Serenity started Growth Hormone on 03 October 2022, at about 15 months old. She had a sleep study conducted on around February 2022 to check her breathing and oxygen levels were okay to start the hormones. She will continue to have sleep studies done while she is on GH, probably around every 6 months to 12 months. I have been told by previous consultants that is important for Serenity to stay a healthy weight so it doesn’t cause any breathing problems, I’m not sure of the science of this, but its something we manage.

From the nurse visit, there isn’t much side affects, she said that Serenity will get growing pains, but that’s about it. It took me a while to sort out prescriptions and the delivery, I had to keep chasing Sciensus (the Homecare group) and Birmingham Children’s Hospital. It took over a month but we got there in the end. They delivered a welcome pack with a teddy in, a growth chart and some things to read, and they delivered 2 viles of the Omitrope, cleaning wipes, needles, sharps bin and Surepal 10 Injection pen.

The nurse from Sciensus came and showed me how to use the device and change the hormone cartridges, they stay in date for 28 days after the first day you use them. It was advised that we stay 4 weeks ahead of prescriptions, so once I finish the first one, order the next one (I was sent 2 in the first delivery, I think they will only send 1 in future).

Serenity is only on a tiny dose, but as she gains weight and grows this will increase as the dose is based on weight.

I did Serenity’s first injection and it was really not as bad as you think! I thought it was going to be like her immunisations where she fights and cries, but she didn’t feel a thing! The actual needle is only 5mm long so it didn’t bother her at all which was a relief!

I’m looking forward to seeing her grow, she still is so tiny and in 6 month clothes so it will be nice to see her thrive from now, although she has been my tiny babe for so long and now she’s finally going to get bigger, it will be bittersweet!