4/1/24

I like to tease Paul, play jokes on Paul and trick him. I like watching his reaction and it doesn’t disappoint. This morning, he was standing in the kitchen, in his underwear, putting his English muffin in the toaster. I walked up behind him and pulled them ALL THE WAY DOWN TO HIS ANKLES. April Fools!

He made a noise of disgust and started laughing. He muttered something about me being a “pain in the ass” but it gave us both a chuckle.

Ethan met with a psychiatrist today. They had him go in first and collect his information. He was in there a good 40 minutes alone. When I was able to join, they had a few questions about Ethan’s stroke, and other contributing factors. This psychiatrist works with heart failure patients almost exclusively.

She had some interesting information, like there is an increased chance of neurodivergence in cardiac pediatrics. They think it could be cause by poor perfusion (which is a doctorate way of saying a passage of fluid through the circulatory system. Like blood….that carries oxygen.) if there isn’t enough blood getting to the brain, there can be a lack of oxygen.

Ethan had no pulse in his arms and legs. Very poor perfusion. If his heart wasn’t able to pump properly, his brain may have been oxygen starved too. This could land him on the spectrum.

We don’t really care to get him re-evaluated autism spectrum disorder, because what would that change? She did say he has all the symptoms of major depressive disorder as well as generalized anxiety disorder, but those weren’t a surprise for us. His current medications are correct for the treatment of those disorders. 

The psychiatrist agreed that Ethan needs to work through his trauma. She was so thoughtful and good with Ethan. He is actually open to the idea and we start with a therapist tomorrow.

I am excited for him to hopefully grow from this experience. He seems to be embracing it, today. 

He did a great job today and I was proud of him. When we got home, Ethan and Jiminy snuggled up on the couch. Such a cute friendship.