Follow up on cousin Amber

From my sister in law:

I would like to start by saying thank you to all the readers who commented on the questions and concerns I had concerning my daughter Amber. It has been a few months and I apologize for only giving you a follow up now, but we have been a bit busy, as we are moving to Zambia soon. Amber is turning 2 years old next month.

I am happy to say she is walking, running and even dancing now.

She has not improved in the talking department, but she gets her message through either by saying key words, pointing or dragging you to what ever it is she wants.

Her eating has improved, she has her good days and her not so good eating days, but I guess we all experience some of that from time to time.

Her sleeping habits has not improved, she still wakes 3 – 6 times a night, she does not cry, she wakes up lies in bed and moans, I get up give her her bottle and she turns around and goes to sleep again. It’s annoying but I can live with that.

We went to Cape Town in March to have her “looked” at, as we were concerned about her not walking, talking, eating and sleeping habits. The first Dr. was a pediatrician, who does not treat children, she just assesses them. After 1 ½ hours of assessing, she told me she wanted Amber to go for a brain scan, blood and hearing test, as she is convinced that something is wrong with her, mentally. I took her for a hearing test, the results was that she definitely can hear, but that she had fluid in her middle ears. Which can cause her to be off balance, which could play a roll in her walking late, and affect her talking, as to not hearing the words correctly.

I took her to an ENT (ear, nose and throat specialist) who agreed with me that a brain scan and blood test is a bit excessive. He agreed that she was a bit late in her development, but he could not see anything else wrong. I took her to a Pediatrician, who actually treats children, and he said, that we should just give her space and time, that he could not see anything wrong with her, which is exactly what I have done. It is amazing how she has developed in the past few months. I will take her for re-assessments and follow ups, every time I go to South Africa, but for now I am happy with her progress.

She is a happy, fun, loving child, and I do not think there is anything mentally wrong with her.

I would like to thank you all once again, for your comments and support which you have gave me, it really helped me a lot.

 Regards

 Tanja & Amber Laurie

Comments

[Cristy]

I personally don't think it's excessive, but it's your baby of course. I'm glad you guys feel she is doing well. She certainly looks very happy :)

[jodie]

My 2 year old has had a brain scan and blood tests - it's no big deal, if you decide you want to go that way. Possibly worth the peace of mind. We have had development issues too but our son seems to be catching up.

I'm so glad things are looking so positive for Amber. Keep in mind down the track that Amber might have mild learning problems to keep an eye out for. When you say that nothing is wrong with her mentally I'm guessing you were concerned about permanent intellectual disability. Sounds like that won't be the case, which is wonderful. But keep in contact with her teachers and if she is having a few troubles in one area (say language, or maths or whatever) get it looked at, and you will be able to overcome it.

Thanks for updating, she's a beautifu little girl!

[Luann]

The ENT should have recommended tubes put in her ears to drain the fluid. My son (27 months) just had this surgery (also had adnoids and tonsils out for breathing problems) and he is a new child. He is talking MUCH more and loves to whisper now that he can hear better.

[Yvette]

My son was not yet walking or talking at 17 months and he also had fluid in the middle ear as soon as it was drained and tubes put in his ears he started walking and talking. He is now a happy, healthy six year old boy!!!

[Louise]

Thanks for the update! What a beautiful little girl!

[jenny]

She is a real cutey - anybody else think she looks alot like cousin Adam? I hope that Amber continue's to improve.

[Suzie-Q.]

Yes! I, too, see cousin Adam in Amber... thanks for the update. Am so pleased about your positive update!

[Jennifer]

Thanks for the update. It's good to hear that Amber is doing better. Best wishes to your family.

[Jeanette]

My husband has work to do in Zambia and I am 27 weeks pregnant! Can anyone help me - can I go with or not!