A week ago, on Saturday morning I received a phone call from one of the doctors of the International Adoption Clinic at CHOP. Audra had been there for an appointment on the 23rd and the doctor wanted to follow up regarding a few concerns.
The first concern, of course, is her growth...or lack there of. She is growing (she has gained about 3 pounds since coming home), but they would have expected to see her grow much more in the 9 months that she has been home. "Catch-up" growth as it is called. We know that she was malnourished when we brought her home, her bloodwork showed this for the first few months of her being home. But now, her bloodwork is improving, we know she takes in more than enough calories, and yet, no catch-up growth. She continues to have bouts of diarrhea which is more than likely part of the problem. But despite the very extensive testing that has been done so far...the cause remains elusive. The plan is another endoscopy/colonoscopy on February 26th. We are hoping that it leads to some answers. Because the possibility of tube feedings has already been mentioned.
Another concern is her developmental delay. Delays are expected in children who spend their early years in an orphanage. But usually, once home, children catch up nicely. The team is concerned that Audra is not having any catch-up gains. In fact, they think she has had "little absolute gain since her last evaluation" in July. Of course, my mama heart tried to justify it...
*she's been hospitalized 4 times
*she's been sick frequently
*she's had doctor visits and tests/procedures constantly
*and we have learned that she has significant hearing loss
Surely these things must be contributing factors!
Despite all of this, the doctor feels that further diagnostic evaluation is warranted due to her medical complexity. Audra has been referred to see Genetics, Metabolism and a Developmental Pediatrician.
More trips to CHOP. More doctor "friends". More testing.
Just want Audra doesn't want!
I am praying that one of these doctors can solve the puzzle of Audra.
And that all this medical "stuff" we are putting Audra through will be of benefit to her.
No comments:
Post a Comment