Angiogram

We decided to schedule the angiogram we discussed with our neurologist.  The risks were low and it seemed like a simple procedure.  When I called to schedule I was asked if I thought Liam would be able to lie still for about ten minutes - this would allow us to avoid having to sedate him.  I asked more about the procedure and was told he would have an IV inserted, pictures taken with a CT scan, a dye inserted via the IV, and then more pictures. 

When we were at the ER he did a great job for the emergency CT scan without sedation.  So I figured he could do it again.

Our appointment was yesterday afternoon - I could tell he was nervous about it when he didn't want to get out of the van.  I assured him everything would be fine and he would be safe with the doctors.

The placement of the IV didn't go very well.  He hated it, cried, and screamed.  Which was strange, because he had an IV at the ER and was fine with it - watched as it was inserted.  Turns out that first IV wasn't placed well and when they tested it with saline it hurt him (hence the screaming)!

So, they had to try again.

Poor Liam.

Once they had a proper IV in the technician, doctor, and nurses were able to calm him down.  Promises of chocolate, stickers, and even some money were involved.

(Since I'm pregnant I couldn't be in the room with him, so Mike had the privilege of being with Liam and trying to help calm him.)

Once it was all over with, Liam, Mike, the doctor, and technician came to the waiting room where I was and declared that Liam "won the game!"  "He was the best patient and laying still during the pictures and the pictures turned out great!"  Liam was rewarded with chocolates, stickers, and a dollar from the doctor.  (This doctor also removed his white coat and threw it on the floor when he went in to see Liam and Liam started crying because of it.)

Afterwards we went to the zoo for dinner since we were only about five minutes away.  I thought Liam would be starving and eat everything in site (he couldn't eat for four hours before the procedure), but he barely ate.  He did enjoy parts of the zoo and was happy to be able to by a mold-a-rama bear with his prize money.

At the zoo