GI Follow-up

Last year we started taking Sophie to Cincinnati Children's Hospital to see a cardiologist for her heart murmurs and a GI specialist for her FFT (failure to thrive). With GI, she had many tests run on her, including an unsuccessful upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. There seemed to be no real cause of her small size. At her last appointment it was decided that nothing they have tried (medicine, heart procedure, feeding tube, etc) had made a major impact on her size; she most likely is going to be naturally small. Her doctor, Dr. Campbell, said they were going to leave her alone for six months to see how she does on her own.

I was a little nervous about this appointment. Sophie has been doing great (for her) these past few months with eating and drinking. Still, there was that fear that the doctor would think it wasn't enough. The whole six ounce weight loss from our scale at 15 1/2 months vs the pediatrician's scale at 16 months also made me worried (and curious about what this scale would say). More than anything I had the fear that Dr. Campbell would tell me she needs more tests done or should to be back on the feeding tube. Of course we would refuse to put her back on the tube (it would be a step backward and she doesn't need or want it), but it would still be heart-breaking to hear.

My mom went with us today. Partially because I was nervous (see above) and partially because I wanted to take a few boxes of feeding tube supplies. I still have a few boxes of supplies left at home, but it was so nice to get rid of some of them! After waiting for a little while, the nurse called Sophie back to be weighed and measured. She measured her height first - 70.9cm (or 2 feet 3 inches for we metric system haters); the GI later said that she wasn't on the chart yet for height, which was different than what her pediatrician said. Ah well. Her weight came next - 6.73kg, which is about 14lb 13oz. I was so upset. I had convinced myself that the pediatrician's scale was wrong. All I wanted to do was cry. All of those fears that I had about this visit came rushing back. (**I weighed Sophie on our scale when we got home - 14lb 14oz...she has in fact lost weight.)

When we finally got back to a room I was really on edge. The GI fellow came in, walked us through Sophie's growth charts and asked some questions. I was on the defense, making sure she knew that Sophie had a double ear infection, that she eats well for the most part, and all of the reasons that we no longer use the feeding tube. (She was impressed to hear that Sophie knew how to disconnect the tube from the pump.) She left and came back with Dr. Cambell.

Dr. Campbell seemed pleased with Sophie's growth over the past few months, noting that it followed her own curve (as it always has). Like last time, she mentioned that nothing they tried had a major impact on her growth. She said she probably is just short stature and will grow more slowly than other kids. She said that she has seen many kids like this who hit bigger growth spurts around 3 or 4 years of age and are then a similar size as their peers. Dr. Campbell said to keep feeding her higher calorie foods (we have a big tub of butter in the fridge already for Sophie) and to keep giving her Pediasure to drink (30 calories per ounce). We still have a few cans of formula to use up, so she told us to keep mixing the two things together until all the formula is gone; then we will just give her Pediasure. Then Dr. Campbell said the most wonderful thing - "I don't think we need to see Sophie any more. Her pediatrician can keep track of her growth. You can always call if you have any questions, concerns, or if her feeding drastically changes." I let out a high sigh of relief. No more GI visits! Sophie is fine!

I am so thankful to Dr. Campbell and her nurse, Jennifer, for all that they have done for Sophie. They really were great during everything this past year. While I adored both Dr. Campbell and Jennifer, I am so happy and relieved that we don't have to take Sophie back to visit GI. I am 100% fine with having a small little girl. That just means that we get good use out of all of her clothes (whereas some other children only stay in a clothing size for a month). I may be am sure I am biased, but I find small babies cuter - especially small baby girls. And while Sophie may be petite, she has a super-sized personality.

With this news I am really ready to say good-bye to 2011. Bring on 2012!