For those of you that don't know, about 6 months ago my cute little Nicholas had to get some tests done. If you didn't already know, he is very small. When I say very small I mean out of his whole kindergarten class he is the smallest. He has only grown a few inches in a few years and gained even less weight. So his pediatrician sent us to Primary Children's for a Bone Age Test, (an x-ray to check the age of his bones compared to his actual age), and a few different blood tests. Then she sent us to see a Pediatric Endocrinologist. The test six months ago looked OK, but the Doctor wanted to do another round of tests in 6 months. So a couple weeks ago we did all those test over again and then yesterday we met with his Endocrinologist again.
Two of his blood tests came back significantly lower than they should be. The Doctor said that those tests are just preliminary, to see if there is good enough reason to pursue more tests to see if he has a growth hormone deficiency. There are three things that would give reason to pursue more tests, one he is significantly shorter than someone his age should be, two his growth pattern is a lot less than it should be, and third his blood tests are low. So since he has all three they want to go ahead with another test, Growth Hormone Stimulation Test.
This test is a 4 hour test, in which Nic will be hooked up to an IV and be given something that will tell his pituitary glands to produce the growth hormone. Throughout the 4 hours they will take 8 blood samples from him. If his body is producing the growth hormone, than that means he is OK and will hopefully hit a big growth spurt soon, and if his body doesn't produce the hormone than they know that he is Growth Hormone Deficient and they will start to treat him for that. Treatment is a daily injection that he will have until his body stops growing, usually around age 15 or 16 for boys.
So, I am on one hand very nervous. I hate watching him get poked with needles and unfortunately he has had to do it so much he is pretty well aware of how bad it hurts. But he is such a good boy and is always very still and good while they do it. So, nervous for the 4 hour test, definitely, nervous about the out come, not really. We are so grateful that this is not a health issue, he is healthy and happy. Either way he will be OK. Of course the mom in me wants him to grow as soon as possible because I know how aware he is of his height compared to other kids his age. He is very out going and friendly but I know that he is really sensitive about his size. Thankfully kindergartners are still pretty nice to everyone and as of yet we don't have to worry much about teasing.
So I will keep everyone updated on the status of things after we get this next test done. Oh also, he had to do a blood test for Von Willebrand Syndrome, ( a form of hemophilia). He has been having a lot of bloody noses lately and since Nic's sister has two little boys that have it our pediatrician wanted to make sure. Still waiting for the results on that one.
When it rains it pours, right!
3 comments:
I am sorry that you and little nic have to go through this. He seems like a tough cookie though and you are such a great mommy. I hope that all is well. When is the test? We would be more than happy to fast for you guys. Please keep us updated. Good luck!
Poor Nic, what a little trial for him to have to go through all that...I am so glad that everything looks good so far! We'll keep you in our prayers!
Hello, I had no clue. Now that I am officially in this family I need to update girl. Poor little Nic and how stressful for all of you. Those tests are all so scary. My little sister's baby Hadlee had all of those tests about a year and a half ago. They all checked out neg and hopefully Nic's will too. We will keep your little family in our prayers. Thanks for all you do for this family. You rock. I am so glad you are my friend and sister in law. Love ya girl.
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