Congenital Hypothyroidism

We have received the results from our second newborn metabolic screening test today, and the results are not so good. Brian is showing symptoms of congenital hypothyroidism. We are supposed to bring him in to the hospital for another test today. Read below for full details.

The article is scary, starting with all the things that will happen if the problem is not treated. Of course we will treat it, but it is still scary!

We hope and pray that he has nothing wrong, or that if something is wrong, we can treat it in time. There is a reassuring quote near the end of that article:

"When treatment is initiated before the appearance of clinical signs and symptoms of hypothyroidism, the intellectual outcome of the child is the same as that of children with normal thyroid function. This was shown by a group of New England hypothyroid children whose results in intelligence tests and in school performance were the same as those of their unaffected classmates."

Keep your chin (and your thyroid levels) up, Brian!

The Rules

I proclaim that this list is essential.

Johnson & Johnson PKI

I keep forgetting where the J&J PKI certificates are available externally. They are here.

Welcome to the world, Brian Abraham Hesse. We are so glad you joined us!

6/9/05 @ 4:04am
6 lbs, 12 oz.
19.75" long

Bryan Hoopengardner

I didn't even know Bryan, but this is what I do know: he left us too soon. Bryan was born with cystic fibrosis, and his family knew his time would be short. Bryan passed away on March 31st, 2005. There's a nice article about him at the Arlington Cemetery website.

The reason I mention him here, aside from trying to bring attention to cystic fibrosis, is to share a story of Joan (Bryan's mom) having to deal with 'taking care of matters' after his passing. It must be so hard dealing with the little things... like closing a bank account. After going through a number of questions in the process of trying to close out one of Bryan's bank accounts, Joan finally told the clerk that Bryan had passed away. The clerk was so saddened and uphauled at herself for asking all the questions, she apologized profusely and rapidly took care of business. Not so at Lifetime Fitness in Centreville.

Joan went into Lifetime to cancel Bryan's membership, as she has been working to close out other aspects of Bryan's life every time she regains the strength to do so. It may be a while after what she went through at Lifetime. The Lifetime clerk referred Joan to the manager, who after discussing it with her demanded to see a copy of Bryan's death certificate before he would be willing to cancel the account. Joan pitched a fit loud enough for the entire gym to hear. I hope the other gym members heard and reconsider renewing their accounts.

It doesn't forgive the manager at the Centreville Lifetime. To this person, money was more important than sympathy. I hope he gets what he deserves.

Rainbow Hash tables

I will add more comment on this later.

overload

between Marie's birthday party, Church and Memorial Day cookout Sunday, preparing a proposal all through the weekend and all day Monday, and moving all the spare bedroom furniture Tuesday, there hasn't been much time to blog. I think I did everything I needed to over the last few days except one work-related thing which I finished today. Hopefully starting tomorrow I'll be back on an even keel.