Erin has taught me not to take "well checks" at the doctor for granted. Not that she has been sick at all (thank goodness she has been extremely healthy, minus the heart defect). It's just that her little extra chromosome has made the odds of having some health issues more of a reality. Each time we pass through a screening test (she has many more than my other kids) with no red flags, we offer a prayer of thanksgiving. Yesterday was one of those days; she had her three-year well checkup. I'm so happy to report that everything went very well! As a bonus, she did not even cry when she had her blood drawn
in a vile as big as her head. I seriously wondered if she was going to have strength to walk to the car after that much blood left her little body! I have no idea why she did not scream because my memories of her last blood draw are vivid...
we needed three strong adults to hold her down. And even with three strong adults, it was hard to hold her still. They missed the vein a few times. I remember mumbling something about
so much for low-tone during the last episode. Whatever the reason, I'll take the calm, peaceful, child I saw yesterday, laying on the table watching the lab tech poke her little arm. I explained the procedure to her the best I could, and told her I'd pick her up as soon as they were done. She understood and was very brave. I was very proud.
She had the following tests:
Thyroid (TSH and T4)
Celiac screening
CBC
Ear/nose/throat check
blood test for vitamin levels
Neck x-rays to check for Atlantoaxial Instability (AAI)
I think that's all. The AAI was the big one, as the treatment for abnormal results could mean major surgery. Thankfully, everything tested great....no problems.
Big sigh of relief.
Oh, and she is sooo tiny, but growing. She even gained in the percentiles since age two. For height she went from 30 " to 32" (up to 18% on Ds chart). For weight she went from 19.6 lbs to 23 lbs (20% on Ds chart). So, that's about it! I'm so glad to have that behind us :)
