jan_andrea: (drama)
[personal profile] jan_andrea
Thanks to everyone who left a comment about the previous Stephen entry -- I really appreciate your kind words and suggestions! We went to the doctor this morning, and Stephen was weighed, poked and prodded, and we got similar suggestions from the doctor. Stephen's weight is apparently normal for his height (he's a little under 50th %ile for height, and a little over 25th for weight) and Dr. was not concerned about it (much to my surprise and relief). He also didn't think Stephen was actually anemia based on physical findings, as his mucous membranes and fingernails are a good color, and his skin is also fine. Regarding meals, he takes the Brazelton approach, I think -- no special meals, but no pushing, either. We put food down in front of him, and if he eats, he eats, and if he doesn't but is hungry later, he gets his dinner plate again. Gulp. That seems hard to me, but I gather it works after a while... And he said children Stephen's age will not let themselves starve, and that what he does eat seems pretty normal to him. That's pretty much what I was looking for. He couldn't give me a rundown of what your average 5-year-old eats, because he said it varies so much. Basic message: stop worrying :) Message to Stephen: just eat, already! He thinks the persistent cough is probably allergy-related rather than illness, so suggested OTC children's claritin and gave us a nasal spray for him, too.

Of course, the not-fun part was the subsequent blood draw for CBC. The lab they use is just a couple of units away from the pediatrics unit (brand-new medical plaza sort of building) so we walked over, gave our information, and then the nurse went into this really weird technique that was totally lost (and perhaps even negative) on Stephen. The kind of needle they use has a little butterfly-shaped thing on the end, so she said she had a hungry butterfly that was going to drink his blood, but only a little bit (!!!!). That was even freaking me out, and I've given almost 5 gallons of blood. Stephen saw the needle and went into hyperpathetic mode -- crying, shaking, wailing, gnashing of teeth, the whole bit. She had me hold him, but he wrenched his right arm just as she was putting the needle in, so it missed the vein, and she had to pull it out and prep the other arm. NOT happy Stephen! She did get the other arm, though he was  completely despondant, still crying and wailing. He wouldn't even take a lollipop when it was over. He cried all the way home, and then every time he'd move his arm, he'd say, "Ooooooowww, my arm huuuuuuurts!" and start crying all over again. And yet, he was fine when I picked him up from school. (Magic!)

He got his first report card -- mostly Ds. D = developing on a scale of B = beginning, D = developing, S = stable (or something like that -- anyway, D is the middle one). Seems about right to me. Anyway, the day started badly for Stephen, but he's much happier now!

Date: 2006-01-28 03:17 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mix3d3m0ti0n5.livejournal.com
I'm so glad the doc appt went better than you expected (so it sounds). I'm happy he's a normal 5 year old! I have to fight now to say my low weight daughter is healthy and have to remind the doctor that everyone can't be at the top of the chart.

OHHHH what a nurse! That blood draw sounds soooo painful! He sounds like he handled better than I would have though...

(and I had to comment so I can use our new icon... our being hubby and I made it together, he does the screen shots I do the animations.... before he does ah ha hahah sinster laugh)

Have a great weekend!

Date: 2006-01-28 04:08 pm (UTC)
From: [identity profile] mix3d3m0ti0n5.livejournal.com
ok. it as supposed to be this icon....

Date: 2006-01-28 04:51 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] warpedwitch.livejournal.com
*grrr* dumbass nurse...FWIW, the butterfly needles are actually pretty common-they're supposed to be smaller and more easily controlled, so there's less pain...

*nods* i agree with that approach...my mother did it with both of us, and i did it with my SD...kids generally don't starve themselves, and they'll eat what they think they need...:)

Date: 2006-01-28 05:48 am (UTC)
jenrose: (Default)
From: [personal profile] jenrose
That would make anyone afraid of butterflies...

Date: 2006-01-28 08:16 am (UTC)
From: [identity profile] glitterboy1.livejournal.com
Yikes! I'm not sure that *I'd* want a butterfly drinking my blood!

That's a big relief, and I'm glad that he seems to have recovered from the visit now. Good luck with the approach to meals!

Profile

jan_andrea: (Default)
Jan Heirtzler

January 2017

S M T W T F S
1234567
8910 11121314
15161718192021
22232425262728
293031    

Most Popular Tags

Style Credit

Expand Cut Tags

No cut tags
Page generated Jul. 8th, 2025 06:06 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios