Monday, March 23, 2009

Pedi Appointment

Brody did great today at the doctor. He is 8 lbs 11 oz and 21 1/4 inches long. He has gained exactly 3 lbs in 1 month (from discharge). He's in the 55% for length and 25% in weight but the doctor thinks he will catch up on that since he was 3 weeks early. He also got his 2nd Hep shot and only cried for a second.

We also found that he has Alpha Thalassemia Trait (2 affected genes). Patients who have alpha thalassemia trait have smaller (microcytic), paler (hypochromic) red blood cells and a mild chronic anemia but do not generally experience any other symptoms. This is an anemia that does not respond to iron supplements. Diagnosis of alpha thalassemia trait is usually by exclusion of other causes of microcytic anemia.

We found out because of the newborn screening that they do. The doctor said this will not affect Brody at all but that B and I will have to get tested before our next kid to see who has it and to make sure that both of us don't have it. If both parents have it and the child inherits it from both it can be a more serious problem.

We go back in a month where he will get several shots :(
We got no sleep last night because someone was gassy and fussy so I'm off to feed him and try and catch a nap.

Love,
L

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