Spencer's Blood Work
I had no idea lab results would be available so fast! I might have gone 2 days ago, had I known. We just went this morning around 11. I was frightened to hear the doctor's voice on the phone when it rang at 3! (Doctors don't call unless there is something wrong, right?)
Spencer has a "presumed iron deficiency." [This is because] he has Anemia + his MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume or size of his red blood cells) is 53. Our Endocrinologist didn't have the normal range numbers in front of him, but he thinks the low end is in the 70s. (Google tells me the low end of normal for adults is 80.)
He even conferred with his best friend, a Pediatric Hematologist! His friend recommended Spencer take his iron supplement (currently ½ a Flinstone w/Iron) *twice* per day for 1 week, then reduce to the normal dose (½, 1/day). They want to re-check Spencer's levels in 2 weeks.
Let's see, I asked the Pediatrician about anemia (via email)! I even mentioned the hair eating to the Endo. I reminded him of that and he was actually kind of fascinated. Big thanks to connecting with other moms of children with DS via the internet! And pat my own self on the back for sticking to my guns and chasing answers!
He also suggested bumping Spencer's Atenolol up to a full pill, in hopes that gets up some rest! (which was what I called and asked to do!) Atenolol is a Beta Blocker being used to treat hyperthyroid *symptoms.*
Wow! Lots of info and new things to try! Spencer has already been taking Flinstones with Iron (1/day) for... 4 days. I wonder what his numbers would have been a week ago. Scary. Doctor said he noticed Spencer looked pale. Um... I make WHITE babies. They're always pale, so I guess I didn't notice.
Spencer has a "presumed iron deficiency." [This is because] he has Anemia + his MCV (Mean Corpuscular Volume or size of his red blood cells) is 53. Our Endocrinologist didn't have the normal range numbers in front of him, but he thinks the low end is in the 70s. (Google tells me the low end of normal for adults is 80.)
He even conferred with his best friend, a Pediatric Hematologist! His friend recommended Spencer take his iron supplement (currently ½ a Flinstone w/Iron) *twice* per day for 1 week, then reduce to the normal dose (½, 1/day). They want to re-check Spencer's levels in 2 weeks.
Let's see, I asked the Pediatrician about anemia (via email)! I even mentioned the hair eating to the Endo. I reminded him of that and he was actually kind of fascinated. Big thanks to connecting with other moms of children with DS via the internet! And pat my own self on the back for sticking to my guns and chasing answers!
He also suggested bumping Spencer's Atenolol up to a full pill, in hopes that gets up some rest! (which was what I called and asked to do!) Atenolol is a Beta Blocker being used to treat hyperthyroid *symptoms.*
Wow! Lots of info and new things to try! Spencer has already been taking Flinstones with Iron (1/day) for... 4 days. I wonder what his numbers would have been a week ago. Scary. Doctor said he noticed Spencer looked pale. Um... I make WHITE babies. They're always pale, so I guess I didn't notice.