Monday, January 31, 2011

Well Check

My Mom was diagnosed with Pertusis (Whooping cough) last night in the ER (this on top of the many other physical issues she's battled lately). I feel so bad for her, but I'm thankful that this aspect of her condition has been given a definitive diagnosis and treatment.

We've suspected Pertusis for several days now, so we've kept our distance for the most part. However, we were exposed to her in the early stages of the illness and Pertusis has a 20 day incubation period. For those of you who are unfamiliar with the nature of Whooping Cough, it can last up to 3 months, and it's extremely dangerous for children to contract. I called Jonah's pediatrician this morning to review the vaccinations he's been given and which we're behind on. I was relieved to hear he had been given three rounds and was lacking only one. I know that vaccinations are highly controversial this day and age (particularly among our friends), but I've never been more grateful for them than now. . . We were behind on 15 and 18 month shots so we decided today would be a great day to catch up. The pediatrician prescribed a 5 day round of Zithromax for Jonah as a preventative treatment for his exposure to Pertusis, and Allen and I will be taking a regimen as well. You can never be too cautious with this kind of thing when kids are in the house!

At the appointment we discovered that Jonah's weight has dropped steadily since 18 months from the 50th percentile to less than the 10th. He weighs just 24 lbs (lost 6oz since November). The pediatrician was a bit concerned and said that gaining weight needs to be high on our priority list. She explained that fat intake directly affects cognitive development, which means being underweight is not simply a stature concern . . . She said if his weight continues to fall or he fails to gain, they will need to run tests to make sure his body is absorbing nutrients as it should and that there is no underlying infection present. Needless to say, we made a trip to the grocery tonight and bought as many fatty foods as possible for Jonah to consume. :) The doctor also prescribed a vitamin that should help. He measured 33 1/2 inches (40th percentile). We're grateful that we've seen no developmental delays so far and are prayerful that Jonah's appetite and desire for new foods will increase. He's been quite finicky so far. . .

Jonah at the doctor. . . It doesn't take much coaxing to get Jonah's clothes off, but the boots are a different story. If he had it his way, he would sleep in them! :) Needless-to-say, he was insistent that they say on during the appointment.
Jonah's expression after the nurse told us he would be receiving 4 injections! ;)
Jonah had a mild reaction to HepB (a rash around the injection site) so they gave him a dose of Benedryl. That coupled with a very early nap and the natural exhaustion that comes from vaccinations, and it makes sense that he wasn't exactly alert and attentive during dinner.

2 comments:

Whitney Wilhite & Bradley Taylor said...

im praying for your beautiful family

Adrian said...

If its any comfort, Cole only weighs 28 lbs. - gained not one ounce his entire fourth year of life. . . and he eats everything! The dr. too is a bit concerned and I'm sure we'll have a few more checks and tests done, but he's one healthy, smart little boy in my books!
Praying that you all stay well and that your mom continues to improve :)