Trying not to panic UPDATE

TundraGirl · February 2014

Hey ladies. I am asking for your support, advice, whatever you can give. My son had his 9 month appointment today and for the first time I heard his doctor say, "I am extremely concerned." When W jumps in his jumperoo or does the whole "supported standing" thing, he is often (mostly) on his tiptoes or the balls of his feet. He doesn't pull up on furniture or scoot along it. He isn't crawling but rolls everywhere.

His doctor said that she "hated to say it, but ..." then mentioned spasticity and the possibility of cerebral palsy. At that point I asked if I should be freaking out (because I was/am freaking out). She said that she "could see that [I] was thinking about wheelchairs and things like that" and shouldn't do that. She referred him to a specialist. I am now waiting for a phone call with a date/time for that appointment.

Has anyone gone through this? I don't even know how to frame what type of advice/thoughts/etc. I am looking for. I don't know what questions to ask, but if you've got any encouraging words/stories/etc., I could use them right about now. TIA.

2/17: The specialist had a cancellation today so we got to see him this afternoon. It was a good appointment. This is what we learned: - W's gross motor skill development is delayed (not pulling up on things, not pulling himself up to sit, not crawling) but not to the point that the specialist was hearing alarm bells. He pointed out that all babies progress at different rates and W is progressing slowly. - The doctor expects W to start walking late (18 months) based on where he is now. - The doctor is having W start physical therapy to help him work on the things mentioned above. - The doctor doesn't feel we need to be alarmed about cerebral palsy (big sigh of relief). - W will go back to the specialist in 6 months to monitor his progress. I am feeling very relieved and look forward to W starting PT soon. I will keep you posted on his progress. Thank you all for your support. It means a lot to me. I don't know what I would do without our BMB (cheesy, I know, but true).

MrsM1111 · February 2014

No advice, but your pedi sounds a but extreme.

Ab is on her tip toes most of the time and doesn't pull to stand or crawl. She is 9mo3days. In the jumperoo they aren't supposed to be flat footed.

Eta I hope that it turns out well!

fancefpp · February 2014

She sounds like an alarmist. I'd check it out, but try not to freak. My old pedi was an alarmist and made me nuts. Sent me to a neurologist because she thought ds2 had a crooked smile. The neurologist looked at us like we were crazy.

Schell2013 · February 2014

No advice really. But I agree with others that it sounds extreme. My aunties daughter never did crawl and didn't walk until she was 18 months. Some kids just take longer than others to meet mile stones. He daughter is bright and smart just took longer then some.

Oohgurl · February 2014

WTF, that is half the babies on here. My pedi said, crawling/standing should be from now until 12 months.

coffeeandbooks · February 2014

That sounds like a horrible experience. I am thinking your pedi didn't handle that well. I haven't had your experience with the no crawling, but I have dealt with alarmists in the medical profession and I know how it can really rattle you. I have heard of lots of baby's not crawling yet even on our little board so I definitely don't think it is time to panic. T&Ps for you sweetie...I am sure it will all be fine...just look into it as a precaution.

nbatchen · February 2014

I wouldn't freak out. Go see the specialist just to be sure though. When my oldest was 6 months I had to take him to children's hospital to have X-rays and sonograms done of his legs because his fat rolls didn't line up. His doctor basically acted like he would never walk with out braces. Ended up being nothing. I then got a bed pediatrician!

blush64 · February 2014

I know babies who did not crawl, actually my youngest niece did not crawl until after she could walk when she was over a year. She did not even roll around. She is completely average in her physical abilities now at just under 2. (And very smart)

I know several babies who walked on their toes and all but one corrected themselves without intervention. One needed a quick surgery to correct it but that was when she was over 2 and still had issues..

It is better the doctor is checking things out to make sure all is well but it certainly would freak me out as well.

CNJ4EVA · February 2014

I just read a post (can't remember the poster)that referenced that only 50% of babies are crawling by 9m.

I'm sorry that your pedi is creating stress where there may be cause for none.

Err on the side of caution and see the specialist, but I'd hold off on freaking out.
Edit to finish post

emmy236 · February 2014

Definitely sounds like an alarmist. Our pedi is kind of like that. He had to have an ultra sound on his spine because of a dimple and one on his head because it was huge and worried about hydrocephalus. Both came back that he was perfectly fine. My husband never crawled ever and he went on to be a fantastic athlete. I've even heard that it's a sign of someone who may be very gifted. Something about having the self awareness to know their body and not wanting to do something until they know they can master it easily. Now I can't even say how valid that is, just something a friend of ours was told when her 15 month old wasn't walking yet.

surpriseaddition · February 2014

My oldest DD didn't walk until she was 16 months. She also walked on her tip toes. She's a sophomore in high school now, a great soccer player, and has straight As in honors and AP courses. I wouldn't worry, but would still go to the specialist to cover all bases.

Boo0512 · February 2014

I'm sorry that you're worried, anyone would be. My baby is not crawling and no where near pulling up on things.

I'm sure the specialist will let you know that everything is fine. Good luck!

bhjones1980 · February 2014

Your pedi seems nuts At our 9 mon appointment she said the only thing that would be a concern at this point was if they were not rolling over, and crawling was a bonus at this age

caden1206 · February 2014

Was there an event that he could have developed CP? At birth? If not, I wouldn't worry too much about CP until you see a professional with expertise in this area. If he does have CP this isn't a death sentence and not all children with CP are in wheelchairs. There are varying degrees and most people with CP live normal lives. I would try to get in as soon as you can because you are going to worry about this. It would make me nervous until I had answers as well. T&Ps nothing is wrong and this was just a case of the doctor over reacting.

Shoegal36 · February 2014

That really does sound extreme. My baby just started trying to crawl and isn't anywhere near pulling up on things. When I stand her up she is on her tippy toes. I think she just wants to jump like she does in her jumperoo.

I do know someone who's baby would only walk on his tippy toes so she had to take him to physio but the problem was eventually corrected and he had no other issues.

I also know someone who's baby went straight to walking. No crawling whatsoever.

littlebean510 · February 2014

To echo the others, your ped sounds like he/she is overreacting. We just had our 9 month appointment and my LO is in the same boat as yours and my ped didn't have any concerns. Please keep us updated if anything materializes with the specialist you've been referred to. Good luck!

TrulyBlessed22 · February 2014

I have to agree with others, though I can certainly understand your concern after such a Dr. visit but Remember that all babies reach milestones at their own pace and later if life it means nothing. My Godson didn't crawl until really late and didn't walk until he was about 14 months. Don't even get me started on the speaking...that took a while as well and now he's an honor roll student. While I do think it's best to see a specialist I would try not to think about it too much. T&P for you and your family so that you all maintain positive thoughts and that all ends well. Please keep us posted.

kmcd23 · February 2014

I just wanted to day big hugs, because it sucks to worry! I get the overreacting pedi impression too, and hope that's all it is.

mommatotwo2 · February 2014

I am so sorry that you had to go through this. I would definitely be seeking a second opinion. I think that she is being quite extreme. My first LO did not sit up well until 9 months, crawl until 11 months and didn't walk until 15 months. She also used to roll all over technique. She has been completely physically normal and even went on to ride a 2 wheeler at 3 years old and is now an energetic, healthy 5 year old.

My LO2 is just a couple of weeks younger than yours and she doesn't crawl really, she has sort of a crawl roll thing that she does. She also stands and jump(eroo)s on her toes and the balls of her feet, which is completely normal at this age.

Inform your pedi that crawling is not even a milestone and that many kids never do it and ask for your records and start looking for a new doc before the 12 month visit.

TundraGirl · February 2014

Thank you so much for all of your responses and encouragement. The big thing she focused on was the tip toes so it's nice to hear that a lot of babies walk on their tip toes and do not have CP.

@caden1206- I do not know of any event that could have triggered CP. What are known triggers?

caden1206 · February 2014

Going without oxygen or having low oxygen levels for a long period. If you have to ask, he probably did not experience any of that during delivery or after. Not to say it can't happen in-utero, but that is very rare.

jedimindtrick · February 2014

I think that she's crazy and overreacting. I asked J's PT about toe standing and she said it's totally normal when they start standing. And I've heard crawling/ pulling up could be anytime between 6-12 mo. Sorry she made you worry. I'd be pissed.

TundraGirl · February 2014

caden1206 said:
Going without oxygen or having low oxygen levels for a long period. If you have to ask, he probably did not experience any of that during delivery or after. Not to say it can't happen in-utero, but that is very rare.

He did have times where his heart rate dropped and was born with the cord wrapped around his neck. He was in the NICU for the first days after he was born. No one at the hospital mentioned that could trigger CP. *scared*

caden1206 · February 2014

A dropping heart rate for a short period is not going to cause that. If it was sustained then maybe. I am pretty sure someone would have said something if he was at risk for a hypoxic injury. They would have done a neurosonogram too. I really dont think you need to be worried just yet. My son had a grade II hemorrhage from low O2 levels and is just fine. Get into that neurologist. You dont need to worry too long.

Edit: hypoxic not anoxic

Blueyed228 · February 2014

I would go to the specialist to cover all bases but really try not to worry about it.

TundraGirl · February 2014

Thank you do much. I haven't done any research since our appointment ... just came to you ladies for help. Plan to check the Mayo website for my research. Thank you again!

jayro10 · February 2014

Your pedi sounds overly cautious. That can be a blessing and a curse. But to say that something is wrong because he isn't crawling or pulling up yet is nuts. I hope you get into the specialist soon so you can put this to bed and move on!

john5111 · February 2014

I think they sound crazy. We just had our 9 month apt and my son was not crawling or pulling himself up he was just rolling all over and she said as long as they are moving around it is fine. Funny thing is that weekend he started to army crawl and crawl around. I wouldnt worry. All babies are diff!!

D&S724 · February 2014

I agree with everyone else. B is 8.5 months and still isn't crawling or pulling into a standing position, if it makes you feel better. My pedi isn't worried. Go to the specialist for peace of mind, but as the others have said, try not to worry.

CuriousGirl 0429 · February 2014

My baby will be 9 months Thursday and we are still only rolling. And I googled CP in babies and it's hard to diagnose until they are 1-3

Lolalipsy · February 2014

So sorry you're left worrying about this. Your pedi seems to be extreme. Hopefully you will get the reassurance you need from the specialist. Big hugs.

flyliceandcoffee · February 2014

I'm sorry you're stressing out about this, I think, like everyone else said, your pedi is a bit extreme. I know it's hard not to worry, but hopefully you get in to see the specialist soon. If it makes you feel any better, S wasn't even rolling until she was 8 months old even though there were others things she could do. I was starting to freak out and our pedi was surprised as well, but it really ended up just being on her own time.

sourpatchkids · February 2014

I'd go just to be on top of it, but I your baby sounds 100% fine to me. Try not to worry!

TundraGirl · February 2014

Thanks again for all of your support!

Boo0512 · February 2014

Glad you recieved good news!

coffeeandbooks · February 2014

yey, good news! Glad to hear you had a good appointment. Let us know how he progresses!

babyo52 · February 2014

So glad you received good news!

TrulyBlessed22 · February 2014

Soooo glad all is well! :-).

caden1206 · February 2014

I am so glad you got good news.

mommatotwo2 · February 2014

So glad to hear your great update!!

kmcd23 · February 2014

That is great news! I'm glad to hear you've got a plan to work with, without all the worry.

Want a personalized experience?

Trying not to panic UPDATE

Re: Trying not to panic UPDATE

Choose Another Board

Search Boards