Discussion Forums > Thalassemia Major

Thalassemia and developmental delays

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Andy Battaglia:
Growth in thalassemics is a complex issue and is affected by many factors. It is more than low Hb or iron overload that is involved. We recently had threads about the growth and bone development issues at

http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=1138.msg9121#msg9121
and
http://www.thalassemiapatientsandfriends.com/index.php?topic=1185.0

Your daughter may be a little behind but she should still be able to grow and develop normally even if a bit slower than non-thals. If the problem continues over the coming years, growth hormones may be recommended. Physical therapy may be of some benefit, and keep in mind that exercise does make bones stronger. Proper medical care will mean a lot to your child and fortunately, you have her early enough in life to make a huge difference in her development. It is essential that thal children be put on the right growth path before puberty.

Kathy11:
Hi Emommy
Your daughter is very pretty. congratulations.
Dont worry too much I believe that now ,that she is getting the best of care ,she will thrive and improve tremendously.
Goodluck :clap :clap :clap
Kathy

EMommy:
Thanks everyone!  Our daughter is growing and learning so much every day.  She is very petite, so sometimes I wonder and worry about her.  She is gaining almost 1 pound per month though.  Because she is adopted, we do not have the advantage of knowing a family history. 
I think she will catch up developmentally, but she is going to need love and patience.  I am SO proud to be her mommy and feel SO blessed to have her in my life.
Let me also say that I am so glad to be a part of this group.  I have learned a great deal. 

aus:
I have an adopted son who is thalassemia major. He is now 4 years old. He was diagnosed at 11 months and was not able to sit at that age. He had monthly transfusion since then and was only able to walk at 18 months. He was thought to have developmental delay then. He was also diagnosed with medium hearing loss on both sides of ears at the age of 3. He has had hearing aids for the last 8 months. He has definitely caught up now. He can sing, dance, write his name, recite my phone number, fight like his Power Rangers Ninjas. So, I can safely say, he is normal. With regular transfusions, they will catch up.

Zaini:
Hi Aus,

Welcome to the forum,it's good to have people like yourself and Rebecca here on the forum who are showing their greatness and kindness  by adopting thal majors,hats off to you people.

ZAINI.

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