Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Admitted Again

We started off going to an 11:00 AM appointment with the Pediatrician for vomiting and ended up admitted to the Hospital at 5:00 PM.

Julianne has been having trouble keeping down her Amiodarone, which was changed from .5 ML of liquid to 4 ML of liquid. If we gave it to her orally she'd either spit it up right away or take it and then vomit it about 1 hour later. If we gave it through her tube she'd either vomit the Amiodarone or vomit formula after giving the Amiodarone. Plus, she gagged and spit up (small amounts) about 15 - 20 times yesterday. Because she'd just had her tube replaced on Friday, the doctors wanted to go ahead and do an x-ray to make sure it was in the correct place. That's why we went in for the 11:00 AM appointment.

The x-ray showed the tube in the right place, however, it also showed a "loop" in her colon. They decided we needed to go ahead and to a barium enema study to find out what was going on with the loop. They suspect, from the study, that she may have Hirschsprung's disease. Hirschprung's disease, according to the Children's Hospital website is:

"...a lack of nerve cells in part of the intestine interrupts the signal from the brain and prevents peristalsis in that segment of the intestine. Because stool cannot move forward normally, the intestine can become partially or completely obstructed (blocked), and begins to expand to a larger than normal size."

You can read more about it by clicking here.

So, here we are. They're giving Julianne enemas to keep her cleared out (Oddly enough she seems to enjoy them. I guess its quite a relief for her.). Tonight she had an IV put in, through which they'll administer antibiotics. Tomorrow morning they will do a biopsy that takes a sample of the cells in the rectum. They will then look for nerve cells, or an absence of nerve cells, under a microscope. We won't have results for 2-3 days.

If Julianne does have Hirschprung's disease it will require surgery which would probably not be done until after her 2nd heart surgery. The surgery would be a "pull-through" operation when intestine with normal nerve cells is connected to the anorectum.

The doctor thinks this could be the cause of a lot of her gastrointestinal issues, including the severity of her reflux. He did say that Hirschprung's disease is not uncommon in babies with a heart defect.

Tonight I'm just praying that whatever is there or is not there, will be seen by the doctors and that we'd have accurate results come from the test. Also that she'd be protected from any infection or contagious illnesses here at the hospital. I'm also thanking God for how far he's brought our little girl. We're SO thankful for that.

Thanks for checking in on us and as always thank you, thank you for your prayers. :)


Relaxing at home a few days ago

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

It was great to see her yesterday. She seems to be growing and growing.

I'm sorry to hear about the setback. But at least if they find the correct problem and fix it, she'll be on her way again.

We will continue to pray that she gets stronger and stronger each day. Also know that we are praying for both you and Kent that He gives you the strength to endure whatever is in store. Be strong!!

Hugs & Kisses

A. Stac

Anonymous said...

Thank you for the update and better understanding on what this may be.

I will pray also that the doctors pinpoint what is causing these problems.

As much as I hate to see her have to go through another surgery I know that this will help her in the long run.

I pray that God watches over your precious Julianne and protects her from any infections etc while she is in the hospital.

Love to all of you.

Aunt\Great Aunt Suzette

PS: I love the relaxing picture:)

Anonymous said...

as always, you guys are in my prayers!!!

<3 Kirstin

Anonymous said...

Still checking in and still praying!

Anonymous said...

You are all still in our prayers. She's come so far and we are thankful for that.

Judy & Neal

Kathy Fernandez Cheramie said...

Jessica,

I am saddened to hear of Julianne's admittance. You guys have to be exhausted but God wil get you through. I will keep all of you in my prayers and wish you all a Peaceful Holiday Season.

My Best,
Kathy Fernandez Cheramie

Anonymous said...

She is so beautiful what a blessing ! She surely doesn't look like she isn't getting the nutrition she needs !!
Love you all !!
Aunt Naomi

Anonymous said...

We're sorry to hear about the setback. We will pray for wisdom for the doctors and strength for Julianne. We pray that God would also continue to strengthen you and Kent and you would be renewed each day through Him.
love,
erin c.