I had to pick up Mayson's eye drops from the pharmacy yesterday. She has never been on meds before so they asked me several questions since it was a new account. One was, does she have any medical problems we should note on her record? I said she had Down Syndrome. Now, after I said it, I stopped and thought what the hell did I just do????? Down Syndrome is not a medical problem. My baby girl is completely healthy!! No heart issues, not thyroid issues, no immunity issues, etc. She just has a little something extra.
Why did I say that? I guess for some of the kiddos I know, that extra chromosome causes several health related issues. Maybe thats why? Was I wrong at saying that? Was I being a bad advocate? I am still boggled at myself. What would of you said?????????

date Thursday, July 12, 2007

16 comments to “What would of you done????”

  1. Our Story: Continued
    7:24 PM

    I hear ya! While we have had our share of health issues, I always feel weird putting Down syndrome as a medical diagnosis....and usually put Trisomy 21, just to keep it interesting. When Darah was referred to a GI to get a feeding tube, I didn't put Down syndrome on the health issues form because that wasn't the reason she was getting a feeding tube...her heart defect was. So, the doc walked in and we were talking and he said, "and she has Down syndrome?" and I said, "no, do you think she does," and immediately said I was joking, "yes, she does." He was white as a ghost...it was worse than asking someone who isn't pregnant if they're pregnant! I don't know why I'm blog-hogging....this just reminded me of that funny story! :)

  1. Our Story: Continued
    7:24 PM

    PS: GREAT NEW BLOG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

  1. Melissa @ Banana Migraine
    8:12 AM

    First of all - could she be any cuter? I love seeing her pictures!

    I know what you are saying, I've done the same thing. I think I don't usually put Down Syndrome down for things now. It's a hard call, but I definitely don't think it makes you a bad advocate. :)

  1. Anonymous
    9:23 AM

    That's a hard call, I don't know what I would have said! And I don't think that it makes you a bad advocate at all!

  1. Anonymous
    12:01 PM

    "She has never been on meds before..." Wow. Just... wow! What a healthy girl!

    When B had her first meds, I got that question from the pharmacy and answered just as you did. This was early on, when we had been seeing a lot of doctors, so it just seemed automatic to me to say it. Now I would question it more, just as you are doing. I don't think you were wrong and I don't think you were being a bad advocate. DS is associated with medical problems, so while it may not have been necessary, it seems reasonable that you would mention it.
    I hope her eyes clear up quickly!

  1. Imperfect Christian
    2:02 PM

    I said the SAME darn thing when I went to fill one of the girls' prescriptions and the technician looked at me like I was nuts and said, "That doesn't matter. I mean MEDICAL issues." And I was like, doh! I guess we're just so used to "full disclosure" we can't filter it out any longer.

    Right there with you girl, right thee with you!

  1. Michelle
    3:42 PM

    I know what you mean too! I've had to fill out forms at the child development center on base and one of the forms asks "does your child have any special needs" etc. and I put down Ds, but then I wonder is that necessary? LOL I mean she doesn't really have any more special needs than anyone else in the room because she doesn't have any medical problems to be aware of, they don't have to do anything "special" w/her than the other kids! But I guess since it is such a huge part of her I guess I feel like ok I should put this down!

  1. Anne
    4:22 PM

    there can be some differences in how kids with T21 react to medicines, so it might be an issue in the future. But, I'm not sure your typical pharmacist would be aware of them

  1. Kitty, Nathanael's Mom
    5:39 PM

    Hey! What a sweetie pie, as usual!

    I have said the same thing only because I am not sure if having that lil extra chromosome makes any difference medicinally. I figure it's part of Nathanael's genetic make up and it dictates his body so therefore it needs to be part of his medical history.

    I think mentioning it doesn't imply that having Trisomy 21 is a sickness, rather, in some cases it changes how things are handled.

    I wouldn't worry about a thing!

    :) Kitty

  1. Unknown
    8:14 PM

    I do that sometimes too, and then I think to myself.......was that really neccisary? I'm sure we've all done it, I don't think you are a bad advocate at all!

    Love the new look!!

  1. Christina M
    1:05 PM

    I'd probably have done the same thing, and come home and beat myself up and then ask you guys for support. And you would probablly tell me not to beat myself up about it. So that is what I think you should do.

    Lo9ve the new blog!

  1. Anonymous
    11:09 PM

    well....I think this is a common thing you would say when a doctor asks if there are any pre-existing health concerns or medical history. While it probably wasn't something the pharmacist needed to know, I can see how you could have said it.

    my goodness could mayson get any prettier? i love this photo.

    and no medication before now....wow she is a healthy girl!!!

  1. Jodie
    7:14 AM

    Oh yes, I've done it too. Like CJ said, I think we are just so used to the whole full disclosure thing that we tend to write it all. Plus, Tyler has medical issues because of his DS so I end up putting it even though the DS itself isn't a medical condition. You are a good Mommy!!

  1. Kacey Bode
    11:53 PM

    I've said the same thing, and had the same reaction right after it. I guess it's just always in our heads when we think medically. That is so awesome that she has never been on meds, incredible really. Mayson is just so cute, and Ella has that same little green outfit : )

  1. Anonymous
    4:04 PM

    I would have done the samething then ask myself why the hell did I do that too? But you know sweetie we are all just simple moms and it is hard to always say or do the right things....Like the powell family post..I have done that too but then I have kind of a weird sence of humor too...
    You did fine Amy...and you are a wonderful mom!!!!!

  1. Brandee
    8:37 AM

    Hugs to you, Amy! I don't think you said anything wrong.

    And my gosh!! Mayson is so beautiful! Even my daughters love to see your blog for cute Mayson pics. Well let me rephrase--ALL your children are beautiful! What a blessed family.