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Post by jelanismom on Feb 11, 2008 22:47:05 GMT -5
I'm a bit concerned about Jelani's weight. He's 30 lbs now and he was 27lbs in '05. This means only a weight gain of 1 pound per year. *he's growing taller, but his weight still remains the same. any insight appreciated.
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Post by Chris too on Feb 12, 2008 10:28:02 GMT -5
I'm assuming that his heart is in good order - that's one of the main causes for failure to gain weight. How is his eating? Does he chew enough? You can test this by giving him something chewy, like a marshmallow, and counting how many times he chews before he swallows it; then have one yourself & count the chews (be careful to chew it enough yourself ). Poor digestion can lead to low weight gain, so chewing is important, but also low belly tone can significantly diminish digestion. My second dd had this problem & is doing much better since improving her trunk strength. Before therapy she looked a bit like the comercials of starving children - all belly & bones. It could be that he's just a bean pole - it happens. Is his doctor concerned? How is his energy level? Does he get sick more often than you think is reasonable? Does he seem to be growing strength-wise? Is he learning well? I'd start with a doctor visit. Doc may just relieve your concerns, or suggest tests or dietary changes. Best wishes! Chris too
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Post by Googsmom aka Jennifer on Feb 12, 2008 13:24:02 GMT -5
We talked about this already Dawn. I'm so glad you decided to post this. There are sooo many smart people here w/ alot of good advice
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Post by laurasnowbird on Feb 12, 2008 14:31:31 GMT -5
Oh boy, can I relate to this. Ethan's weight parked at 30 pounds for an eternity, almost 2 years I think. It was crazy! He got taller, but gained no weight. We had his thyroid tested, had the genetic test for celiac disease done....and a few other things I can't recall now. Everything was fine. My other kids went with me to an appointment, and his GI doc took a look at them and said "Hmmmm, must run in the family!" My daughter, at 9 years old, weighs only about 50 lbs. I was the same way at her age, and am still quite small as an adult. My family tends to be slim, and Ethan is apparently just following suit. As my pediatrician remarked, "Well, he does have 46 OTHER chromosomes!" LOL. If you haven't tested for celiac disease, I would definitely have that done, as well as testing for thyroid disease every six months. At six years old, he is 41 inches tall, and now weighs 36 pounds!!!! Woo hoo!!! I just checked the DS growth charts, and that puts him at about the 25th percentile for weight and close to the 75th percentile for height. One of the things that might be helpful would be to chart your son's height and weight on a DS growth chart. It helped me a lot to see that he really wasn't LOSING ground, he just didn't gain any for awhile (except in height!) Here's a link to charts if you don't already have one at home: www.growthcharts.com/charts/DS/charts.htm
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Post by momofrussell on Feb 12, 2008 17:53:41 GMT -5
OH yes Dawn can I relate! Russell was 20 lbs until he was FOUR!!! LOL He is STILL small even for DS. He is only about 52 lbs and not that tall and will be 10 next month!!! Our issue was reflux, chronic yucky reflux, that made it impossible for Russell to gain weight and grow. But other then that there really wasn't anything medically wrong with him so I just had a tiny, small child!
So sometimes it just happens and there ins't any underlining medical thing.. it just is. I do agree with Laura about just make sure they do the standard tests just so they don't miss anything.
Our docs always told us if a child is eating and active, etc.. and the tests are fine.. then there isn't anything to worry about.
A.
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Post by jelanismom on Feb 13, 2008 1:51:49 GMT -5
wow, thanks guys... Jelani's always been under weight, and being born a micropreemie I've always watched his weight. Celiac tested, was ok, thyroid was fine too...but it's been over a year...so it needs testing again, I have hyperthyroidism myself. His heart was tested (echo) 3 mos ago and they did find a cleft in a valve, but the cardio told me (btw, Dr. Witner has tons of kiddos w/Ds from babies to adults) and he said there's no regurgitation in the chamber and it's not something to be medicated and hasn't any symptoms. I was still alarmed hearing the word "cleft" though. He eats very well in school (teacher writes this in his communication book) and at home too, plus chewing and swallowing is great, had a few years of practice with the gagging reflex (remember that?) I guess if he has a clean bill of health and he's energetic and eating good, then he may just be a beanpole after all...thanks for the good advice. I'll be taking my list to his Ped next week for his check-up.
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