growth hormones vs. g-tube for 13 year old boy

[TonyaH]

Andrew's doctor has decided it is time for us to talk about an endocrinolgy consult.  She also said that we need to consider a gtube.  His bmi is in the 6th percientile and all normal high cal foods are not helping him.  Can enyone share their experiences of deciding on a g-tube at this age?  What are your thoughts on trying to induce growth via hormones vs. a feeding tube? 

 

[TonyaH]

Andrew's doctor has decided it is time for us to talk about an endocrinolgy consult. She also said that we need to consider a gtube. His bmi is in the 6th percientile and all normal high cal foods are not helping him. Can enyone share their experiences of deciding on a g-tube at this age? What are your thoughts on trying to induce growth via hormones vs. a feeding tube?

 

[TonyaH]

<p>Andrew's doctor has decided it is time for us to talk about an endocrinolgy consult. She also said that we need to consider a gtube. His bmi is in the 6th percientile and all normal high cal foods are not helping him. Can enyone share their experiences of deciding on a g-tube at this age? What are your thoughts on trying to induce growth via hormones vs. a feeding tube?

 

[Ratatosk]

I sent you a couple pms.  Online friend has a son who was on growth hormone and was pleased with the results.

 

[Ratatosk]

I sent you a couple pms. Online friend has a son who was on growth hormone and was pleased with the results.

 

[Ratatosk]

<p>I sent you a couple pms. Online friend has a son who was on growth hormone and was pleased with the results.

 

[Beccamom]

It is so odd I have a Becca too. My Becca is 11 and we are in the process of making the same decision. We are also in the process of testing for Cystic Fibrosis. From your other posts I have read I think I remember that your son is pancreatic insufficient. We are testing for PI at this time. As for the decision we were told it was possible to use a Nasal Gastric tube for a period of time. This way without surgery it is possible to know if the tube feeding works for weight gain. I have been debating how we would do the nasal gastric tube with an eleven year old. She definitely won't want to leave the house. As for the hormones we went to an endocrinologist and were told that since my daughter's growth hormones were normal and her bone age was only 9 months delayed, then hormones for growth were not an option. If you receive different information please let me know. We have been going to many second opinions, so if you get different information it may mean we need a second opinion for endocrinology as well. Please keep me posted on your decision. Best wishes for your son.

 

[Beccamom]

It is so odd I have a Becca too. My Becca is 11 and we are in the process of making the same decision. We are also in the process of testing for Cystic Fibrosis. From your other posts I have read I think I remember that your son is pancreatic insufficient. We are testing for PI at this time. As for the decision we were told it was possible to use a Nasal Gastric tube for a period of time. This way without surgery it is possible to know if the tube feeding works for weight gain. I have been debating how we would do the nasal gastric tube with an eleven year old. She definitely won't want to leave the house. As for the hormones we went to an endocrinologist and were told that since my daughter's growth hormones were normal and her bone age was only 9 months delayed, then hormones for growth were not an option. If you receive different information please let me know. We have been going to many second opinions, so if you get different information it may mean we need a second opinion for endocrinology as well. Please keep me posted on your decision. Best wishes for your son.

 

[Beccamom]

It is so odd I have a Becca too. My Becca is 11 and we are in the process of making the same decision. We are also in the process of testing for Cystic Fibrosis. From your other posts I have read I think I remember that your son is pancreatic insufficient. We are testing for PI at this time. As for the decision we were told it was possible to use a Nasal Gastric tube for a period of time. This way without surgery it is possible to know if the tube feeding works for weight gain. I have been debating how we would do the nasal gastric tube with an eleven year old. She definitely won't want to leave the house. As for the hormones we went to an endocrinologist and were told that since my daughter's growth hormones were normal and her bone age was only 9 months delayed, then hormones for growth were not an option. If you receive different information please let me know. We have been going to many second opinions, so if you get different information it may mean we need a second opinion for endocrinology as well. Please keep me posted on your decision. Best wishes for your son.

 

[Hardak]

I personally had a G-tube from like 12 till 17ish?? One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. As far as hormone vs diet I can't really say. I don't even recall if hormone treatment was talked about for me. Given my needle phobia It was likely quickly disregarded.

Keith

 

[Hardak]

I personally had a G-tube from like 12 till 17ish?? One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. As far as hormone vs diet I can't really say. I don't even recall if hormone treatment was talked about for me. Given my needle phobia It was likely quickly disregarded.

Keith

 

[Hardak]

I personally had a G-tube from like 12 till 17ish?? One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. As far as hormone vs diet I can't really say. I don't even recall if hormone treatment was talked about for me. Given my needle phobia It was likely quickly disregarded.
<br />
<br />Keith

 

[Jane]

Tonya, I'm sorry your family is dealing with this issue.  Josh was 13 when he got his g-tube (jesse was 9).  The docs talked about growth hormone but said it gives an initial blast of growth then stops.  We decided against it because we thought better nutrition (via g-tube) would give a longer period of growth.
Both my boys have had success with their g-tubes, and we know it was the best decision for them, however it was not easy emotionally.  Thirteen is such a tough age for kids dealing with self-esteem issues.  The g-tube caused both my boys to have periods of depression.  They are still very shy about talking about their g-tubes, but realize the benefit. 
If Andrew has a social worker at clinic or a counselor, have them help with the transition.  I can give you lots of advice if you decide on g-tubes.

 

[Jane]

Tonya, I'm sorry your family is dealing with this issue. Josh was 13 when he got his g-tube (jesse was 9). The docs talked about growth hormone but said it gives an initial blast of growth then stops. We decided against it because we thought better nutrition (via g-tube) would give a longer period of growth.
Both my boys have had success with their g-tubes, and we know it was the best decision for them, however it was not easy emotionally. Thirteen is such a tough age for kids dealing with self-esteem issues. The g-tube caused both my boys to have periods of depression. They are still very shy about talking about their g-tubes, but realize the benefit.
If Andrew has a social worker at clinic or a counselor, have them help with the transition. I can give you lots of advice if you decide on g-tubes.

 

[Jane]

<p>Tonya, I'm sorry your family is dealing with this issue. Josh was 13 when he got his g-tube (jesse was 9). The docs talked about growth hormone but said it gives an initial blast of growth then stops. We decided against it because we thought better nutrition (via g-tube) would give a longer period of growth.
<p>Both my boys have had success with their g-tubes, and we know it was the best decision for them, however it was not easy emotionally. Thirteen is such a tough age for kids dealing with self-esteem issues. The g-tube caused both my boys to have periods of depression. They are still very shy about talking about their g-tubes, but realize the benefit.
<p>If Andrew has a social worker at clinic or a counselor, have them help with the transition. I can give you lots of advice if you decide on g-tubes.

 

[Jane]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. </end quote></div>
 
Keith,  I haven't heard this before and I'm curious about your experience.

 

[Jane]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. </end quote>

Keith, I haven't heard this before and I'm curious about your experience.

 

[Jane]

<p><div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>One thing to look out for with long term G-tube usage is a potential development of a food allergy, or simple digestive intolerance. </end quote>
<p>
<p>Keith, I haven't heard this before and I'm curious about your experience.

 

[TonyaH]

Thanks everyone,
Your responses are helping. 
Liza, I responded to your pms...thank you SO MUCH!!
Beccamom..Great taste in names!  Our Becca is our carrier and is about to turn 9 in May.  Thanks for mentioning the ng tube.  I agree, I don't see that being practical for every day living at all.  I am going to specifically ask the endocrinologist about Andrew's bone age.  Would not have known that before now.  I'll keep you posted on what I learn. Perhaps we can help each other.  (and you are correct..Andrew has been  PI since birth.)
 
Keith..Andrew is actually better with needles than he is long term tubes..( piccs, ports, etc..)  If he were basing his decision on comfort, he would prefer the injections.  Your foood allergy comment is a great one.  I would not have know to ask the doctor about that unless you told me to.  Thank you.
 
Jane..You know I will have many questions for you as we go!  You were the first person I thought of when we were at the hospital yesterday.  With Andrews age and gender, you are my mentor! 
 
I love this website!  This is going to be a difficult decision.  My brain tells me it was to be expected and not to over react..all of you have done it, right?  But my heart just feels so heavy...I thank you all for being here!

 

[TonyaH]

Thanks everyone,
Your responses are helping.
Liza, I responded to your pms...thank you SO MUCH!!
Beccamom..Great taste in names! Our Becca is our carrier and is about to turn 9 in May. Thanks for mentioning the ng tube. I agree, I don't see that being practical for every day living at all. I am going to specifically ask the endocrinologist about Andrew's bone age. Would not have known that before now. I'll keep you posted on what I learn.Perhaps we can help each other. (and you are correct..Andrew has been PI since birth.)

Keith..Andrew is actually better with needles than he is long term tubes..( piccs, ports, etc..) If he were basing his decision on comfort, he would prefer the injections. Your foood allergy comment is a great one. I would not have know to ask the doctor about that unless you told me to. Thank you.

Jane..You know I will have many questions for you as we go! You were the first person I thought of when we were at the hospital yesterday. With Andrews age and gender, you are my mentor!

I love this website! This is going to be a difficult decision. My brain tells me it was to be expected and not to over react..all of you have done it, right? But my heart just feels so heavy...I thank you all for being here!