- Pregnancy
- Baby & Toddler
- Parents
- Getting Pregnant
- Baby Names
- Product Reviews
-
Registry
- Community
-
More
Want a personalized experience?
Download the free app
Pre-School and Daycare
schnappycat
member
Have to AW DS and medical study (longish)
schnappycat
member
When DS was born, we found out through hospital screening that he qualified (meaning he's at increased risk) for a huge, multi-national, mult-year study about the environmental determinants of Type 1 Diabetes in kids. Since my DH is a physician and we both have science backgrounds, we thought it was important that we follow through and enroll him. But honestly, I've had some misgivings along the way and have considered withdrawing him. Mainly because it's pretty time consuming and can be very involved: poop samples I mail in each month, twice-yearly comprehensive diet records, questionnaires, quarterly office visits (15 miles each way) that include blood draws, and other things. But obviously also because I sometimes get the side eye when people find out that I'm willingly subjecting my son to unnecessary "testing." And I've honestly wondered a few times if I'm doing the right thing. But I've stuck with it because I do believe it's a great thing and will teach DS the importance of science and medicine and, most importantly, of helping other people.
Anyhow, the quarterly blood draws and office visits have been very stressful as you can imagine. But through role playing and conversations (and it probably helps that he is currently obsessed with DH's anatomy books and the human body), the last two appointments have been amazing. We had our latest visit this week and DS was a pro! He actually was excited to go and "help other kids" and didn't even care or flinch for the draw. He sat there happy and just blew me away with his attitude. He even self-administered his nasal swab. Heh. He is really starting to understand that he can help in his own way and do something good. I know he doesn't understand the medicine behind it yet or how exactly he is helping, but in time, I hope he fully comprehends what a great thing it is.
So I will stick with the study for now. It's a 15-year study, so it's a long commitment. I'm just happy he is willing to participate and seems pleased to be helping. If that changes, I'll definitely consider pulling him out.
Just wanted to AW my brave boy!
Warning
No formatter is installed for the format bbhtml
This discussion has been closed.
Re: Have to AW DS and medical study (longish)
DD -- 5YO
DS -- 3YO
That is great he is so brave. Both my kids are in that same study. (yes, both have the marker) and my oldest HATES going. I don't tell her, but when we get close, she knows where we are going. She works herself up for the draws, then it's over and all smiles again. My 2 year old, doens't even bat an eye at the draws.
I agree, it is time consuming and I have not sent in a stool sample since DD has been potty trained since she won't go in that bucket they give you. lol
My SIL is type 1 so we thought important that we be involved to help find a cure or a cause!