Tuesday, August 26, 2008

Results

Our doctor called us back tonight to tell us that Zac's "bone age" is that of a six month old and not a child that is almost 36 months old. He feels that the next best step is to see a pediatric endocrinologist for more testing.

Based on Zac's normal (to above normal) intelligence and being proportionate in his well below average height and weight it is likely that he has a growth hormone deficiency. I am jumping the gun a little bit by giving him the diagnosis before we even see a specialist, but everything seems to fit that diagnosis to me. So, I am already gearing up for daily injections until my son reaches his full, adult height. I'm sure he will not like this at all, but we are not the first parents to have to give their child injections for their well-being.

I am not sad. I usually (not always) try and handle medical situations very matter-of-factly. I am grateful that if HGH deficiency is the diagnosis that their is treatment available and that it is not something that has effected his mind.

Isn't it just crystal clear that God had this child in mind for us. We are so, so, so thankful that He called us to adoption, that we heard and answered so that Zac can get the treatment that he needs for this (along with countless other blessings for both he and us).

So, we'll keep you posted regarding the doctor's visits.

4 comments:

Anonymous said...

Our Dd (adopted at age 5) has Turner's Syndrome (which is for females only) and so we've become quite familiar with all the ins and outs there of growth or the lack thereof, and the Pediatric Endo. In her case, at age 8, she has stated emphatically that she would much rather be short than take shots every day, and since we have no family history that would help us know whether she is genetically predisposed to begin with towards some of the problems that can worsen with HgF shots, the decision was made by all involved to allow her to grow slowly but naturally. Estimates at this time are about 4 feet, 5 inches. She has a great role model in the form of a retired Public Health Nurse who is a friend of ours--she has TS and never had the shots either, and is right around 4 feet 5 inches too. So . . . we do stools, wedge heels on the shoes and all that good stuff!

Thanks for sharing your journey with Zac--I don't have time to comment very often (homeschooling 4 kids keeps me busy!) but I do read your blog regularly!

Anonymous said...

My friend Katie adopted her son Jack from Chelyabinsk, Russia - and he has to get shots everyday. Here's her blog if you want to contact her - she's posted a few times about his condition as well.

http://tonykatiemeyer.blogspot.com/

Jennifer C said...

God is so good...placing Zac exactly where he needed to be. We will be praying for you guys as you begin this part of the journey. Love you all so much!
Jenn:)

Anonymous said...

I am Katie's aunt and saw the post that you put on her blog site. Your family looks very similar to ours. Love the blog with your daughters first day of school. I wish my daughters were still that cute and young--but now they are in college. Yours and Katie's blog allow us "oldtimers" to relive the "good ole days". Enjoy your little ones each and everyday --they grow up too fast!!
God Bless!