Comments | ourlittlemonkey: Yup, definitely deficient.

ourlittlemonkey

Yup, definitely deficient.

Jun 03, 2011 21:19

All these thoughts swimming around in my head... I decided to use this journal for it's original purpose and get some thoughts jotted down, in hopes of releasing my poor, very full head. Of course I started this entry 3 days ago now and have already lost my momentum... When did I completely lose my love for writing? Probably something to do ( Read more... )

Comments 13

greyhowl June 3 2011, 23:58:07 UTC

I wish so badly we could get together in real life. I just want to have a cup of tea together, maybe cry a little.

Who knew 4 years ago that now we'd have all of this crazy stuff to deal with. It's exhausting.

*BIG HUG*

ourlittlemonkey June 4 2011, 06:13:18 UTC

I too wish we could just sit down and chat... And I'm sure there would tears. And hopefully some laughter...

impossiblelight June 4 2011, 04:30:04 UTC

Do you have a cast iron pan? they are supposed to add iron to foods.

I really hope you still aren't beating yourself up. You brought up your concerns time and again. You did all you could with the knowledge and the OK from his Drs that there wasn't an issue. You really are a fantastic mother. I am not saying that to blow smoke up your ass either. You are a great mom to both your kids.

How low was his hemoglobin / iron?

ourlittlemonkey June 4 2011, 06:10:40 UTC

ugh... I'm trying, trying, trying to let it go. But it really just kills me to think of him being damaged by my negligence. Last year when I was about 34-35 weeks and sent to a dietician for possible gestational diabetes, the dietician and I got into a big discussion about my concerns with Rylan's eating habits. She said at that time that I should definitely have him tested for anemia. Then one week later I had Ariana and just got lost in the baby world for a whole other YEAR. I mentioned it to the doctor when we went for Rylan's 3 year appointment, but never really pursued it when she didn't seem concerned... If I had pushed then, I could have saved him a whole year of damage to his cognitive functioning... SO, so, so sad about that. I did switch him to a multivitamin that has iron, thinking it would be enough (but not understanding the depth of the iron deficiency ( ... )

ourlittlemonkey June 4 2011, 06:42:54 UTC

Okay, more Googling has me freaking right out--

Severity of Anemia
Severity Hb Range (g/dL) Symptoms Medical Attention
Mild 9.5-13.0 Often no signs or symptoms Commonly remains untreated
Moderate 8.0-9.5 May present with symptoms Requires management to prevent complications from developing
Severe < 8.0 Symptoms usually present May be life threatening and requires prompt management

Less than 8 is potentially life threatening??????? Rylan's was FIVE.

impossiblelight June 4 2011, 18:26:04 UTC

If you want to be mad, be mad at your Drs. Seriously. Their passing over your concerns is unacceptable, especially if you brought it up and it was reasonable to think he might be anemic. You can't run the damn test yourself, it is up to them to listen to you, interpret and test based upon what they see and what you tell them. It should have been obvious at that point. It is also very standard of care to test for anemia at age 2 like you quoted. What happened at his 2 yr appt that this didn;'t occur? If he does have long term cognitive issues, I would think you possibly have grounds for some sort of suit but maybe I'm exaggerating, I don't know ( ... )

Thread 6

dujour June 4 2011, 16:16:09 UTC

You are not the negligent one: Your pediatrician let you down. You've expressed concerns and been ignored. You can only change what you do from today on. I think you will see marked improvement with the changes.

I hope you find peace of mind.

dujour June 4 2011, 18:05:59 UTC

Consider this. Call A.I. DuPont in Wilmington, Delaware, US, and see if there's any program that can help you financially with a visit there for an evaluation.

lululily June 5 2011, 04:51:11 UTC

I can imagine how hard this must be, and how easy it must be to be hard on yourself. Don't blame yourself. I know from reading this journal how much you have thought about this, and how much you *have* pursued Rylan's health care. This one falls firmly in the doctor's lap. You brought up your concerns many times, and they were brushed aside. It's a fault in the system, but not your fault. And that doesn't take the pain away, I know. I'm sorry. I feel heartbroken for you, and heartbroken for Rylan.

Much love, mama. <3