CF Check Up

Last Thursday Ollie had her 3 month CF checkup. At this particular visit, it was scheduled that Ollie's CF Doctor do a Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). PFT is a way of measuring lung function, specifically the measurement of the amount (volume) and/or speed (flow) of air that can be inhaled and exhaled. Because O is just a toddler, the test is accomplished by gathering the info while she is asleep. He tried this before a few months ago but gave O a lil bit too much of the sleepy medicine. It not only knocked her out but gave her the hiccups as well. Having the hiccups made it absolutely impossible to get any reading of lung function. This particular day was a little better. I had a hard time getting her to drink the nasty stuff and because they gave her so little, it took a while to rock her to sleep. As I rocked her, I could tell she was getting a little "drunk". The little smile and an occasional giggle through her paci gave her away. While the test was being preformed, John and I waited in the lobby. Good thing too cause I'm not sure how well I would have held up watching them close up my child in a mini tanning booth looking thing only to force air into her tiny chest and take measurements. We all survived and the test was over before we knew it (mainly cause we both fell asleep). O's CF Doctor then preceded to tell us that little "Sassy" was a fighter even in a sedated sleep. Apparently she squeezed her vocal chords shut every time they tried to push the air into her lungs. He was, however, able to get one reading he felt was accurate (they prefer to get at least 3 good readings to get a good happy/medium but we'll take what we can get). As it turns out, Ollie's lungs are functioning in a normal range. I won't bore you with all the numbers but after doing a little research myself, it looks as though those numbers are actually on the upper end of normal. This is an awesome feeling! We can now feel sure that her lungs have not been damaged  but also know there is nothing hiding deep down in her lungs, untraceable with an everyday culture. Speaking of culture, the one they took that day came back negative. Pseudomonas free for 11 months! Yee Haw! We must be doing something right! Praise God!

On a lighter note; Ollie is now doing her own breathing treatments. When it is time for them I simply tell her to come do her treatments. She drops everything and happily runs for the recliner to get set up. She holds her own nebulizer and mask and is dang sure to put it right up to her face. Although this is a wonderful break for J and myself, it's a battle once the treatments are over (she gets furious when I shut off the machine-I'll try to get that on video for you-crazy, I know!) Lets just pray she continues to always be this happy about treatment time.