Dr suggested growth hormones for my 4 year old..

[Elite Silkies]

I would definitely have some testing performed before I gave the shots. It is so hard to make decisions when it comes to your kids, because you want to make the right decision.

My son's GF had the shots and she is 17 now and is about the same height as I am, and I am 5'1. I am the 2nd shortest in my family, with the other family member being 4'11. But, I am a female, and it is easier for a female to be shorter.

My son has drastically grown over the last 6 months from 5' to 5'8". He is 14.

God will guide you, if you ask.

 

[debilorrah]

Sarah, I have read everything here, and in my opinion, a second opinion is needed. Personally, I believe he should have another check up on his growth in 3-6 months before any decision is made.

On my front, my son is 6'1 and 137 lbs. I am 5'4 and fat. His dad is 5'8 and fat. Where did this kid come from??? Genetics are a funny thing. You son may be ok, but the drop in percentile should not be ignored.

 

[wombat]

My son "shrunk" between appointments. The doctor was all wound up over it. We'd done our own measuring, and concluded that his staff had not measured accurately.

So ... figure out of there really might be a medical problem, then get a second professional opinion.

 

[DuckyBoys]

This issue is fairly easy to determine with testing, and I highly suggest you consult an endocrinologist and then take their advice.

 

[Brick243]

My grandson was always one of the smallest boys on teams, school etc... He just turned 11 in July. He is right there with the rest of the boys on the baseball team. He grew this summer.

Every case is different. I would definately get a second opinion. I would also find out all of the side effects that can occur. Good luck.

 

[imtc]

it's not that new of a treatment. My brother (who is now 38) took them for a few years when he was probably around the age of 8 or so and is of normal size now with no ill effects. He was diagnosed with "Growth Hormone Deficiency" and "Hypopituitary Dwarfism". Not sure, obviously, how he would have grown if not being on the shots but they did work for him and he's had NO bad effects from them. Totally a decision you'll have to make and I don't know all the costs &/or tests involved but definately something to look into and investigate before deciding. Good luck to you. Oh and...I'm remembering him being preschool age when dr's first started looking into it with him too....so not too early.

 

[Sammimom]

I'd absolutely get a second (or third and fourth) opinion, and much more testing. Messing around with hormones, even in very small amounts, can have very far reaching results which are difficult, if not impossible, to predict.

My friend was scheduled to have GH treatment the week after her 17th birthday, as she was 5'1", very young (prepubescent) looking, and had not begun menstrating. She had her first period that week, so they postponed. She grew 6 inches and gained 30 pounds that year. Her younger sister, while normally developed, remained 5'2".

As my friend's pediatrician told her about her very small son when he was an infant, "somebody's got to be in the fifth percentile!"

 

[SarahFair]

Well I talked to a few people about it last night. My MIL, Father, and SO.

They all were way on diff sides.

My MIL flipped out calling the Drs insain and saying maybe I should just move Drs cause that is just crazy!
but I trust these drs. The main Dr is who I have been seeing since I was 3 months old. She basically saved my life by taking me off all these other medications another Dr had put me on through her own paranoia of her own childs illness. I was kind of offended when she told me to move Drs.

My Father told me to go ahead and get him checked out by a specialist if thats what the Dr says to do. (which I guess I should have made clearer. The Dr said to see a specialist so they could possibly start him on GH.) He said when I go back next week to see another Dr and ask what they think about it (there are about 5 Drs in the practice). He said it ultimately comes down to what I want to do but it cant hurt get get him checked out.


My SO thinks we should just wait it out. His big thing was 'Well what did they do back in the day before all these growth hormones?' He didnt seem to keen on the idea of seeing a specialist just because hes a little short when hes 4.


As for me..
I think I am going to stick it out for a few months. Hes 4. He seems like a happy and hardy 4 year old.


BTW:
Height: 35 1/2"
Weight: 33 lbs

 

[karl lutz]

My niece would not grow,
She had all the skill levels comensurate with her age group and was cute as a doll but tiny. She is right up with her constituants now! Perhaps give it time and watch. I dont trust drs. opinions.My son had a testicle that was inside and the young dr. pushed it out without any antisteisia and then it just died. I would like to push his testicles in. The group transfered him shortly after that. The point is just cause he sounds right dosent mean he is right.

 

[ScoobyRoo]

SarahFair, I posted earlier but let me clarify this. My friend DID see a specialist, had testing done (when he was young also) and it was confirmed that his body was not producing the hormone to make him grow. NOW after years (8-9yrs) of ''hem-hawing'' He decided he wanted the shots.
What I'm telling you here is that you have PLENTY of time to decide what you and your son wants to do. It just needs to be decided BEFORE the average age when the growth plate stops growing.
Now things change and everyone has their own opinions. Just gather as much info as you can before your final decision and it should be your son's decision (and parents) and no one else.