Judah's growth

Judah had a follow up appointment with the endocrinologist today. I took Tucker along today and left Bella with a sitter. I am glad that Tucker is now old enough to join Judah on some of his doctors' visits. I am trusting that bringing Tucker along will benefit both the boys in the long run.


Judah's endocrin. visits consistently tempt me with anxiety as it's been confirmed that Judah has a partial growth hormone deficiency, and the recommendation is to treat him with human growth hormone (HGH) shots daily. We have held off on this course of treatment as Judah has shown to be staying on the growth curve and steadily growing since we began tracking it closely about 2 years ago now. Granted, he's only on the 5th percentile, but he's on the chart, and he keeps growing at a "normal" pace. So, the doctor has been satisfied by that and been agreeable with our decision to hold off on beginning the HGH shots.


Today, the doctor reiterated that Judah's IGF1 levels are low (not that that means much to anyone reading this) and that his thyroid levels, though within normal ranges, are in the lower end of normal. When she recorded his growth and charted him in about the 6th/7th percentile, she declared, "his growth is amazing given the clear deficiency in growth hormone." I smile and silently give thanks to Judah's Creator who I know is ultimately in control of Judah's growth.


After asking the doctor if she has seen any other children follow this pattern, she says she has but it's unusual and that eventually, Judah's growth will "poop out" (her words) and match what we're seeing on his blood work.


For today, she was satisfied with taking another blood draw, to our surprise but Judah did remarkably well, and seeing Judah again in 3-4 months for another height/weight check.


Walking out of the clinic today with my little men at my side, I gave thanks to God for His mercy on Judah's life once again. I gave thanks for being given more time to pray and wait in faith for God to heal Judah of his apparent growth hormone deficiency.


On the way to the doctor this morning, Tucker asked if we could listen to worship music (as opposed to the "spanish CD" that the boys typically like to listen to). I was glad to oblige him. He suggested I play, "It is Well With My Soul" for Judah. Very sweet, thoughtful evidence of God's grace on that little guy's life. I have had the kids listen to a Jars of Clay version a lot recently on youtube. We all really like this version, and you can listen to it here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tnLOBwRbg_M


While in the clinic, the boys were coloring in a book the nurse gave to each of them, and ironically, on one of the pages they were asked to write their favorite song. Judah quickly said, "It is Well With My Soul". I am grateful for those precious times when God uses my children to remind me that HE is indeed near. Today we had a few of those moments.

I do want to be able to say, "It is well with my soul" no matter what path God will choose for us to walk with Judah. I do believe that's a part of the work He's doing in all our hearts here in the Almengor home. Thanks for your prayers.