Monday, December 7, 2009
Lily's First Hospital Visit
Lily recently had her first stay in the hospital Dell Children's Hospital. We went for her follow up after the hospital at the pediatrician and just before we got there he had gotten the results of her newborn screening from the state. It showed that she has congenital hypothyroidism. Her temp was low that day, too, which is a symptom of hypothyroidism. There were no other symptoms at that point, except that she had not been sucking as vigorously when nursing after about day 3. He had us directly admitted to Dell Children's Hospital and we were there four days. They got her regulated on her thyroid medicine, which she will take every day for the rest of her life. Because she had a low temp, we also had to rule out infection. They were reasonably sure the low temp was just from the hypothyroidism, but they still needed to rule everything else out. They did blood and urine cultures, two unsuccesful spinal taps, IV antibiotics and a ton of ultrasounds and finally found that everything was fine. There was no infection, just the need to regulate the thyroid. She was such a trooper!
We are so thankful for newborn screenings. Before they did screenings for congenital hypothyroidism, they were no able to diagnose it until kids showed many symptoms, usually at about 6 months of age. By that point, irreversible damage had been done as far as cognitive and physical development. If it is found before 3 months of age, it can be treated before the damage is done. Because the test was done in an Austin hospital, taken to an Austin lab and read right away, we found out on day 6 so she was never really affected except for the low temp and the lethargy during feedings. She'll take a Synthroid pill for the rest of her life and she does a great job taking it now. We just crush it in some water on a spoon, make a little paste and give it to her in the spoon. We chase it with a little milk and she is good to go.
We are also blessed to have great doctors! Lily's pediatrician, Dr. Howard, has been great so far. If any of you are in the Austin area and looking for a great doctor for your kids, check him out! We also really like Lily's pediatric endocrinologist, who we will be seeing for the next 18 years. Here are a few photos from her stay at Dell. :-)
With her right arm all taped up for her IV.
Hanging on the couch with Daddy.
Taking an IV while snoozing on the couch with Daddy.
We are so thankful for newborn screenings. Before they did screenings for congenital hypothyroidism, they were no able to diagnose it until kids showed many symptoms, usually at about 6 months of age. By that point, irreversible damage had been done as far as cognitive and physical development. If it is found before 3 months of age, it can be treated before the damage is done. Because the test was done in an Austin hospital, taken to an Austin lab and read right away, we found out on day 6 so she was never really affected except for the low temp and the lethargy during feedings. She'll take a Synthroid pill for the rest of her life and she does a great job taking it now. We just crush it in some water on a spoon, make a little paste and give it to her in the spoon. We chase it with a little milk and she is good to go.
We are also blessed to have great doctors! Lily's pediatrician, Dr. Howard, has been great so far. If any of you are in the Austin area and looking for a great doctor for your kids, check him out! We also really like Lily's pediatric endocrinologist, who we will be seeing for the next 18 years. Here are a few photos from her stay at Dell. :-)
With her right arm all taped up for her IV.
Hanging on the couch with Daddy.
Taking an IV while snoozing on the couch with Daddy.
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