Ok this is not a feel good post. I wanted to talk about the big issue of adopting a child from a third world country and that is health problems. My babies have had the huge blood draw done to test for everything under the sun, because of where they were born. Well we got some scary news that I'm trying to deal with.
Alec is positive for Hepatitis A, has ringworm and giardia. He isn't eating as well as he should because of the Hepatitis. I am scared for his health. Even though you read about the diseases your child can come home with, it is so scary and you can't prepare yourself for it.
Haven has holes in both her ear drums. No wonder she screamed bloody murder on the plane. Usually the holes close on their own. That is what I'm praying for.
This should be a joyful time of bonding and getting to know our children. Not running back to the Doctor again and again. And where did it become the job of a Mom to hold your child down during a blood draw. Ugh that was horrible for us both.
I just want my little guy to feel better and eat better, he is only 14 # at 9 months of age.... poor little boy. Any one have words of wisdom to get him eating more solids, please share.
7 Kind Words:
It will be okay. It's always awful when your kids are sick, even when they are grown right here in the USA! I think Hep A is pretty self-limiting, so your little guy should be fine. We had giardia too... icky for sure. And lice. And it took TWO adults to hold down my screaming five year olds for their blood draw and then later for their school shots... six in one day. I know how awful it makes you feel, but it will be okay! I promise.
Sounds like you are bombarded with all the bad part of being a parent up front. Hang in there, this will pass. Our son came home from China very sick too but after a few weeks it all settled down. Rest when you can, so you are ready when they don't feel well. None of our kids were even close to 20# at a year of age so he is probably okay weight wise. Like already said Hep A runs its course. Keep him hydrated. Your doctor should be able to recommend the proper diet (maybe the mild foods, jellos, etc) depending on his symptoms. If he can keep formula down and its not causing the runs, even that should be sufficient until he feels good enough to eat solids. Hang in there - from what I have read you sound like an amazing mom!
When we brought Chloe home from China in 2005, our pediatrician uncovered some scary health concerns. We spent our first months home going back and forth to the children's hospital, visiting specialists, undergoing bloodwork and tests. In addition to Chloe's illnesses, she would not eat solid foods at 11 months old. Chloe required a bottle every hour. We bonded, but we weren't sleeping as every hour of every day was spent giving her a bottle. We were referred to a therapist at the children's hospital and she made many recommendations to get Chloe to start eating solid foods. One of them that might work for you (it sounds kind of crazy but it helped us) is to move the high chair in front of the tv at meal time, put on a Baby Einstein DVD (Chloe was transfixed)and once they are mesmerized start feeding. They are so engrossed that they will eat and they tend to eat more b/c they are preoccupied. Wishing you and your little one's all the best.
Thanks for the support and ideas
I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through some medical stuff with the kids. I really don't have a lot of advice on how you can get Alec to eat solids, but if he's taking formula he will be getting good nutrition. Just keep working with your physician and know that this too shall end and eventually everyone will be well and eating just fine.
I'm sending positive vibes your way so hang in there.
Sorry to hear about Alec. Poor little guy! I'm glad he is with you and is being taken care of. Does he like mashed potatoes? Sounds like he needs some carbs! And I agree, blood draws are the worst. I was crying with Nyah!
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