Yesterday Seth had an appointment with a pediatric endocrinologist. We were referred there by his pediatrician who is concerned about his small stature.
I have done lots of reading and research on slow growth, children’s digestive systems and healthy thyroid function.
I had a list of things I wanted drawn if we were going to need blood drawn.
I was prepared with a family health history.
I was ready. 🙂
First disappointment: the nurse asked Seth if he was going to have chicken nuggets and french fries or macaroni and cheese with hotdogs for lunch. She never mentioned a fruit or a vegetable at all. How are we supposed to teach our children to eat better when the nurses aren’t recommending healthy food choices?
Second disappointment: the doctor wouldn’t do all the tests that I wanted. I was upset because when I asked why, it was because he wanted other tests to be off before he drew the ones I wanted. I am paying for the tests, why can’t you do as I ask? As the doctor you should be happy to see a client who is taking charge of their health and knows how their child’s body works.
Third disappointment: the doctor insists on drawing blood for celiac disease even though I told him Seth has been eating a gluten free diet for the past four months. Correct me if I’m wrong, but that test won’t have the right results because his body isn’t producing antibodies right?
I am glad that we are getting hormone levels drawn, some thyroid levels checked, a CBC and a few other tests. These will help us to know if something is wrong with nutrient absorption or hormone production.
I am glad the doctor agreed to draw some of my requested tests.
I am looking forward to getting the results back and seeing what the next step might be.
That must be so frustrating. If you don’t get the answers you need maybe think about changing doctors? Hope your son gets well.
Thanks Heather. I just got some recommendations from friends, so we will see what happens when we get results back.. we might be interviewing a couple other doctors.
Great job being so proactive and knowing what you want and what to expect. Did you ask the doctor if the celiac test would be effective because of the antibody issue? I had a rheumatologist that didn’t like to be questioned. I was glad when my insurance changed and I was forced to go to another doctor who seemed to care about me, asked me what I wanted to do about my medicines and shared a detailed blood test report without my even asking. It was such a drastic change in level of care, for the better of my health. I hope this endocrinologist can help and if not get another referral. My sons are small in stature too. The docs have tested their thyroids and not found any issues. Does going gluten free help their growth in some way? Our pediatrician hasnt recommended that and I have been trying to stuff them with carbs to help them gain weight. Thanks for sharing your story.
I don’t remember what all was said about the celiac test. I know they weren’t very happy that he was on a grain free diet without being under a doctor’s supervision or without tests to “prove” that he needs it.
A gluten free diet doesn’t always improve growth rate, but it can if there are malabsorption issues.
I took him off grains for a few different reasons, one of them is other family members have gluten sensitivities/allergies and also because foe the thyroid disease that runs in our family it is recommended that a gluten free diet is followed because it can create more antibodies and inflammation. The reason I am wondering if he has thyroid issues is because I had a hard time keeping my levels in check during my pregnancy with Seth and sometimes that can transfer over to the baby in the womb.
Wow I’m really surprised at the doctor’s food suggestions for lunch. I don’t know anything about the celiac testing so I’m no help there, sorry!
Yeah. I mean I don’t think those are bad foods in themselves, it is just that you would think the nurse would have at least mentioned some fruit or veggie, even if she asked if he liked bananas or carrots.
Sometimes you just need to trust a doctor. Sometimes you just need a new doctor. Doctors are so used to patients that don’t take an interest in their own health that they get overwhelmed when someone does. I’d give the doctor another chance before deciding if the doctor is to be trusted or if you need a new one.
I know what you mean, but I have an easier time trusting a doctor when they listen to what I try to tell them.
We will see what happens when we et the results back. At the office they said we couldn’t get in again until Oct/Nov, so if there is something I’m worried about and they can’t get us in, we will find someone else.
I have had so many friends over the years with children in the tiny percentages or not on the chart at all. They all get given such a hard time by their doctors, and call me crazy, but I think the world is made up of all different sizes. Why does everyone have to be big and fast growing? My boys are all around 95%, so we’re on the outside of normal too, but the medical community loves that. I just roll my eyes at them b/c my husband and I are both tall and ‘sturdy.’ My husband is 6 foot 3 and well built military man, so of course his kids are thicker, but if we were smaller people, I would expect our offspring to be a lot smaller too. I say all this to say: I bet your children will be perfectly fine, and I think you do a WONDERFUL job of standing up for them, researching for them, and keeping them gluten free. I don’t know your whole situation, but it sounds like they are in the best hands they could be in, with you! I have one food allergy kid (peanut, cashews, wheat, soy, eggs, and milk), and it is hard. You do an amazing job!
Thanks! I agree there need to be people of every size in order to make up the average. 🙂 Both my husband and I are on the shorter side, but I guess they have this computerized tool now that takes mom and dad’s heights and the child is supposed to be at a certain percentage on that chart. Seth isn’t close to that either. So there might be some growth issues or he might just be a small guy. We will see how the tests come back.
That sounds so frustrating. I’m sorry you had to deal with that. I hope that you are able to get the answers that you need. It may just be that Seth is just a small boy…nothing wrong with that! But either way I hope you are able to find out what (if anything) is wrong or be able to put your mind at ease that it’s just the way he is! You do a great job of being a wonderful mama to him. Keep it up!!!
Thanks Amber! I try not to worry too much. He isn’t having any intellectual difficulties or any other learning delays so as you say he might just be a small guy. Somebody has to be small to make the bottom of the chart right? 🙂
How stressful….I hope the tests come back with some answers for you!
Thank you Rachel!