Ryan's Check-up

We returned to the pediatrician today for Ryan to get his second seasonal flu shot, first H1N1 vaccine, and to have his hemoglobin checked again. Poor little guy was stuck three times during this visit. We also had him weighed again, and he was 17 pounds 13 ounces (I was excited that he had gained 10 ounces in the last week, but he is still below the 5th percentile). Unfortunately his hemoglobin was low again, 9.4, which was very concerning to our pediatrician. He said that if a serum draw confirmed that value we'd need to see a hematologist for further evaluation and testing. After reading online (health articles on the internet can be a blessing and a curse!) about what other conditions could cause a persistently low hemoglobin level, Dan and I were really worried about what was going on with Ryan's health. Our doctor ordered another serum draw along with a CBC, iron studies, and a reticulocyte count. I wanted to get the results asap, so we went directly to the hospital for his blood draw. Thankfully Ryan did really well again cooperating for the phlebotomist.
Our pediatrician called us in the evening (he really is a great doctor. He has called us multiple times at home regarding both Ethan and Ryan. There are very few doctors I hear of nowadays who will call you at home on their own time to discuss health issues/test results). We were so relieved to learn that Ryan's serum result differed dramatically from their in-office screen. His serum hemoglobin was 11.1 (definitely within normal range), and the other signs of anemia were almost completely resolved. We still need to continue his daily iron therapy until he is a year old, but thankfully we are no longer worried about his hemoglobin level.