Connor goes to the doctors a lot! It is a bit less now as he gets older, but he is still followed closely by many specialists. The funny thing is he actually loves going to the doctor and is a fantastic patient. I think it has just been part of his routine for so long that it is normal for him. Overall he is a very healthy kid. He gets a lot of colds, but so does Makayla and every other kid I know!
1. Cardiologist: Connor has been followed by the same cardiologist since he was still in my belly. I had a fetal echocardiogram during pregnancy to diagnose Connor's Complete AV Canal defect and he has seen the same doctor every since. In the beginning, we saw him every 2 weeks, but after surgery it was reduced to every 6 months and now annually! He is due for his next echocardiogram in February.
2. Otolaryngologist: Connor has also been seeing the ENT since he was a few weeks old. He is my absolute favorite doctor! He has done 2 surgeries on Connor: the first was to place ear tubes and remove his adenoids and the second was to remove his tonsils and take some biopsies and look for signs as to why Connor aspirates liquids. We see the ENT every 3-4 months.
3. Audiologist: Connor has his hearing tested every 6 months. He has always passed these test showing that his hearing is within normal range for speech and language development.
4. Hematologist: Connor had Transient Leukemia and Thrombocytompenia at birth. At that time, we were told that Connor has a high risk for developing Leukemia before he turns 5. He is followed every 6 months to have his blood checked and a mini physical looking for any signs of unexplained bruising.
5. Pulmonologist: Connor sees the Pulmonologist every 6 months to follow up on his Sleep Apnea as well as his lungs for pneumonia due to aspiration.
6. Ophthalmologist: Connor sees the eye doctor every 6 months to check his vision and follow up on his Ocular Albinism and nystagmus. He loves participating in the vision exam!
7. Orthopedist: Connor is seen by the Orthopedist for his low muscle tone and to help him walk.
8. Developmental Pediatrician: We see her approximately every 8 months at the Down Syndrome clinic and she monitors his overall medical history and development.
9. Immunologist: We met with the Immunologist/Allergist to check Connor's immunity because the Pulmonologist was concerned that Connor was getting sick often. Like I said, I don't think it is any more than any other kid. They found his immunity levels to be within normal range, however they were borderline so he may need to be followed a little more closely in the future. They also checked for food allergies and Connor tested negative!!!
10. Feeding Therapist: Every 2-3 months to help give ideas on how to improve muscle tone in his mouth, strengthen his jaw, etc. to help with the aspiration of thin liquids.
11. Nutriotionist: Every 2-3 months to go over Connor's diet to ensure he is meeting his nutritional needs and to monitor his growth.
12. Augmentative Communication Program: We see an amazing speech therpist every 6 months who gives different ideas to help Connor communicate until he is able to speak.
13. Vision Therapist: A vision specialist comes to the house once a month to give us suggestions on how to adjust for Connor's Ocular Albinism and nystagmus.
14. Physical Therapy: We just started going to the Physical Therapy clinic at Children's Hospital to help Connor walk. We go once a week. Connor also has an Early Intervention PT who comes to the house once a week.
15. Ocupational Therapist: His EI OT comes to the house every other week to work on self feeding and self help skills as well as other fine motor skills
16. Speech Therapist: His EI ST comes once a week and works on speech as well as signing.
17. Special Education Teacher: She is through EI as well and comes once a week to work on communication, play skills, etc.
Before Connor was born I had no idea there were so many specialists in all kinds of different areas. I have certainly learned a lot =)
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