Katherine doesn't have the flu. She's not contagious. Unfortunately what she has is worse. How much worse, we're not sure yet, but at least we have answers and my little girl is on the road to recovery.
We saw Dr. Jon today at 1, and he instantly knew she didn't have the flu. He did mention that he's seen several people with the flu that lasted the better part of 2 weeks, but this definitely wasn't it.... Instant relief and sickening worry set in at the same time.
As he kept asking questions, he thought she could either have an (i) ulcer, or (ii) intestinal blockage. He listened and felt her tummy over really well, and then said he was pretty sure she had an intestinal blockage. He could feel poop stuck in her intestines and said that it had to be painful for her. She, of course, said she was fine and in no pain.
We went down for x-rays and it confirmed that a blockage existed. Tomorrow we're off to the hospital at 8 am for additional testing. She's getting an upper GI test where she drinks barium (sp???) and then additional x-rays are done so that they can determine if it's an intestinal blockage or some kind of twist in her actual intestines.
So right now, she's on heavy doses of laxatives and high fiber fruit. We're praying that she's just full of poop and can pass it on her own, but I'll guess we'll know tomorrow. If she has a twisted intestine it'll mean surgery. Oh. my. heavens. She's almost 5 years old. She doesn't deserve this....
Either way, Jon explained it like this.... Because of the blockage, no food can pass through her intestines, and so she pukes it all up instead. One way or another, it has to come out, and in the process she's not getting the nutrients that her body needs. Unfortunately, this will continue happening until we get her pipes cleaned out. I guess this explains the violent puking one minute and a child who is the picture of health the next.
Her weight is a little concerning though... When she was at the doctor 2 weeks ago for an ear infection she weighed 35 pounds with her coat and shoes... Today she was 32.5 (with coat and the same shoes). So, she's losing weight in the process too, and she doesn't have much more to lose.....
So keep my baby in your thoughts and prayers tomorrow. It won't be a fun morning for her....
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2 comments:
Oh poor K!! That's horrible!! Keep me posted on how it all goes. We'll be thinking about you guys tomorrow!
Just read this. What was the outcome? Is the puke glow-in-the-dark green or just yellow and clear? Does she have abdominal cramps with it? Any blood in the stools? Did they rule out intussusception?
-v
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