would you still go to the specialist appt. in this situation?

[starrynight]

Eliza has an appt. coming up for a developmental ped at austin children's hospital an hour away in 2 weeks. I made this appt. in March, she was 18 months at the time and not walking, she will be a few days shy of 21 months at the appt. She wasn't even taking any steps and wasn't standing at the time the referral and appt. were made. Hip xray and ped exam shows no physical reason for the delay. She has been seen in our home by EIC and is getting OT therapy, dx so far is sensory integration and the OT suspects that is why she won't walk (hates anything on her feet, the only thing she tolerates is robeez) and she is at least 6 months to 1 year ahead in all other areas so doesn't seem to be a neurological problem. I agree with the SID, I have it and her brother has it (connected to his austim though) and some of her other issues make sense with the SID dx.

This past week 2 weeks she has been taking some steps and standing alone and she can stand up in the middle of the room now without pulling up to stand. But she is not walking full time yet, no way she is ready and she isn't running. So should I still go just incase to find out if there is a reason she walked so late or skip it? I just hate filling out oogles of forms for a new patient, driving an hour away and taking her to a new doc that she is going to probably freak out on for him to say "well I don't need to see her now, she is taking steps".

Should I go or stay home or should I call my ped who made the referral and see what she thinks? Keep in mind I might not be able to get another referral, especially to him, he is out of network but is allowed to be covered by special request because of her age/sitation. And it will be months before we can get another appt. if I cancel.

I made this a poll so I could just get some opinions even if someone doesn't have the time to type out a full response. Thanks!!

[NEVE and TRISTAN]

It was here on the boards and I think a post by Beth that made me realize how great these appt with speacilist can be. In todays medical situations where they are hardly giving out referrals etc... I'd take advantage of the opportunity to get to ask a specialist questions etc... I betcha anything you will get something out of it...it will probably be verbal but just something that will help I am certain.

I say hands down go!!!!
Keep us posted!!!!


Neve
Reichen (6), Karsh (3), Tristan (2) and baby girl Bronwyn born March 10th!!!!

[alkagift]

I'd still go because developmental peds are hard to find and they might be able to give you some advice as to why this is going on, some tips that you could take back to your OT for treatment methodology, or perhaps spot something else that would help you.

It never hurts. Yep, I know it's a pain, but I think you'd be glad you did if you go in with the frame of mind, "hey, what else can you tell me or what else can we as a family be doing?"

Allison
Mommy to Matthew Clayton, who is TWO!

[brittone2]

I worked as a pediatric PT before DS was born and my vote is definitely go FWIW.

A fresh perspective will undoubtedly give you some new information on some level. Most likely they'll give you some suggestions on other things to do, etc. that you might not already know from current therapists or whatever.

Even if they aren't super concerned and you aren't very worried, I think you'll get enough out of it to make it worthwhile.

It would be good to further rule out some other issues that could contribute to the late walking.

[starrynight]

10 votes for yes and a few replies tells me I should go! I was pretty sure I was going to but dh was questioning it a bit so I figured I would ask here. I knew I would get opinions I could trust!

It's on the 22nd and I will update probably the day after, it's going to be a road trip type of day so I don't think I will get online that day.

Thanks!

edit for typo

[babymama]

Hi there!
I'm in Austin! I'll be working that day, but if you think you'll still be around after about 5:30PM, I'd love to meet up. LMK. You can PM me thru the boards.

Lydia
Mama to Santiago, born 11/16/03

[american_mama]

I;m the lone vote for call your existing pediatrician, but I would also heavily lean towards going. You might get some additional info. about how to help her more with walking and SID.... surely the SID will come up in other ways in the future, and it would be good to have some info. about that.

Actually, my DD just got a referral today to a developmental pediatrician for slow weight gain. She seems average on all other physical developmental tasks,but she's only 7 months old. I was quite surprised at the referral, but decided to take it. Your post makes me realize I am lucky to have such a resource in town.