TESTING, TESTING, TESTING 1, 2, 3 . . . . . . 4 . . . . 5

About a year and a half ago we began seeing a new endocrinologist at Children's Hospital in Birmingham, Alabama.  I voiced my concern about Carter's growth at that time.  My concern stemmed from the fact that Carter could still fit into shoes and clothing I had bought for him two or three years prior.

The testing started right away with simple blood work.  Ouch!  Everything came back within the normal range, but on the low end.  This testing was repeated two more times, six months apart and each time everything was within the normal range, but on the low end.  Along with the last round of blood work we also had a bone age test done.  This is just a simple xray of the hand that they use to determine if the bone growth matches the age of the child.  Carter's came back normal.

At his most recent visit to the Endocrinologist Carter's actual growth rate was discussed and his doctor was not happy that he was in the bottom 3% on the chart and that his growth rate over the past year was less than 2 inches.  He suggested the more extensive Growth Hormone Stimulation Test.

At this point, I was on the fence.  I still thought his growth was more hereditary than anything.  I mean all the testing we had already done had come back normal. Right?  So, why the need for this new, more complicated test?

Then it happened . . . . I started researching online about GHD, the symptoms and causes.  What I found was almost a point by point description of Carter.  It was then that I realized we needed to have this testing.

The testing itself was a bit of a pain. I will describe it in detail in another post.

Within just a few hours after having the test we received a call from his nurse.  Her exact words were "Carter failed both tests BIG TIME!"  His pituitary gland is not functioning properly.  The GH levels should be above 10 to be considered normal.  Below 10 to be a good candidate for replacement therapy.  Carter's levels peeked at 2.7.

So, this leaves us with a pretty significant decision to make.  Replace hormones? or Do nothing?