I was going back over journals and I noticed I never updated on this issue I was so worried about. He ate and ate, supplemented with vitamins and then went to a specialist in April. He'd shot up and was finally wearing 7s that were beginning to be too short. He is very likely just going to be a "late bloomer", as noted by the specialist. His bone xrays showed he still had the potential to grow very much just waiting to burst forth... So far, the 5s he was wearing, the sleeves end almost at his elbows instead of his wrists. Summer time is the time he normally gets much bigger. Must be all that swimming he does. Thanks for the concern and sorry for not updating.

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Journal 17 December 2007

Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Tue, Dec 18, 07 at 14:37

Late last week when trying to fill LF's ADHD medication, I was grilled by the partner to the physician who has been caring for him. Nicci left and I really miss her. I've never ever never ever liked this person. She butts in where she doesn't belong and gives blanket answers to everything, obviously never stopping to read by little fella's charts. For example, when he was a wee little itsy-bitsy lad, he had to have acid reflux medicine until his valve finshed developing. In-between Nicci arriving and the physician before departing, we called for a refill. The nasty MD decided she needed to see him before she'd issue it. Whattha?!! He'd been seen, diagnosed and treated for months, so why did she need to see him? Money-grubbing, slacking, controlling! I digress. This week, the control-monger decided it was necessary for an entire exam before issuing any more ADHD meds. Although, again, he'd been seen, diagnosed and treated for months by Nicci. We still won't see control-monger, but decided to follow the advice as Ed had missed the regular annual exam a couple of weeks ago. Not the right reason, but the right course of action, so... Ok to that.

Although able to answer all the questions in the right ways (we always let him answer and qualify anything not clear), he still doesn't measure up. He's always been undertall. But he's been steadily declining when compared to his age/gender group. He's gone from 25% to 15% to 3%; 97% of boys his age are taller than he is. What's more important? His growth curve is now looking like a limp noodle, backwards cane. Not upwards, but a "lack of growth" if you will. It can be an indication of underlying undiagnosed diseases, mostly relating to varying degrees of renal failure. We spent the last half of the day getting stuck, x-rayed and tested. On the bright side, he's fine sprinkled with better than average on every other aspect (so not "failure to thrive", a good distinction). We're waiting now, with hopes of him being a late bloomer as is typical of premies.

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Follow-Up Postings:

RE: Journal 17 December 2007

Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Wed, Dec 19, 07 at 12:41

Still waiting and hoping all underlying disease (like renal tubular acidosis) is ruled out.

Today, I thought about what songs I wanted played at my funeral. I wasn't thinking about it, but heared "Angel" by Sarah Maclaughlin (sp?) on you tube. A comment said, "I'd like this played at my funeral". "Good idea" I thought. Then I found Josh Groban's "You Raise Me Up". Another one. It will be a time of peace and triumph, so they are perfect.

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RE: Journal 17 December 2007

Posted by lilod NoCal/8 (My Page) on Wed, Dec 19, 07 at 13:01

Rob, something is getting to you!

I am keeping you and LF in my thoughts, can't really comment on your Dr. hassles so much, because modern Medicine is so removed from my experience.

My 3lb. preemie will be 60 years old (yikes) next month and I think I want to share the adventure one of these days.

Hang in there!

Blessings

Lilo

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RE: Journal 17 December 2007

Posted by rob333 (My Page) on Wed, Dec 19, 07 at 14:16

I'm not down or even worried... yet. It's ok, so far. I was frustrated with her behavior, but she's right (in a limited way), he needed a check up.

My son is short. Unbelieveably short. He still wears size 5 and is just now into 6. He's eight for gosh sakes! I'm 5'4", my mom is 5'8", my dad is 6'0". Ed's 5'11", his mom is 4'(?)10" and his dad was 6'4". No reason for the little fellar to be so little. He'll very likely be 6'0" if he shoots up, but he's not there. And if there is disease stunting his growth, it can be reversible. Or if it is "bad enough" renal failure, untreated, he can die. Let's rule it out or get it early is fine by me.....................