I just found out yesterday that Rachel has hypothyroidism. We are fortunate that her endocrinologist has been following her very closely, and we are catching this early. Rachel has not shown any symptoms of hypothyroidism. This diagnosis is not a complete surprise. Rachel's lab work has shown her to be borderline for the last several years, but the labs from last week confirmed that she has finally crossed that line and will have to take medication. Medication for the rest of her life......bummer. I have never been the greatest at remembering to take or give medications. Lots of irony there, considering the last job I had was pediatric nurse! I guess I will have to get her a pill dispenser to help me remember to give her the meds.
I got Mike to pick up the prescription last night and did not look at it until this morning. It turns out the pills are caplets. I called the pharmacy and asked if they had another way of dispensing the med, but she said, unfortunately, no. So it looks like I am going to have to try to teach Rachel how to swallow a pill. I did at least confirm that it is okay for Rachel to chew the pill. I am betting that it tastes horrible, though. It might just be easier to try to get her to swallow it. Just to make it more fun, it has to be taken on an empty stomach, and she cannot eat anything for 30 minutes after she takes the pill.
It is going to take us some time to get this routine. We have been so fortunate up to this point, as Rachel has not had too much to have to deal with. I loved filling out the forms at the doctor's offices and putting "none" for medications taken at home. Don't get me wrong, we are still so very fortunate. We still have a very healthy little girl. We are truly blessed. I am betting the first time Rachel tastes that pill dissolving in her mouth, that she is not going to think she is blessed, but she is indeed. Wish us luck!
I am terrible at med compliance too. And I am also an RN and know better. I would have to do a pill box because I honestly can't ever remember if I thought about giving it or actually did give it. I thought this medication came in a liquid form as well. Usually costs more but may be easier to get her to take. Wishing you lots of luck!
ReplyDeleteI just read "Our Story" for the first time. Of course it left me a little emotional. ;) I agree that a prenatal diagnosis is harder. I am still happy that I didn't know before Morgan was born. Being near her and holding her was the only thing that helped bring me peace those first few weeks so I can't imagine having the diagnosis and no baby to hold and love.
ReplyDeleteWishing you lots of luck! Let us know how it's going getting Rachel to take the pills. Seems crazy that a liquid form is not an option.
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