We have a diagnosis!

The genetic doctor said we have FAE. We were expecting this diagnosis. He is going to send a letter this week stating the diagnosis and the other items we discussed. I discovered this with the help of counselors early on in the placement. He is also concerned about other syndromes we may be dealing with. Ugh! Both girls had blood work done that will take about 4-6 weeks for results. A full body x-ray was done on Beth. He said we only had to do one child because they are twins. I am confused a little bit about this because they are fraternal. I may have misunderstood what he was testing for. Anyway, hopefully we will have results from x-rays pretty quickly.

This morning I received an email from Kari Fletcher. She is a well know advocate for FAE and other related disorders. We had spoken with her about a month ago about FAS and our children. She is speaking at a permanancy conference in our state Thursday. She was checking in with me to see if I would be able to attend. Wow! How cool of God!! The day after we get a definate diagnosis, I get an email from Kari. I called her immediately to find out the details and to ask her opinion about our diagnosis. She said the FAE kids are sometimes the hardest to parent. They have average IQ's and they often don't look affected. These kids often do okay until their early teens. They begin falling behind academically and have a hard time processing their difficulties as they get older.

So, after speaking with her I contacted my state worker and told her what information I received from the doctor and asked about the conference. Anyway, I have arranged to be at her conference with all of the state workers that make these decisions on Thursday. We will all hear the same info at the same time!! I am so excited. She spoke in May at our state foster parent conference and I was unable to attend. I can't wait to hear her speak.

I sent an email to the state workers which includes the decision maker for my assistance request. She replied stating she will re-evaluate our case after the paperwork is received from the doctor. Yea!! At least she is going to reconsider. Hopefully after hearing Kari speak tomorrow, she will reconsider.

This will hold up the finalization again. I am okay with this because we need everything handled before we finalize.

God is in control!!! He is bigger than any of this!! I am so blessed that he has worked out every detail so I can attend this conference three hours from my home!! Now I just need the strength and energy to make it through the week. Tomorrow I will be out of town again with Beth and Ann for different testing and orthodontic appointments. I am so glad we homeschool because it travels!!!

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me! Philippians 4:13