New to this group, I'm the Aunt

[Guest guest]

Hello,

I have joined this group because I just found out my 9 month old

nephew " most likely " has CF. He goes for his sweat test on Monday. He

was born premature and has had " colds and flus " basically

since birth. In February this year he got bronchitus very badly and

he always seemed " congested. " I even thought it sounded as though he

had rails. So finally last week his mother brought him to a

pulmonologist in Syracuse (we live in NY). The pulmonologist told

her she was almost positive he had CF. She gave her a bunch of new

inhalation drugs to give him and gave her an appointment for the

sweat test.

I am a former EMT and have a large amount of medical knowledge

because of my own heart/lung problems. As soon as told me CF I

was devistated as she was. The " funny " (ironic?) thing is that

anytime he was with me I would clap his back because he always

sounded so terrible. didn't understand why I did this and

thought that I was nuts. She now knows about clapping and

understands why I did what I did.

I've read a lot of the posts in this forum and know that you guys

will be able to help and support me. Dylan is a special little guy

and I'm so sad that he has to go through this.

I was wondering also if any of the Mothers out there went through

depression or anything like that after learning of the dx and if so

what did you do to get through it. I'm very very worried about

because about 2 weeks ago 's boyfriend (and father of Dylan)

left her and has only seen Dylan like twice since he left. She is

extremely depressed, doesn't eat, doesn't sleep and crys all the

time. I'm afraid that she is not going to be able to care for

Dylan. Dylan's father is my husband's brother and he hasn't called

us in weeks. He doesn't even know his son is " this sick " , I mean he

knew he had bronchitus but that's it and he doesn't seem to care.

It's a very bad situation. My husband is afraid for Dylan also and

has considered telling that if she didn't get some help then we

would call Child Protective Services on her. We are foster parents

and are legally obligated to report abuse or neglect of a child.

About a month ago Dylan came to stay with us for about 4 days because

not only was Dylan sick, but his half sister, half brother, and

were all sick also. His half sister went into the hospital and

asked us to watch him. When my husband went to pick him up was

so weak she couldn't even lift the baby to give him to my husband.

's doctor just put her on Zoloft and told her she needs to eat

and gain some weight or he's going to hospitalize her.

This is just a crazy situation and we're not sure how to deal with

it. Any advice or suggestions would be appreciated.

-Beth

" Anie " to baby Dylan