OK folks, strap yourselve in...again. Just spoke with Patty to get the details about today's doppler ultrasound. It's not exactly encouraging news. Dr. Murray suspects there are pockets of fluid around the spleen that may be little cesspools for bacteria and which may be the cause of these frequent fevers Sarah has been getting, and thus, our frequent hospital returns.
They are going to confirm this by tomorrow AM. The suspicion is that because we have only been treating Sarah with antibiotics for 7-10 days each time, that the little buggers go away for a spell but then another infection will pop up once the antibiotics are out of her system because they are not being fully eradicated by a longer dosage.
On top of that the blood flow her liver is getting worse. This is bad news because her esophagal varices are already grade 4 and no one - not us, the docs - are thrilled at the possibility of another bleed.
The bottom line is twofold: a three WEEK regimen of antibiotics would be necessary to eradicate the bacteria residing in the pockets of fluid near the spleen. That translates into a three week hospital stay because of the strain of having to administer these 4 times a day at home in addition to the TPN. Second, this has created a more urgent need for a liver donor. All of these issues are the direct result of her liver damage and the only way to return her system to normal is to get a new liver. That, of course, has its own adventures post-transplant but our primary concern is to just find a donor match and move forward as soon as possible.
For those of you who have volunteered to help with kids, stay at the hospital, help Patty, etc. we will be contacting you in the next few days to begin scheduling time where you can be a further blessing to us. This is a difficult road to walk but has been eased by your continual prayers and support. We seem to be reaching the final stages of this part of the journey and while scary is still encouraging.
God, please provide a new liver and soon. Be our strength and our peace, Jesus.
Kirk
P.S. I will have another update tomorrow as I will be at Children's with Patty to get the full scoop directly from Dr. Murray, Dr. Healy and the other transplant doctors.
We are praying for a new liver, and for supernatural peace over your family. Our love goes out to you all. Love, Nikki
ReplyDeleteKirk, we are praying for Sarah, and your family. I know what it is like to spend a large amount of time in the hospital and the not really knowing from day to day! Be assured that the prayer you are receive from the many around you will sustain you, patty, Sarah and the rest of the family. We have been praying for you guys at least twice a day and will continue.
ReplyDeleteWe declare God's blessing over you!
Ray