If you didn't see my Facebook updates yesterday, I took Ethan to Dr. I's office for his weight check and blood draw. I'm happy to report that he was up in weight, by a few ounces, since the last time his weight was taken on October 15! It was just enough to make us all breathe a small sigh of relief, but not quite enough to stop the investigation. So, out came the needle.
Dr. I ordered all the tests I mentioned in my last post, plus another that checks Ethan's prealbumim levels. This is the only time, to my knowledge, that this test has been ordered. The prealbumim results were abnormal, with Ethan's level being moderately lower than it should be (the range is 18-36; Ethan's was 14.8). Seeing as how this is the only prealbumim result we have for him, it's hard to say if Ethan is not getting the nourishment he needs, or if this is him bouncing back (like with his weight). It's likely that this level will be checked again in a few weeks for comparison purposes.
There was also one other abnormal result, and that was in regards to Ethan's CRP level. In a nutshell, the higher the number (1-3 is considered normal), the more likely it is that an infection is lingering somewhere in the body. Ethan's CRP level is currently 5.9. What's interesting is that this number has been monitored somewhat closely, and has been on the rise since mid-April. In fact, his CRP level from yesterday is higher than it was when he was being treated for osteomyelitis (read: severe bone infection that required emergency surgery to amputate part of his finger).
Things that make you go, "hmmmm".
We have no idea what's going on. Dr. I is going to bring an Infectious Disease doctor on board to see what he thinks. Elevated CRP levels tend to cause a bit of a ruckus; they only tell you that something could be going on, they don't give you any indication as to what it is. This means Ethan will probably have much more blood taken from him in the coming weeks, and it could be a little while before we know if these funky results have anything to do with his slow weight gain.
Ugh.
I'd love it if y'all would continue to pray for us. Spread Ethan's name to your playgroups, your churches, your family, your friends. It terrifies me to think that an infection could be hiding out somewhere, and we're missing it. Ethan's team of doctors are on it, though, and I am so incredibly thankful for that. Pray that we would get some answers in the coming weeks, and that Ethan would continue to gain weight at a steady pace. Pray for the wisdom of these doctors who are working so hard to figure this out, and for peace for this mama who just wants everything to be OK.
Dr. I ordered all the tests I mentioned in my last post, plus another that checks Ethan's prealbumim levels. This is the only time, to my knowledge, that this test has been ordered. The prealbumim results were abnormal, with Ethan's level being moderately lower than it should be (the range is 18-36; Ethan's was 14.8). Seeing as how this is the only prealbumim result we have for him, it's hard to say if Ethan is not getting the nourishment he needs, or if this is him bouncing back (like with his weight). It's likely that this level will be checked again in a few weeks for comparison purposes.
There was also one other abnormal result, and that was in regards to Ethan's CRP level. In a nutshell, the higher the number (1-3 is considered normal), the more likely it is that an infection is lingering somewhere in the body. Ethan's CRP level is currently 5.9. What's interesting is that this number has been monitored somewhat closely, and has been on the rise since mid-April. In fact, his CRP level from yesterday is higher than it was when he was being treated for osteomyelitis (read: severe bone infection that required emergency surgery to amputate part of his finger).
Things that make you go, "hmmmm".
We have no idea what's going on. Dr. I is going to bring an Infectious Disease doctor on board to see what he thinks. Elevated CRP levels tend to cause a bit of a ruckus; they only tell you that something could be going on, they don't give you any indication as to what it is. This means Ethan will probably have much more blood taken from him in the coming weeks, and it could be a little while before we know if these funky results have anything to do with his slow weight gain.
Ugh.
I'd love it if y'all would continue to pray for us. Spread Ethan's name to your playgroups, your churches, your family, your friends. It terrifies me to think that an infection could be hiding out somewhere, and we're missing it. Ethan's team of doctors are on it, though, and I am so incredibly thankful for that. Pray that we would get some answers in the coming weeks, and that Ethan would continue to gain weight at a steady pace. Pray for the wisdom of these doctors who are working so hard to figure this out, and for peace for this mama who just wants everything to be OK.
6 comments:
Yes yes we will pray, and pray that there is no infection, or if there is, that it be found and treated. Glad for the weight gain- that's really good!
AH, I will be praying for precious Ethan and for the Dr.'s and test results to give you all wisdom on what is going on in his tiny body. I will continue to lift you all up to the Lord and seek healing for your sweet boy. I am so sorry you are walking through this. Know that God loves you so very much and will carry you as you depend on Him. And He knit Ethan together in your womb and knows every detail of his body. He is a special, beautiful boy. May God give you His peace as you walk in this valley and lift you up as you trust in Him. I cannot imagine how difficult this is. Praying, praying.
Grandma A is praying daily. Much love for Ethan.
This is the first time that I've come by your blog and I just wanted to say that I'll be keeping your family in my thoughts. I'm sending the warmest of healthy wishes for sweet Ethan!
Will be praying for Ethan. I know how frustrating and scary it is to just not know what is going on. I will pray docs can figure things out soon and that you have the patience, peace and wisdom to get through it all.
You know that I am always praying for your family!! Hang in there Joye. I know the frustrations that come along with this journey. Just have faith that the answers will come and no matter what they may be we know that we are always being HELD!
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