Thursday, November 12, 2009

Poor Little Bug

Surgery is in Karsie's future. We had a bedside conference and with our surgeon, a neonatologist, a nurse practitioner, a nurse, and a social worker. Here is the basic outline of our conference:

Problems: Reflux... The doctors have decided that the problems with the emesis has to do with her reflux. When they took the barium pictures they saw an unusually large amount of reflux, which was more than they originally thought. The NICU often sees reflux get worse the older the child gets, so Karsie is losing lots of nutrition and could be losing more if nothing is done. Thickened bowel... This could be something as simple as her bowels are recovering from a virus, could be that she is just gassy, or could be something else that we don't know yet.

Solution: What was proposed to us was a procedure called fundoplication and a G-Tube. The surgery is where Dr. Saenz goes in and wraps Karsie's esophagus around the tear-shaped portion of the stomach creating a sphincter that basically makes it next to impossible for Karsie to throw up. They would then insert a G-Tube into her stomach which has an outlet sticking out for us to feed which bypasses the esophagus and goes directly into her stomach. If she had to throw up for other reasons other than reflux it would be released into the G-Tube somehow (we're not all sure how this all works yet). This would allow us to feed her continuously (instead of 70 mL every three hours we would feed her around 23 mL every hour). She used to throw up more when we did this, but we think this is due to the reflux as she was getting food continuously.

We feel like this could be a solution, but we're not thrilled about another surgery to stress through especially when the surgeon admits that this is a tricky surgery based on her anatomy. However, we are confident in our surgeon. We do not have a time yet because Dr. Saenz is looking at his schedule and will let us know when there is an opening.

8 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry that Karsie has to have another surgery. We're praying like crazy here. Yesterday Garrett, on his own, prayed for Karsie and her tummy. We four love you three.

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  2. Ah.....a surgery, bummer.
    If there is any doubt at all in your minds, I would recommend a second opinion.
    Not because you doubt the surgeon, but just to make absolutely sure that is the best course of action. It's always more reassuring if more than one person recommends the same thing.
    I only say this as if there was another way, it might be good to know that.
    It is always your right to ask for a second opinion, and is not being rude, and should you want one, the rationale is simply, to be absolutely sure!
    And if you don't want a second opinion, then you are absolutely sure, and that is wonderful.

    My (baby) dog was recently critically ill, and I took her elsewhere for a second opinion myself...and she is doing well now, so it's just close to my heart personally at the moment!

    I am praying for all of you always.
    Much love, Jen x

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  3. I pray that this turns around quickly and sweet karsie starts to grow and thrive and you two can enjoy your little angel at home soon. My heart and prayers are with all of you, always.

    Pam

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  4. I know this is a confusing time... but I do agree with the other person that posted that maybe a second opinion is in order. Is the operation permanent? What I am wondering, is if in her toddler years, she ingested something she shouldn't and you need for her to throw it up -- would she be able to throw it up? Or if she gets the flu or food poisoning, can she throw up if her body is telling her she needs to get whatever it is out of her system?

    I don't want to confuse you. I'm sure you have already thought all about this. I just wanted to be sure you have looked at all the consequences and maybe have discussed with another doctor or two their feelings on the surgery.

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  5. praying, praying, praying

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  6. My question would be, is this permament or something she will grow out of? I know how this can be all consumming. I pray that as you go thru' your day, your day will be alert, your sleep deep, the sun warm on your face, and your love for each other sustaining.
    Prayers, Cynthia

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  7. Michelle and Kevin we will be praying for you and Karsie on Monday. Our church will be praying also for your family.
    Nancy and Del

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