Tuesday, July 29, 2008

BMI chart

What does this chart mean? Probably not much to most of my friends whose kids line up right in the middle of the chart. However, my rett syndrome friends HATE this chart! Today I do too. Brooklyn was at the doctor today. She has been running a fever and seems to be getting over another ear infection. The bad part of the visit was her "weighing in" at 22 pounds....UGH! She is 36 inches tall. That puts her at a 12.0 BMI (body mass index) or if you look at the chart....she is just barely on the chart. (and that is after a HUGE portion of fettuccine alfredo for dinner last night!)
There are a lot of rett girls out there that have lots of trouble chewing and swallowing, we are blessed that Brooklyn is still eating solid foods. It looks like we just need her to eat MORE of those foods and of course we will continue with the calorie packed Enlive apple juice and the carnation instant breakfast in her milk

8 comments:

Carrie and Avery said...

Im sorry, honey. I will pray that brookie-bean starts gaining some weight. Maybe its time to make that buttered apple cider!!

Shelley said...

Kelly,
I'm sorry you had a bad doctor visit. I know I sometimes dread going simply because of what I might hear. So I completely understand. I will be praying for Brooklyn to start gaining weight and I'll be on the lookout for ways to add calories to her day.
Hugs to you all, Shelley

lesley said...

There IS hope :) Sarah's BMI was 13 last year and this year it jumped to 15. This is because my sister and i are feeding her peppermint icecream every night after supper! She loves it :) But now she is heavy for me to lift :( so we are easing up a bit on it. She's 68 pounds dead weight....

Vanessa {Bloom Right Here!} said...

I hate those charts, too. What I wonder is how do the doctors know what is Rett and what is just genetic. I was a tiny little thing - smaller than Martilee. If she was "normal" would they be concerned about her weight? I've never heard of Enlive apple juice. Where do you get it?

Rebecca said...

BMI's are evil! I check it every time Caitlyn is weighed at the doctor. Time to find some Greek Yogurt!! Also, if she likes sausage, eggs and potatoes, Jimmy Dean Breakfast bowls pack a punch! You can also ask your doctor for a prescription for DuoCal. It is a tasteless powder that you can add to anything! Grow Brooklyn, Grow!

Abbysworld said...

I hate those things too. Abby is in the 22 percentile. Ask her pcp to use the cerebral palsey growth chart.
We had the hardest time for a while getting ABby to gain weight until her pcp ordered 2 bottles of pediasure a day. Dr Motil recommened pediasure, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches-we use the goober brand and butter the bread 1st and put some extra jam on the other piece of bread. Mashed potatoes with sour cream and cheese. Add a little heavy cream to her potatoes, yogurt, pediasure or milk. Those breakfast bowls sound good. Dab the scrambles eggs with a little ketchup. We feed Abby 5 times a day and she has only put on 3 pounds in a year.
Good luck
Terri

Beth said...

Hi Kelly...I try not to get too upset at the height and weight charts too much but I remember that last well check up kelly had with her pediatrician...he actually went and got a different growth chart for children not developing typically...I can't remember now exactly what the criteria was but he had to go look for it special..just a thought and now I can't remember all the specifics...I guess thats not too helpful after all....

Anonymous said...

It's amazing how much these girls can eat and still not gain a thing. I will keep my fingers crossed that Brooklyn starts packing on the weight!