Developmental Pediatrician

Today was the apointment with the Developmental Pediatrician (that was given to us 2 months ago), who just so happens to be a neighbor (I see her husband each day walking the dog but never have met her). Last Friday I reminded Günter of the apointment and he told me he had an important business meeting that would conflict, so I would have to go it alone. It is a bit stressful because I am never sure if the other person speaks English and if my German can get me by (and in emotional and techincal things it really can't). I had to work things out logistically too since I had to have Niki watched since the apointment was at 1 pm (his nap time). I finally decided to cancel his morning KiGa and ask if they would take him in the afternoon. in the morning I had time to research and type out a choronogical list of all the services she has had since 5 month old. If you want to read all the details just pull it down in the extended entry.

When I called Günter in the morning he said he mixed up his meeting time and he was able to go but would barely make it by 1 pm. I had Niki take an early nap (it worked since he is still recovering from his illness). Then I drove to the ReHa with about 35 minute to spare.

I decided to look up the OT, PT an ST and meet them. I asked someone who pointed out the OT and he spoke to me in German and I understood maybe 30% of what he said. Then the PT came by and she invited me to her room and pulle dout her chart and was going over things (which was good because I wasn't clear why she was getting PT). She said that Jenna has problems with pointing her toes inward and other things I can't recall right now. I think I understood 50% of what she said. Then they got the ST and all threee came together in the ST office and we had a good "team" meeting. Too bad I Günter wasn't there to truly understand things! But at least they have seen me and know I want to be involved. I asked what I could do in the home to reinforce progress and they said do what I have been.

I then picked up Jenna. She was so surprised and excited to see me. It was neat to see her eyes light up and she kept telling her teachers that I was mama--as if they didn't know! I took her to another set of buildings and up some stairs and saw her previous ST and was able to talk to her. Then Günter showed up and her current teacher in her class. Soon the doctor came out and we met. She said her husband even called to say we had an apointment and she was prepare and fine with speaking English (and her English was exceptional). She asked how we felt about the services and progress of Jenna at the ReHa and I had my chance to say I was happy about all the services but wished we could have more ST. She explain that between the 6 sessions of therapies during the week, and the time needed to bond with her group, that it really wasn't needed right now. Maybe once she has been there longer. She seemed to be aware of all the other reports and what Jenna's strengths and weaknesses are. I was quite impressed by her but she was unpretentious. I did mention how Jenna is very oppositional and the teacher agreed and said in German that Jenna (and another girl) are "both gun women" I guess meaning they are strong willed and like Annie Oakley. I laughed at that image, but it fits. In the end I was so pleased that the doctor agreed to write a recommendation to have Jenna get a MRI, chromosonal testing and another EKG (when she is sleeping) because she thougth it was quite dangerous with her walking and balance problems. I am so relieved that we can either find out some of the problem or at least rule out things.

So glad that it went well and I am very pleased with the treatment. This much I know, that we are getting our money's worth in the insurance and services!

• 18 Oct 2004 (Jenna age: 5 months ) Evaluated by Judy O’D******, PT from EDIS for concerns with fine and gross motor skills. DX: mild right torticollis.
• Feb 2005 (9 months) –Renate G**** Physiotherapy practice (saw another provider). Landstuhl 6 session since she was not opening her fists.
• 24 Oct 2005 (1 year 5 mo) Contacted ReHa and told it will be 4-6 weeks before we are given an appointment.
• 9 March 2006 (1 year 10 mo. ) ReHa Dr. A**** evaluation
• 14 March 2006-26 July 2007 (1 year 10 mo. ) ReHa Barbara M***** begin Speech Therapy (28 sessions in 2006, most sessions in 2007 during KiGa time)
• 21 March 2006 ReHa EKG 2 pm—normal results
• Mar/Apr 2006 Dr. B*****-S***, ENT for hearing tests—unsuccessful since she would pull out the nodes.
• 26 June 2006 (6 sessions) Jessica A**** worked on sensory integration issues
• 15 Sept 2006 (2 yrs 4 mo) ReHa eval with Kati E******* for KiGa
• 19 Oct 2006 begin ReHa KiGa Tu & Thurs 9-12:30pm end July 2007
• 30 Oct 2006 ReHa eval by Fra B**** for Ergotherapy (OT). Began therapy during KiGa time.
• July 2007 meeting with Fr.Kati E****** & psychologist Herr Ralf S***** to review progress and write report for social office to qualify for full time KiGa.
• 20 Aug 2007 (3 yrs 3 mo.) Intro to KiGa Wawunshels
• 21 Aug 2007 begin with Frau Ester K******* & Frau Thea T******** in KiGa Wawunshels
• Sept-Oct 2007 ReHa KiGa observation/evaluation of Jenna
• Sept 2007 ReHa KiGa begin Ergotherapy (OT) with Herr W***** 2x/week
• Sept 2007 ReHa KiGa begin Logopedia (ST) with Frau S*****2x/week
• Sept 2007 Günter spoke with Frau W********* about the speech therapy not beginning
• Sept 2007 ReHa KiGa begin Physiotherapy (PT) with Frau Anke B**** 2x/week
• 22 Oct. 2007 ReHa eval by Developmental Pediatrician Dr. S****-B****