name) was born. They used to burn garbage. We were living on a boat 300 yds. downwind  of the dump and they burned lead based paint tins as well as marine batteries. Since we were living on deck of the boat, exposure was not only when they were burning, but from ash that settled on our living quarters.

Only found that out after I showed symptoms and went stateside to recover from whatever was ailing me. Lead poisoning was stumbled upon when my son was late for a booster shot and I could only get him into a public clinic, that regularly screens for lead. he was off the charts 3 months after removal from the source.

As for Earl, we are directly on the coast of southeastern Connecticut. I have to try to stay awake long enough to catch the 11 o'clock advisory. Have lots of experience with hurricanes and tracking them from years in the Caribbean.

Audrey

[figuerpa]

I wish you luck and you are in my prayers. I really hope it isn't lead poisoning, that would be aweful for the both of you.

I hope Earl doesn't hit the coast, I am hoping the cold front moving through will push Earl further out.

Once again you are in my prayers,

Paula

[Lulu54]

DearAudrey,
that is a lot for any mother to carry.  Your love and concern for your son is so understandable.  I hope the tests provide answers that you both can live with - as well as move forward from.  

Lead poisoning is still a problem in this country - so many ways that children can be exposed despite the efforts of moms to keep them safe.  I imagine it is that way in other countries, as well.

Earl looks menacing - I will hope that he turns eastward and spares the coast.  I trust you are not directly on the shore, but still have lots of prep work to do in advance of a CAT 3 hurricane.

good luck, stay safe, and be well - Lulu