Olivia

I haven't posted about this yet.... Was kind of mulling the whole thing over. Olivia went to her regular well child checkup last week and the Dr. noticed that she had fallen off the growth charts. She was previously in the 5th percentile or so but now wasn't even registering on the chart at all. She had only grown 2 cm's in the last year. He was concerned that there was something wrong with her thyroid so he sent us for thyroid studies and bone age scans. The thyroid tests involved a blood draw. Olivia had already had 2 shots that day that she wasn't aware were coming and was quite dismayed to hear about a blood test. I decided to do that first and get it out of the way. She was pretty good... the phlebotomist said that it usually took more than two people to do it on a kid that age... Olive is pretty little though... SHE was mad!!!

the bone scans were just a series of x-rays on her hands and that went a lot faster. Once I told her there were no pokes involved she went willingly. I believe in telling my kids ahead of time if they will receive a shot or blood draw, I think that it creates a sense of trust and that they know you won't lie to them. If I don't know.. I say I don't know... but if I tell them they aren't going to get a shot and Dr says they need one, I make a separate appointment. It irritates the docs and nurses but I feel it is the best way.

Even though the bone scans were just a series of x-rays.... I was reminded of what people who's kids have medical issues must feel like. Watching my small daughter sitting under that huge machine... explaining what was going to happen and why in child terms, and reasoning with her why she had to have a needle in her arm..... It was all so surreal...

I am not sure how I would handle that all the time.... I don't know how anyone does......

Later that week the Doctor called me and said that her thyroid tests were normal but that her bone scans showed the bones of a four year old. He couldn't seem to tell me why except that he needed more tests. I asked a lot of questions but really didn't get any more definitive answers. He wants another blood test though and if this one is altered... then we will be referred to a pediatric endocrinologist. There isn't one in the valley.... we will have to either go to Portland or see the one who visits here every few months. I was assured thought that waiting for awhile would be alright since she has several years of growth ahead of her. I just wish I didn't have to take her for the blood draw. :(