[momofMikhail]

I've noticed since my son has been home that he has very salty tears (more than normal). I called his pediatrition this morning to ask him about it. And now I'm really worried!!!!! He wants to keep an eye on him for Cystic Fybrosis. I've read everything I can about it so far. His Dr. wants to wait to do any test at this time. Which I'm okay with (I really don't think that it is Cystic Fybrosis). But I'm not sure if there is anything else I should be watching for either. Some other things I've noticed is his saliva is very thick, he has only gained 1.5 pounds since we've been home (almost 7 months). He is only in the 5th percentile in his weight and head circumferance. His height is perfect 50th percentile. And when he cries you can hear the mucus. I spoke to another Dr. about Cystic Fybrosis and he said to taste his skin and if it tasted salty to get him tested right away. Well I tasted him, but he tasted like a normal 2 yr old to me. Has anyone else ever had these type of symptoms? If so, can you please let me know if there is anything else I should watch for, and what the issue was.

I'm not a hypocondriac (hope I spelled that right) or anything. But for some reason I have this feeling that it is something I need to keep an eye on.

[votemom]

no advice or expertise here, just lots of empathy for how you must be feeling. i am praying you find exactly the right specialist to help you figure out if there is anything wrong with your sweet boy. please keep us posted.

[KiraLin]

One of my daughters best buddies was diagnosed in April with CF at the age of 7 (later than typical as he showed only digestive symptoms) Salty tears are a hallmark symptom but that said cf is very very rare. (30,000) cases in US. There are many many genetic variations of the disease and many are mild. For your own peace of mind I would have him tested. My daughters friend takes special enzyme pills when he eats that have allowed him to finally gain some weight. He looks and feels better since being diagnosed and early management can really improve a child's energy as they absorb food better with these enzymes. Some with cf suffer primarily digestive issues not lung issues which is probably what you have heard more about. I hope all of this information is unneeded. Good luck and best wishes.

[ddahl]

OH my I can only imagine your fear! My heart and prayers go out to you. Praying for the best so I will comment on the weight gain piece...

Our son gained very slowly for the first year then he gained in quantum leaps. We look back and he was very very tiny but after a Birth parent search we now know his biological family is very small. If I had to do it over again, I would not have any juice for him at all for the first year to encourage his primal apetite. he ate ravenously for the first month then he really slowed down. Take a good look at every aspect of his diet that you can, write it down, analyze it and tune up any areas you can. Hide protien any place you can and eliminate anything high in sugars. I am sure you are conscious of his diet as we all are but I literally started reading everything after he had been home a year. The following year we had a 3.75 height gain and 8 pounds. He went from wearing size 9-12 month clothing at the time of pick up to blazing through to a size 4T shirt and a 3T bottom and also from a 4 shoe to a 10.5 in the last 3 years 1.5 months.

No matter what you discover you will handle it beautifully. God picked you all to be a family and I feel certain you came equipped to handle just about anything. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. The hardest part is the waiting!

[GCS]

I agree with the others that having him tested sooner rather than later if for no other reason than to help you sleep better!

My son was a very slow gainer and is still rather small. He just moved into size 6 pants at 7 years old. It seemed like he was a size 4 forever! But he is growing at his own rate. It just takes some time.

Sorry I cant help you with the CF question. Good luck!
We're thinking of you!

[Russiamomto3]

I would get the Sweat Test done. It is a very easy, non-invasive test for CF. We had it done 2x's on our little guy who was not gaining, had lots of mucus, but no salty taste. You will most likely have it done twice because it is a very easy test to "screw up". The will put little "electrode" things on his arms and then wrap the arms in guaze and plastic wrap for about 45 mintues. Its really an easy test

[amyfk]

I have no medical knowledge but I am thinking of you guys.
Amy K, NJ

[ophelia72]

No advice but sending thoughts an dprayers your way!
XOXOOXO

[Nursie222]

I work as a in a hospital and I see CF often and a few of my friends have it. Most parents bring there kids in to be tested for CF because they kiss them and then lick there lips and they can taste the salt; however tests must be done because everyones body excretes salt. CF produces a large amount of salt. CF affects the lungs also causing there mucus to be think and sticky. Children with CF need chest procussion to loosen and release the mucus. Look at his mucus and see if it is thick and looks like phlem. Another symptom is stool. Look at his stool. Children with CF have greasy stool and diarrhea and it smells terrible. These are just a few things you can look for. I would definitly get the sweat test. Its very noninvasive. Good luck with everything and I hope everything comes out normal.