[kzwief]

Kate has her first pediatrician appt tomorrow. What should I ask or address? Here are the things I am going to ask so far...
1. Ask to document the mongolian spots. I'm a former social worker (Child Protection), turned RN, so I know how important this step is.
2. Kate coughs when she drinks clear liquids out of a sippy cup or bottle. I have tried a slower flow sippy cup and nipple. This does not seem to change things.
3. We are going to go to the IA clinic in a few weeks so I will have them check for parasites
Anything earth shattering I am missing?

[DPline]

This is the list of recommended tests our agency gave us:

Hepatitis B screen, including Hepatitis B surface antigen, Hepatitis B surface antibody, and Hepatitis B core antibody
Hepatitis C screen
HIV ELISA and/or PCR screen
Complete blood count
Lead level
RPR or VDRL
TSH, preferably state metabolic screen
Tuberculosis
Urinalysis
Diphtheria and Tetanus antibodies and Polio neutralizing titers (not complement fixation titers)
Immunization titers


The immunization titers were one of the most important things for me. Both my kids came home with perfectly up to date shot records and both ended up needing to have some immunizations redone based on the titers.

The blood count also ended up being important for us as my son turned out to be quite anemic.

Good luck tomorrow!

[robandjulie]

Definitely a good move on the spots. J's are all down his spine and look really sinister so we had them document them that day and when we went back a few weeks later to confirm they hadn't changed.

We brought print-outs of the translated medicals from guatemala as well as a shot record book our attorney gave us. They checked "the red book" and said we were up to date. Most importantly to them from the list of medicals were all the heights and weights so they could fill in his growth charts.

They also did a hearing check and general physical and we asked a bunch of questions about boy-bits so that's not important to you & Kate. We went back a week later for a CBC & lead which took a few minutes. We wanted the first visit to be completely low stress so we delayed those a bit.

I think (??) they asked for urine but then I think (??) that was for our 3 yo who was there that day for her checkup too. Either way we didn't have it and it wasn't a problem.

Whatever you ask, trust the doctor/nurse has had someone ask tha that question before no matter how goofy it seems--heck, they probably get it at least once a month. Talk to them about your sleeping quesitons, poop frequency, etc.

Also, if you're new to this practice which you likely are, talk to them about what the protocols are for late night fevers and sicknesses, get proper dosage information for Tylenol and Motrin for her current weight, ask them to show you anything you aren't sure about (ex: how to suction out a nose, how to get a good temperature reading, etc.)...you may know a lot of that from your nursing but don't be afraid to ask otherwise.

Bring a whole spare outfit b/c stress = poo often and a lightweight blanket (they usually ask you to strip the kids down and then you wait and wait and it gets chilly) and plenty of bottles and snacks and other comforting items.

[giovanni7460]

DPLINE said everything I wanted to say. But can I just stress how important the lead level test is? Giovanni came home at 10 months. I asked for a lead level the next day along with everything else. He was a 9.5. That is high. Because I have contact with the other little girl who was with him I suggested she be tested as well. She was fine. The both stayed the exact amount of time. Sometimes they hold that off until a leter birthdate. Please suggest it to your ped.
Patty

[melissa41]

If you have a poopy diaper in the morning, take it in a bag. We were asked to bring one. All other items were listed by other posters.

[amyfk]

The only thing I would ask based upon my recent experience is to ask for a timeline of shots that have been given to your child(possibly while in Guatemala or from your adoption agency ) and when your child can expect all future vaccinations to be given. I never questioned this and I am sorry about it and I am waiting for this from my former pediatrician's office. I have no idea what vaccinations my child has/hasnt received and she's 3.
Best wishes,
Amy K, NJ

[DPline]

Amyflk makes a good point. If you aren't already familier with it, you might pull up the current CDC vaccination chart so you know where she is potentially at (I still personally would do titers) and what is to come.

[widgit]

Titers!!!

Don't assume anything about the vaccinations they were given. DD's titers came out great. Half DS' titers were low and they both had the same doctor in Guatemala.