classic infantile-onset Pompe disease

Addressing My Son’s Mild Hearing Loss With New Ear Tubes

At my 4-year-old son Cayden’s last appointment with the otolaryngologist (ears, nose, and throat doctor, or ENT), the doctor and I decided that we should look into getting a new set of tubes for Cayden’s ears. Cayden, who has infantile-onset Pompe disease, showed signs of mild hearing loss during…

Potty Training My Special Needs Child

Last week, I started the dreaded process of potty training my son, Cayden, who turns 4 years old next month. I realize we started this process a bit later than most parents do, but we have our reasons. Cayden has infantile-onset Pompe disease. Some of the symptoms include muscle…

Trying to Fit In as a Teenage Rare Disease Parent

I was 16 when I had my son, Cayden, in 2018. Being a teen parent brought its own set of challenges. I had to leave public school and finish high school online. I also lost many friends, because most teenagers like to spend their weekends having fun, not cooped…