XP: What did your LO's pedi recommend?

bhardesty · August 2011

Hi ladies,

I also posted this on the multiples board but I was hoping to get your experiences. The pedi recommended that our LO's have their Ferritin levels checked at 3, 6, 9 and 12 months because they were premature (born at 34w 6d). She said that premature infants are more likely to be anemic. We had their levels checked at 3 and 6 months and it is NOT fun! The first time they didn't get enough blood from DS and we had to take him back again . Getting their blood taken is so upsetting for me so now I make DH take them. They scream the entire time the lab tech is squeezing their little finger to get the blood. It felt like it took her forever to get the blood! We still haven't taken them for the 9 month screening yet and I'm considering skipping it and just taking them one last time when they are 12 months. So...I'm just curious, what did your LO's pedi recommend? Do you think it's a bad idea to skip the 9 month screening? Thanks!

katie4253 · August 2011

I would not skip it.

lilstar2009 · August 2011

Going from 6 months old to 12 months old without having a count checked is a little too long...Did your LOs have any other issues in the NICU that would warrant these frequent checks? I know that its painful watching your LOs go through getting stuck but remember its in their best interest.

urbanflowerpot · August 2011

Our pedi did not ask for these tests but if she had I would have them done - no doubt. I know shots aren't fun, but...

kck329 · August 2011

We have had several sets of nutrition labs run. Our pedi sends us to the outpatient lab at the children's hospital because the techs there can do a heal stick which is less traumatic than the finger stick they do at the pedi office. Can you ask about that option? I wouldn't skip them without at least talking to the doctor first.

schenkertobe · August 2011

Hmmm.. our pedi only recommended rechecking ferritin levels at his 2 month appt since he was anemic in the NICU, but he hasn't said anything about checking them again at anytime in the future. I know how you feel though- my LO was SO upset when they were squeezing the heck out of his heel. It was way worse than his shots.

Wally3 · August 2011

We didn't have those tests recommended or done by the pedi. DS had low iron and white blood count (thank god he had a fever and pedi told us to take him to the hospital) and had to have a blood transfusion and spend 2 nights in the hospital and have so much blood drawn it was unbelievable at 9 months. Then a year of follow ups with a specalist. It was awful. I don't want to scare you but please have the test done. If you catch it early you LO will probably just have to have iron supplements.

prazenjc · August 2011

Preston was the born at the same time as your little ones and we didn't skip any of those screenings. yes, it is heartbreaking to hear him cry, but it is for his own good and there will be other times down the road when he will be crying for his own good again, too. i had to develop a thick skin for that kind of crying. i just immediately snuggled and consoled him afterwards. he soothed down pretty well, just sniffling profusely through the checkout/scheduling the next appt. process.

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