Worried (long)

Jake got two shots back in October. They both caused two big lumps to form on his chubby thighs. One went away fairly quickly (as was the norm with his shots previously) but the other one didn't. Instead it bruised and hung around for a long, long time. We took him back to the ped after it didn't go away for a couple of weeks. They recommended we see a pediatric dermatologist. That Dr was basically clueless and did nothing but take notes and sent us to an immunologist for allergy testing.

The Pediatrician had told us to put warm compresses on the bump everyday which we did so by the time we got to the Immunologist, it was almost completely gone. The Immunologist took one look and said "your baby is perfectly fine" and sent us on our way. It took about 3 months for that lump to go down. And today, he still has a tiny little black & blue there, but the lump is gone.

We continued with the next shot on the opposite leg so as not to irritate the healing bruise, figuring it wouldn't happen again. Sure enough, this one bruised up too. That was in February. Here it is April, weeks and weeks of warm compresses and massaging, and the bruise and lump are still there. Faded, and getting smaller but nevertheless still there.

He saw the Pediatrician yesterday and now they want to send him to a surgeon! They said just in case it's something that needs to be removed. But I'm so worried. I don't understand why he's all of a sudden having these reactions to his shots when he had several before that that never did this. I don't want him to have any surgery if it's not necessary - if the bump will go away on it's own like the other one did. I'm more concerned about why this is happening in the first place and no one seems to have any answers for me.

Did anyone's child have a similar reaction to shots? Or do you know someone who did? Any suggestions - should I take him to another pediatrician? What would you do?

Re: Worried (long)

I don't have any insight to offer, but wanted to send some hugs your way. So sorry that you and your baby are going through this!

Re: Worried (long)

I woulds take him to another per for a second opinion.
I am sure it is nothing..

Re: Worried (long)

I hope everything is ok....the only advise I have to offer is that if you don't feel comfortable or satisfied with what the dr.s are telling you...keep asking questions until you feel you have all the information you should have.

I'm so sorry that you and your baby have to go through this

Re: Worried (long)

Posted by aja

I woulds take him to another per for a second opinion.
I am sure it is nothing..

Re: Worried (long)

I would take Jake to another doctor for a second opinion.

Poor Jake...

Re: Worried (long)

Definitely get a second opinion. Surgery seems a bit extreme if it can go away with compresses. It would seem like the muscle is getting bruised and inflamed.

Re: Worried (long)

Thanks girls. Do you think it's overreacting for a "just a bruise" or would you be concerned too?

He seems fine btw, the bruise doesn't seem to bother him one bit, even when I'm massaging it.

I'm so silly... we have two pediatric Drs in my family (practicing in FL) - I will call them.

Re: Worried (long)

Poor lil guy

I think it is perfectly normal to be worried...you are his mommy

Re: Worried (long)

Message edited 4/26/2006 10:07:55 AM.

Re: Worried (long)

I would want to know why this is happening and I would get a second oppinion hope he doesn't have to have surgery

Re: Worried (long)

Re: Worried (long)

Posted by BabyAvocado

Posted by JRG71

I think to suggest surgery w/o knowing if it's necessary is overreacting. I would be concerned, but not so concerned that I would rush into surgery.

ETA: This is jmo - I tend to be very lax with stuff.

Oh, I don't want surgery at all, it's the ped who told us to see a surgeon and I feel that's a bit much. I definitely wouldn't rush into surgery.

Re: Worried (long)

Posted by JRG71

Posted by BabyAvocado

Posted by JRG71

I think to suggest surgery w/o knowing if it's necessary is overreacting. I would be concerned, but not so concerned that I would rush into surgery.

ETA: This is jmo - I tend to be very lax with stuff.

Oh, I don't want surgery at all, it's the ped who told us to see a surgeon and I feel that's a bit much. I definitely wouldn't rush into surgery.

Sorry - I know you meant the pediatrician wants the surgery - I just re read my post - It was confusing.

Re: Worried (long)

Re: Worried (long)

could he be anemic? Anemia causes easy/long lasting bruises. Why not have some labs drawn, they can offer lots of insight into cause. I know you don't even want to think about having blood drawn, but these days they numb the sight and it is so fast ( i have gone through numerous blood draws with my kids). I would bet it is nothing. He could even be allergic to the needles, or the caps on the needles, or the perservative in the shots, try not to worry, I kno it's easier said than done.

Re: Worried (long)

Posted by emilain

could he be anemic? Anemia causes easy/long lasting bruises. Why not have some labs drawn, they can offer lots of insight into cause. I know you don't even want to think about having blood drawn, but these days they numb the sight and it is so fast ( i have gone through numerous blood draws with my kids). I would bet it is nothing. He could even be allergic to the needles, or the caps on the needles, or the perservative in the shots, try not to worry, I kno it's easier said than done.

Re: Worried (long)

Maddie had lumps & a bruise for a few months too. She also has sensitive skin (hives if they put a different kind of sunscreens on her,etc.).

I think surgery for a lump that has every indication that it would dissapate is extreme. I would go for allergy testing before I would even consider surgery.

I'm glad you're going with your instincts.

Re: Worried (long)

Posted by BabyAvocado

Posted by emilain

could he be anemic? Anemia causes easy/long lasting bruises. Why not have some labs drawn, they can offer lots of insight into cause. I know you don't even want to think about having blood drawn, but these days they numb the sight and it is so fast ( i have gone through numerous blood draws with my kids). I would bet it is nothing. He could even be allergic to the needles, or the caps on the needles, or the perservative in the shots, try not to worry, I kno it's easier said than done.

See now that would make sense. At least it's something to go on. You would think the Drs could have mentioned it! Thanks