Kayson - Passing out update (Vasovagal Syncope)

Unfortunately, Kayson had another passing out episode at school on Monday morning.  (Monday, November 28). He was just sitting in class...  and felt light headed, and went down, just that fast.  He did not hit his head, and was only out for a short time...  Teacher, students and nurse helped him, and he was safe.  

I got him home... he rested hard for a couple of hours.  He ate lunch, and was seemingly fine the rest of the day.  This has us startled and worried... so we got him into the doctor. 

We couldn't see our regular doctor, but we saw a newer one, Dr. Reynolds, and he was great with Kayson.  Kayson was great too - answered all the questions, and had great communication with the doctor.  That alone is huge. 

In the end, Dr. Reynolds believes Kayson has vasovagal syncope.  Basically that means it's a syndrome that occurs when you faint because your body is overreacting to a trigger.  It's causing your heart and blood pressure to drop suddenly.  (We are unsure if there's actually a 'trigger' for him, but regardless, his oxygen and blood to the brain is being messed with!) We are told this is harmless and he should grow out of it.  When we should be concerned is when or if Kayson starts to faint when he is working out or doing a sport activity. If that happens, then he could have a heart issue.  The doctor does not think that's the case at all...

In order to 'prevent' this...  unfortunately, we can't really find a preventative, besides ensuring Kayson is hydrated, and eating enough.  He will now be taking snacks to school with him, and hopefully this will eliminate the episodes.  

Tuesday morning - the face of a teenager

Monday morning

Thanksgiving 2022

Kayson was feeling better by Thursday...  still had the icky cough, but he was perky and his eyes were no longer glossy.  We headed up to Clarion Thursday around noon...  and we had a great time with  my family.  It was a great day, good weather, and everyone was happy, even Kayson.  He smiled, talked and joined in on the fun.  I was pleased.  

Saturday we spent the day in Creston with the Taylor's.  Not everyone was there, but it was a good crowd, and we had a pretty good day!  Unfortunately, Rhett wasn't feeling that great... so he wasn't up to par and his silly self.  But we got to meet some girlfriends and a fiancé (Matt's), so that was fun.  Yummy food and a good day.  And only one picture.  Bad.

It was a nice Thanksgiving... and a good break from school and work.  I hate to see those little breaks end, but it's good for the kiddos to get back into the routine.  

Very thankful and blessed this year. 

Update - Kayson - Strep

Monday, Kayson rested all day...  drank a lot, and ate just a little, seemed to perk up about evening time.  He asked to play on his PS4 for a bit, so he did that...   He ate some chicken noodle soup too, so that was a huge plus.

He has a terrible cough with this strep...  and the cough is deep and also phlemy.  I was hoping he could get some of that 'up', but he's pretty hesitant.  I think for the most part, the strep portion is healing... no more fever, and less pain in his throat.  However, he's still very weak, the cough is probably a bad virus, and just doesn't have much color to him. 

Tuesday morning, he got up and almost passed out...  scared him, scared me.  I got some apple juice in him, his strep medicine and one bite of toast.  He rested the rest of the morning...  

And Wednesday - the first day that he got dressed and had color and no glossy eyes.  I think we are on the mend, but definitely bothered by the deep cough.  We will continue the meds, drinking and resting, and hopeful he will be 100% by the weekend. 

Kayson - Strep

Unfortunately, our Kayson has come down with a sickness...  strep.  A little of last week, he was coughing, but nothing too serious, and said he was fine.  Friday night, he seemed tired, quieter than normal... then Saturday we had basketball.  He was coughing more and said it was hurting.  I was hesitant to send him to the games, but honestly, it's hard to make those decisions, and Ryan kind of pushes him through stuff like this.  Anyway, he played two games, and I could tell he was miserable.  He slept well... but Sunday (today), he woke and didn't look good.  He had a low grade fever - 101...  said his throat hurt bad and couldn't really take a deep breath.  

Ryan took him to urgent care...  got in fairly quick, and he was tested for Influenza, Covid and strep - positive for strep.  Honestly, I'm thankful that it is strep, as he can have medicine for that... and we can nip this in a few days.  

He came home and has rested most of the day...  drank a ton, taken medicine and just kept to himself.  I feel bad for him... he's rarely sick.  Just stinks!!!

Hopeful that we get three doses in him, and we start to see improvement.  

Cora - 4th Grade Fall Conference

Cora's first 4th grade conference was last night... and she's knocked it out of the park.  Personally, thinking that the teacher (Ms. DeMarco) just loves Cora!  ha.  Cora is doing well... She is helpful, extremely respectful and produces quality work.  Ms. DeMarco had no concerns... which is awesome.  

Her FAST Scores were this:

Reading - 511 (Fall benchmark is to be 502)

Math - 212 (Fall benchmark is to be 209)

Reading level - U (goal by end of 4th grade is S)

She's doing well.  Ms. DeMarco would like to see Cora be more confident with her math.  She says "Cora knows this process, knows it, but she just gets hesitant!"  

8th Grade Basketball - All Iowa Attack (Tournament #1)

Kayson made the All Iowa Attack 8th grade team again this year...  honestly, like last year, we weren't sure if he would make the team. There was some tough competition, but I'm proud of him. 

This weekend we started the LONG season of basketball...  tournament #1 - just here in DSM, which is nice.  

The boys played three games Saturday, going 2 and 1, and then won a game on Sunday morning.  Kayson did well...  he hustles and tries hard...  I feel he built his confidence up in Sunday's game - shooting more and making them!  I honestly just want him to have fun - this 8th grade ball stuff means nothing besides being with a team and friends.  I just want him to be happy.

Kayson - 8th Grade Fall Choir concert

Thursday night was Kayson's 8th grade fall concert.  Such a quick concert, but so good too!!  Kayson really enjoys choir, which makes me happy... it's a good 'subject' where you just learn a lot about music and how music can change your life.  In my opinion.  He really enjoys the teacher too - Mr. Peterson, he seems like a great guy and has had nothing but awesome things to say about Kayson.  

So much dance! Kids pictures!

Well, Cora is right back into dance... going hard core.  The competition dances are a little behind - so Miss Charlee is trying hard to get them up to speed and ready. 

Friday night Cora had practice...  Saturday morning was Production practice... and Sunday was Titans Convention (all day - 8-4!!!)  We had a tired little girl. 

In the middle of all that - we squeezed in kiddo pictures.  I had taken some back in the summer, but wasn't thrilled with them... and a dance Dad is a photographer, so I asked him.  He was great with them... and they turned out awesome.  I was super pleased.  

The rest of the weekend (without Cora) was pretty good...  we did some relaxing... I cleaned out the kids' closets.  Man, that's such a process, but feels so good when it's done.  But at the same time - Cora is growing so fast... and has a strong opinion on clothes now!!  

It was a nice weekend...  next week basketball starts!