infantile-onset Pompe

How Well-child Checks Are a Break From Specialists

When my 4-year-old son, Cayden, goes to the doctor, it’s usually to see one of the many specialists for his infantile-onset Pompe disease. While they are helpful and the appointments are necessary for us, I know that not every child is normally seen and followed by so many…

How Shortages Affect the Rare Disease Community

It’s no secret that COVID-19 has caused a lot of issues for not just the United States, but the entire world. Because of the pandemic, for example, we’ve recently been experiencing issues getting the necessary medical supplies for my 4-year-old son, Cayden, who has infantile-onset Pompe disease. Cayden…

Why I Choose to Share Our Story

When you have a child, you have so many concerns and thoughts. One came up soon after I had my son, Cayden, four years ago. He was diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease at just 1 month. At the time, I had no clue whether I wanted others to know his…

A Visit With the Ear, Nose, and Throat Doctor

A few days ago, my 4-year-old son, Cayden, visited one of the specialists that he sees less frequently: the otolaryngologist, or ear, nose, and throat (ENT) doctor. Cayden’s been seeing this doctor since he was about 2. These checkups are necessary because Cayden has experienced hearing loss due to…

A Single Mother With a Broken Foot

I’m no stranger to our local urgent care clinics and hospitals. Usually, my 4-year-old son, Cayden, is the patient. Last week, however, it was my turn to need medical help. I had an unexpected fall off a friend’s porch steps and immediately felt the pain. This is my first time…

Now I’m Hearing My Son’s Voice

Infantile-onset Pompe disease has caused a lot of challenges for my 4-year-old son, Cayden. Until recently, he was never able to communicate with us verbally. We depended on a few different types of nonverbal communication devices and techniques, which I’ve discussed before. But his ability to speak just…

What a Typical Pompe Clinic Day Looks Like

It was nerve-wracking for my son, Cayden, to be the first child in Pennsylvania diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease via newborn screening. It was four years ago, but I still remember it like it was yesterday. Back then, Cayden’s visits felt very unorganized. However, our team of doctors has…

Our Experience With a Holter Monitor

Last week, we took my 4-year-old son, Cayden, to the cardiologist, one of the many specialists who help manage Cayden’s complex medical needs. He has been visiting the cardiologist since he was diagnosed with infantile-onset Pompe disease at just 1 month old. When Cayden was diagnosed, he was already…