A little over a month ago I read this post. I remember my heart aching for Sarah and her husband Jason as they were going through this situation with their sweet Lincoln.
Today I went back and read that post again. I felt the fear and the worry in a whole different way because friends we are now in a similar situation with our precious Mauryn.
At Mauryn's 2 year check up today, her pediatrician expressed concern over the fact that she is not gaining weight. Our itty bitty toddler weighs just barely 20 pounds and no longer has a point on the growth chart for her weight.
Our concern level is definitely heightened but we are not in full panic mode... at least not yet. I am grateful for a pediatrician who is allowing us to look down a few avenues before doing a full medical work up.
Our first step is to increase Mauryn's caloric intake, which means lots of carbs and at least one pediasure a day. We gave her a pediasure tonight and the first words out of her mouth were "YUCK!"
Our second step is to have an appointment with an ENT on Wednesday. As we looked through Mauryn's records today, there were notes on all of her last appointments that she had quite a bit of fluid in her ears. The fluid has become infected causing an ear infection, but it can cause discomfort and pain. At this point, Mauryn is probably so accustomed to the feeling it doesn't bother her anymore. We will be consulting with the ENT about getting tubes in her ears. Our pediatrician said that Mauryn is probably hearing like she is in a fish bowl. Poor baby! She also thinks that all the fluid could be causing discomfort when she eats.
In three months we will go back and see if Mauryn has started to gain weight more rapidly. If she still is not gaining weight, then they will then do a full medical work up.
We are praying and laying our precious baby at the feet of God. We are putting our trust in Him to watch over her and protect her.
12 comments:
Hey Kristen, just want you to know that I can totally identify! I have two peanuts (R & A) who dangle at the 5th percentile frequently and have struggled to stay on the growth chart at times. After much testing, the doctors concluded that they are just petite (go figure since I'm all of 5'1"). I will pray the same thing for Mauryn.
If you need any info about calorie boosting, I have LOTS of information - including alternatives to Pedia.sure (Ruthie didn't like it either) as well as minor ways to make foods higher calorie without just giving in to junk food all the time. Anyway, let me know if you need anything and OF COURSE we will be praying!
Chad and I will be praying for Mauryn.
Ohhh - let's fatten her up :) Your all in my prayers!!!!
sweet little mauryn! I'll be praying for her!
Kristen,
I'll keep Mauryn in our prayers. When Olivia was just over six months old, she was diagnosed with a heart condition called LVSD. I won't get into the details, but just a little over a week ago we learned God has miraculously healed her little heart, almost completely, in just 2years. We will see the pediatric cardiologist again next year to reaffirm the findings. I guess my point is that there is nothing like having a health concern with your baby to bring you to your knees and let God show how amazing He is. My second point is that the pediatric cardiologist suggested good old fashioned vanilla ice cream after dinner every night for lots of fat, protein, calcium, and calories. She is probably the best doctor I've met (and a Christian, too, I'll add), so her advice is worth gold (so are her bills:))Much better than yucky shakes.
I'll keep you guys in my prayers, too!
Oh, Kristen!!! This just breaks my heart...you know I love that little girl. I will pray for her and for you. One of our good friends just had tubes put in her son's ears after CONSTANT ear infections and colds. I think he is doing much better. I'm sure she would love to talk with you if you want another mom's perspective who has gone through it.
I, too, have had itty-bitty's. Manda was at the third percentile and below. My doc was always reassuring because Manda was growing, just small and off or nearly off the charts. Jenna has been the same way. Itty-bitty are precious little petites. I have been thankful because they could comfortably be carried in my arms even longer! Both Manda and Hannah weren't 20 lbs. till 16-18 months. Rear facing until then, poor kids (good thing they were short, too). I was such a carseat freak about the numbers! They loved life face forward when they finally got there! And look at them now, short and sweet! I will pray for little Miss Mauryn.
As you can see, there are other Mom's going through what you are right now. And, I know EXACTLY how you are feeling.
I'm praying for Mauryn. And, you.
If you have an experience like mine, everyone you tell about this will give you advice and tell you how they handled it or tell you not to worry 'cause "maybe she's just small." Having just gone through this, none of those things really helped me emotionally. What I needed to hear was that God was holding Lincoln in His Almightly hands. Period. Everyday. Small or big. And, that was, and is, the safest place for him. And, it's the best, and safest place for Mauryn.
This turned into a novel. I'll email you. Praying for that precious little one.
all right kristen if you are trying pediasure and she hates it i have to tell you about juice plus ... vanilla and chocolate shake mix she will love it tastes like real chocolate and vanilla with vitamins and no artificial stuff... call me 949-215-1594 you can buy it from me or shannon.. i doesnt matter....
we'll be praying for mauryn. i can understand the doctor is doing his/her job but it's hard to think of negatives when you are such a positive person. i can't relate to teh weight thing since Fin is almost twice as big and is younger but the ear tubes things..yet me tell you it has been a God sent. since tubes fin is talking more, understanding more and mainly very healthy. he just now has his first cold in 8 months. tubes really have been a help.
will be praying for mauryn and for mommy.
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