Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Milk, Bath and Doctors

For clarification, the milk throw wasn't because he doesn't like it, he threw it because he was just plain mad.  He is going through a phase that if he doesn't like something, he expresses his anger and frustration by throwing things and I need to break that habit/mind set.  He's done it twice but after being put in the pack-n-play for a time out, he hasn't done it since, so I would say he understands that now.....YAY!

Bath time is slowly getting better, the emotions are not as strong so I think we are making progress....YAY!

Yesterday and today we had doctor's appointments which were stressful for him (and for momma!) Monday we met with our general pediatrician to follow-up on his rash and check what immunizations he's had.  He had to have blood drawn as well as three shots.  This entailed two nurses holding him down, the doctor drawing the blood, while I stood at his head trying to comfort him. I told them that I did not want to be holding him because I wanted him to see me as the source of comfort and if you take part in holding them down, sometimes they get confused and I didn't want to jeopardize the bonding we have accomplished so far. I felt so sorry for the little guy, I don't like needles either.  But as soon as they were done and left the room he calmed done quickly.  He passed his hearing test too!  We got different ointment for his rash to see if this one works better.  Now to wait for the bloodwork results.

Today we followed up with my International Adoption doctor who reviewed Christians info and videos that I sent her while in Russia.  We had to wait in the exam room for 50 minutes and it was tough keeping him entertained and not getting into things he shouldn't be touching :)  He did wonderful with her, he was only nervous for about 10 minutes and then he wandered around the room, by her, and was fine.  She talked to me first for about 45 minutes which was great. She asked me about his eating, sleeping, behavior, talking, interaction, and so many other things.  As we talked she was also watching how he was moving about, interacting with me, chattering, etc.  She looked him over and he only whimpered a little and then just sat still, I was so happy he wasn't stressed out.

I had some concerns I expressed to my general pediatrician and wasn't really comfortable with his answers, but he's the doctor right, so I accepted what he said to do.  As the IA doctor asked me questions, I told her what the other doctor said and she professionally disagreed.  Based on the situations I had concerns about, she told me that children that have been in an institution/orphanage, need to be treated differently with certain situations.  She is a specialist in adopted children so I trust her judgement and her answers made more sense to me.  Based on her assessment, he is about 6 months behind his age in development and sensory integration.  So we are going to meet with a pediatric occupational therapist to review what techniques and games we need to play to get him caught up.  She had no concerns about him otherwise and said he looked very good and healthy! I really wish I could have her as my general pediatrician, she was so calm, I didn't feel rushed or that she had one foot half out the door and she asked questions of me to see about his entire development, bonding, behavior, nutrition and well as his physical health.  I have met with the general pediatrician twice now and do not feel comfortable with him but just decided that it will obviously take time.  But his responses to some of my concerns were for a typical 2yr old child, not one that has been in an orphanage, which is what I need right now.  So I am going to request some other doctor recommendations from the IA doctor of pediatricians that have worked alot with adopted children.  I don't know why I hesitated when I didn't feel comfortable at the first visit and look for another doctor, because with my own health, if I am not comfortable with a doctor I either get another one and I always get a second opinion too.  I guess I was just hesitant because I know myself and my body but being a first time mother and not really knowing Christian, I don't have the confidence yet to challenge or question the pediatrician.  If I am not comfortable with the pediatrician and confident he is the best fit for Christian, then I don't feel like that makes me a good mother to stay with him.  So I will be researching for a new doctor.

Oh, he also had to have blood drawn at the IA doctor's too, poor little guy. He cried but calmed down quickly and got a cool blue band-aid with bugs bunny on it, that he kept looking at and telling me something I didn't understand :) Baptism class tomorrow night.........

~Amy

1 comment:

  1. I love hearing your updates!
    You two are adorable together.
    your experience is always inspiring...
    hugs, deb

    PS - holisticmoms.org is a wonderful group w/chapters in many cities - they have monthly free lectures by excellent local physicians and health practitioners - I am also very picky about pediatricians, dentists, etc... and found the people I use thru this org. I've learned so much from the speakers in the past few years, I've become a leader in our area - its been a godsend in the process of raising a child.

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