Wednesday, January 06, 2010

Dear Son Medical Update~Answer?

It's been a busy week. Dear Son was admitted on Sunday and a variet of blood work was done, including some non-specific markers for infection. The blood work, along with seizure labs, urinalysis and urine culture were all negative. A pelvic x-ray was performed on Sunday to see if there might be any reason for the crying since issues with the pelvis can be difficult to detect in a physical exam. Yesterday they did an MRI and today they did a CT scan of the abdomen with contrast.
The radiologist just read the exam about twenty minutes ago and found "free air in the bowel wall". That's the "official" term. The resident just called me to tell me and I don't have a whole lot of information. From what she told me, there can be a few causes of this: medication, infection and not enough blood flow to the area. They are calling the pediatric surgical resident now to do a physical exam on Dear Son. Since they don't know what caused it, they'll stop his feeding, since feeds require blood flow to the area. In addition, they'll start him on IV fluids. They'll do another CBC test and a stool test (sorry I didn't get the name) to see if there is fecal blood. I asked if I could see it if there were blood and she said sometimes yes and other times no, because it can be microscopic. I haven't seen any blood in his stool and I change his diapers all the time.
The other good news is that he doesn't not have a fever so there probably isn't any infection. In addition, his belly is soft and he's not vomiting. All good signs.
This also fits with why he didn't like to lean back very much. He would cry when I would try to put the footrest up on the recliner and also cry when Dad tried to lean his bath chair back to wash his hair. A few weeks ago, Dear Son would scream bloody murder when he would recline the bath chair leaning him back in the bath chair; when Dad gave him a bath the other day, Dear Son was o.k. and not crying like he was. Over the past few weeks, Dear Son was crying a lot so it was very hard to pinpoint any one spot where he cried more than others.
At this point, we'll probably have to wait and see what the pediatric surgeons say tomorrow. I did tell the resident that the ARX gene mutation can express itself in this area so I really don't have any way to know if there is any connection to the mutation or if this is just a random event.
I'll update you when I have more information. I had to work today so I am home tonight and I'll return to the hospital tomorrow morning. I may not be able to update you until I return home but I'll do my best.
Update~10:59 a.m. 1/7/10: The free air is located outside the bowel wall and is significant. The GI surgeons have been called in and are deciding how to resolve this issue. I suspect that since it's significant, it will most likely require surgical intervention. Just a guess on my part.

11 comments:

normalyn said...

am always wishing the best for your family..

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad that they have a lead. Keeping you and DS in my thoughts.

Kathleen

Anne said...

I think you may have a clue there about DS's ongoing severe pain. Prayers for wisdom as you discuss options and treatment.
Anne

Anonymous said...

Dream Mom, I'm hoping that they figure this out. It seems to be an answer. Keeping you in my prayers.

deb said...

Keeping you all in my thoughts and prayers...

Deb

Anne said...

Prayers for you all.
I so understand the meaning of your message.
Have traveled this gi road with Dustin this past year and
I am so sad that DS has had to suffer .
Your amazing care and appreciation for DS
is a profound. And the epitomy of love.
Anne
onegirlfriday@blogspot.com

Michelle said...

pneumoperitoneum? I bet it is, considering he has had agressive respiratory treatment. I hope this is the answer, and they can teat him and get him better. I HATE that hes been hurting so much, poor guy.

Anonymous said...

Poor Dear Son - at least you can make constructive progress on sorting it out now that you know what it is.

Lori x

Kristin@Boulevard Interior Design said...

Seriously, the Lord needs to cut y'all a flipping break already.

Jaymie G. said...

Wow, there is only so much one should have to take before they break.....

Praying for your strength. Please let us know if there is anything you might need.

Dream Mom said...

Thanks everyone.

Michelle-Good thinking but no, it's not that.

Kristin-Yes, he needs a break. You made me laugh. I needed that.

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