Are you adopting a child diagnosed with pituitary dwarfism or growth hormone deficiency? It can be overwhelming at first. You have a new child in your home and you are trying to create a bond with that child and build a relationship. Yet, each day you must cause your newly adopted child some pain by giving an injection.

The first thing you should do is educate yourself about your child’s condition. Check the children’s department at your local library for books about the endocrine system. Show the pictures to your child. Make sure that you both understand why growth hormone is so important to the child’s growing body.

Talk to your child’s endocrinologist about the areas that you can give injections. Daily rotating the injection site reduces the pain and bruising to each area. You may be able to use the upper arms, the upper thighs, and the area around the navel.

Talk to your endocrinologist about side effects or other conditions to look for in your new child. Many of these children develop thyroid disorders that may require medication. Anxiety is also common among children with pituitary dwarfism. The pituitary helps to regulate many of the body’s hormones.

With daily growth hormone injections, your child will grow steadily and gain weight steadily. This is a little different from the growth spurts and latent growth periods you see in children with normal functioning endocrine systems.

If your child expresses interest in learning to give the shots to her or himself, allow the child to practice with you supervising. Learning to self-inject can allow the child more freedom to stay with friends or attend a summer camp. Be able to do the things that normal children do can make your child feel more normal.

Seek counseling when necessary for your child and your family. Adolescence is tough enough when you don’t have special needs.

Photo Credit Syringes by Merfan
Uploaded on 13 May 2007