Medical moms are beasts. So, what is a medical mom? A medical mom is a regular mom who’s had to become a warrior for their kids. I’m talking about moms who have children with clinical diagnoses of serious life altering diseases, complications, or chronic illnesses. I’m not talking about moms who have to deal with something very scary for a short amount of time. I’m talking about moms who have had and are continuing to fight for their children. Moms that have had to endure enormous amounts of uncertainty, countless hospitalizations, more tests/ testing than should ever be allowed, hurt, pain, tragedy, and a plethora of doubt, weariness, and more questions than answers- those are medical moms.
I didn’t ask to be a medical mom. We had our first dabble into the medical world when Holidae was 2 years old. She contracted a staph infection in her blood. Twice. That was scary. Then, Dani quit breathing at 7 weeks old due to RSV. I performed CPR for 20 minutes on my knees in the van while Jason drove 100mph to the hospital the day after Christmas. Yeah, that was scary. Except, it never got better after that… Dani continues to face asthma complications, sinus issues, has a blood disorder that causes her to swell in the cold, has hypothyroidism, significant hearing loss (even after 5 sets of tubes), and dyslexia. Then, Taylin. Oh, Taylin. Spina Bifida, three heart defects, spinal lipomas, neurogenic bladder and bowels, hypothyroidism, and possible dyslexia. Back to Holly, three knee surgeries, herniated entire lower lumbar region, and several drug allergies that we’ve found out the hard way.
The point is that you never even really realize you’ve entered into medical motherhood because you’re so busy trying to keep people alive. Literally. I once referred to myself as a pediatricionologist… you know, the one who coordinates all the pediatric services your kids needs. I study the doctors, hospitals, research- in this country and beyond, the medicinal alternatives, the drug interactions, the potential risks, etc… Medical moms are medically informed, aware, and hypersensitive to all the things.
I’m thankful for my medical mom friends. These women are encouraging, helpful, and they don’t judge when I am on the edge of loosing my mind. Sure, there are waves of peace- but there’s always that looming mama bear hibernating in the back of my mind… I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience God’s love and grace at a deeper level. I am not thankful for the countless procedures, physicians, surgeries, tests, medicines, etc. But, His promises have held steady. He has never left or forsaken us, and for that, I am thankful.
If you know a medical mom, check on them. This is a tough time for all of us- especially with the added stress of COVID-19. If you are a medical mom, I feel you. If you need an ear, call me. I will listen. If you want me to, I can try to help you problem solve. Even if you’re not talking to God (no judgement- I’ve been there), I’ll pray for you and your family. If not me, please talk to someone. Know that you’re not alone. Please know that you are important and valuable. Your work is not in vain.
Check out some of the articles below written by other medical moms:
What It Means to Be a Medical Mom
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