Thursday, May 29, 2014

Quick Medical Update

We are in Kansas City today.

The original appointment was for Carter as his GI scope showed concerning results with increased white blood cells in his esophagus as well as lower in his GI tract. Because he's lost 15% of his body weight and had extreme fatigue in the past 4 months, several vials of blood were drawn to check for a plethora of things. We've also been referred to an endocrinologist and the Eosinophilic Esophagitis clinic where we will see an allergist and have a food patch allergy test done.

As you can see, the X-Ray isn't of the GI tract.

After 4 months recovery time and two bouts of antibiotics, Polina's right knee is still draining. The exrays above are (left to right) today, April, and how she came home from Russia. When the surgeon did the initial repair, he used pins instead of a plate becuase her knee is so little. It was healing well in April, but has since "re-gapped" and that is where the bleeding and drainage is coming from.

So, we find ourself in a two-part process. We will do surgery tonight to have it cleaned and the bone cultured. If there is no infection, we can move ahead in the "coming weeks" to place a plate. If there is infection, she will have to be on a round of antibiotics before a plate can be placed because it will "puss out" if there is an infection.

I'm greatly blessed by a few great friends at work that have donated a personal day for me. I missed 2 days last week, 2 days this week, and possibly 3 next week. The paycheck deductions, hotel and gas expenses add up quick! I'm also thankful for an amazing paraprofessional who runs my classroom seamlessly while I am gone. This is a most difficult time of year to miss!

Thank you all for your prayers - both for the kids' health and for my sanity through it all!