If you've been a reader of my blog for any time you are aware that Jennifer came to us with an extreme case of medical anxiety. She informed us early on that "Doctors hurt me." Merely driving BY a medical facility caused her to panic and SCREAM, much like an ambulance siren!
Sometimes it is a difficult balance to guard against further psychological trauma, be watchful for attachment issues (and things that could upset the attachment) and still get our children the medical attention that they actually need. The doctor at the CP clinic has wanted an MRI of Jen's brain for many months. Since it wasn't something urgent it has been put on hold until I felt Jennifer was attached well enough to trust me with it, and until she wouldn't totally freak out when we walked through the door. She has done so much better when seeing a physician lately that it seemed reasonable to try getting the requested MRI.
Jen cannot hold still for any amount of time so an MRI with sedation was required. Our local Children's Hospital is fabulous with really tending to the child's needs overall. They explained to her what was going to happen this day. They took the time to allow her to smell the different "flavors" of gas that she could have, and even inquired as to the name of the little stuffed doggy friend that came to the hospital with her. Jennifer was allowed to sit on my lap while they administered the sleepy gas. She panicked a little when they applied the mask, but she dosed off pretty quickly. I was called back to recovery when she had just started to wake up. We went home shortly thereafter. At home, Jen was treated to a lazy day and exclusive rights to picking the movies.
It has been a week since the procedure, and I've been watching for signs of regression but she seems to have taken it in stride. I'm so happy to have reached the place that Jennifer appears to trust that I'll make the right choice for her. This is such a HUGE breakthrough for us!
