The worries that is...just when I think I've got it under control...more pops up. We had LM's 15mo well-baby check on Tuesday and (while he is perfectly healthy and growing like a weed!) we had some issues come up that are now pretty worrying to me. I'll address one here today and another later (it's not as big of an issue...yet).
At LM's 6mo appt, the pedi noticed his head leaning to the right and
told us to work on stretching it and to keep an eye on it to make sure
it wasn't "bothering" him. It seemed to straighten as he learned to roll
over and sit up. At the next appt (9mo), she remarked how much better it
seemed and we went on with our lives.
But-at our appt on
Tuesday, she noticed it again and asked how long it had been like that.
And (gulp) honestly we had no idea. He's been monkey crawling for so
long that his head was always "down" and he just started walking to he's
all off-balance and wobbly anyway. Now that we look at it--it's all we
see. I looked back at some pictures the last couple of months, and it's
there sometimes too.
She wanted us to watch it for a week to make
sure it wasn't from funny sleeping etc. But--we've been watching, and he
definitely leans his head to the right. She checked his neck (no super tense
muscles) and his vision "appeared" fine. We're supposed to call next
week if it hasn't improved and she wanted to schedule a "scan" to check
for other things. She also mentioned that it usually has to do with eyes
(one stronger than the others etc).
We've done some research,
both of the Dr. Google and my BIL dr and it seems like this is something
that was best dealt with early--though we can't control that. Our BIL
said that he thought that an MRI was a big leap before having a
pediatric ophthalmologist check him first. And that would be his first
step.
I've talked to some of the moms in LM's due date group that have gone through this and while they second the vision check (I can only imagine how costly a bunch of pediatric ophthalmology visits and tests will be with our "super" insurance coverage!), the consensus seems that I should prepare myself for the idea that some OT/PT will be necessary. There's been talk of patches and neck collars---but all stories point to things getting better.
I'm scared that this is going to be something more---TH
and I both got glasses in 3rd grade (though his are/were SUPER bad and
he had the complicated laser surgery last summer to fix it). I'm scared
it will involve lots of PT or something more. I'm scared this has been
going on for longer and we just didn't notice it---and could've helped
him sooner. It's just hard because you want your baby to be "perfect"...or at least without defect. And so far (minus the biting, hitting and sleeping issues), LM has been a dream.
And now I'm scared that he's broken...and that maybe it was something I did or didn't do. While the common theory is muscles growing at different rates, it can be from not having enough room in the womb...so now I'm worried about PS too.
So Monday, I'll call the pedi and tell her what we'd like to do (eyes first) and talk to her about whether we should get the ball moving on an EI (early intervention) evaluation sooner or later (i.e. before or after a scan if she still thinks we should). I'm just scared about what it all means.
I can totally understand your worrying but I think it will all work out just fine.
ReplyDelete1. I agree with BIL. Plus I just read this report on cat scans and MRIs in babies. So, I'd explore other, less invasive options first. Oh, and before you worry about that, Floyd had a cat scan already and seems just fine.
2. If he does have to have PT, it's not as bad as it seems. Honestly, I was freaked out at first, but turns out A LOT of kids have to get it for some reason or another and you should be able to get Early Intervention for free and they come to your home or daycare. Even though I'm ready to call it quits, we really got some very valuable stuff from it. Plus, they work on upcoming skills and teach you what to do, so I feel like it's giving you a leg up.
Most importantly, take a deep breath. He'll be fine and so will PS. And so will you.
Wishing you all the best.
Stopping by from ICLW! My little girl is 16 months! It's exciting to see someone with a toddler about the same age as my little A!
ReplyDeleteEverything will be okay! I know it's hard not to worry, I worry about EVERYTHING when it comes to A & her development!
@Toni
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice! I know deep down that therapy will help him...it's just a big leap to make for me emotionally. I appreciate hearing the benefits!
@Sara S
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!! I can't wait to check out your blog!