I had a terrible trip to the doctor today.... It started with them telling me that my appointment had been cancelled, and ended with them drawing Elisa's blood.
Here's the abbreviated version: Today Elisa had her 9 month well-baby check up. She was 28 inches. But she only weighed 15 lbs. 5 oz. which is below the 5th percentile for weight. (And since she started out in the 75th percentile we can't use the excuse of "Oh she's just a small baby.") Her growth curve has definitely started going down. Now before this the doctor has never seemed that concerned, so I've tried to quell my fears and tell myself that every mom worries about her child gaining weight and that nothing's wrong. But today the doctor used the dreaded words, "failure to thrive."
Also to add to this problem, we had to get 5 shots today - yes 5! They have a vaccine that has them all together in "one poke" as the doctor says. But they were out of it, and he didn't think that they would have it again for months. And since Elisa is already behind on her shot schedule, I decided to just do it. But it was TERRIBLE! Poor Elisa. She was just laying there screaming and I had to hold her as the nurse poked her again and again in her little thighs. Then, as if that wasn't enough, I had to take her to get blood drawn to make sure that this failure to thrive thing isn't anything serious.
Anyway, by the time I got home I was a wreck and Elisa wasn't too happy either. Greg greeted us at the door and listened and commiserated with me - so that helped. But wow, what an afternoon.
So, pray that Elisa will start to gain weight, and that this problem won't be anything serious. It probably isn't anything serious... we're just gonna start trying a few different ways to get more food into her. But please pray... Thanks.
4 comments:
I really hate shots too! This past time Ethan got 3 shots and the lady toooookkkk forever and she poked him 2x each needle... I was about ready to grab the needles and give them to Ethan myself. For the next week every time I laid Ethan down to change his diaper he went absolutely nuts...poor guy! I hate having to hold them while the nurse gives them shots.. it is not fun!
Know we will be praying for some weigh gain for your very little girl... maybe she can have some of Ethan's ;o)
Ooooh! That is so sad--what a horrible day to have to endure. I don't know if this will help but Toby got the "failure to thrive line" at 9 months, too. A nutritionist suggested feeding him lots of avocado (which he loved) and even mixing a little bit of butter into his rice cereal or oatmeal. At his 12 month well baby check he was back over the 5th percentile line and at 15 months he was in the 15th percentile. I think some babies just take their time getting interested in food. You're a really good mom, Carolyn. I know Elisa is going to be just fine. When do you hear back about the blood draw?
Carolyn, I will definitely pray for beautiful Elisa! Thanks for sharing this with us. Blessings to you, my friend. Way to be brave too, with that check-up!
Love,
Mandi
Nothing worse than having to hold down your precious little one while they get their shots. I feel your pain.
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