Sarah has had some issues processing her grub. The doctors are not surprised, but also not happy. When a person is 'dumping', (their word, not mine), they get little or no nutritional value from the food they eat. To this point, Sarah's food has consisted of mother's milk, synthetic enzymes and other supplements.
This can be caused by many different variables. CF children need enzymes to digest food. Add this to the fact that organs shut down after surgery and bacterial concerns always play a big part in digestion and you have a cornucopia of nutritional possibilities.
Last Thursday, Sarah started on Enzymes, which she did not like. We decided to give her the powdered substance in a small shot, rather than ruin her entire meal. At the same time, the gut doctors wanted to start her on an antibacterial to beat down any bad bacteria in her stomach that might be causing issues.
I was not thrilled as I did not want to try multiple things at the same time, but until I get my medical degree renewed, I decided to leave that decision up to the paid professionals.
The antibacterial was added to milk and seemed to make it thicker. Sarah could not easily get the concoction out. The nurse tried 6 different nipples, but nothing worked. As she kept running around looking for different nipples, Sarah was getting more and more frustrated. Finally, when the nurse wasn't looking, I bit a hole in the top, and all was fine. She may have gotten too much too quick however.
By Monday, the doctors had decided that no progress was being made and looked for new ways to treat the dumping. On Tuesday at the 8:00 am feeding, they decided to take her off food for 24 hours to more accurately evaluate her situation.
Now, she won't remember this later on. But, I can't imagine going that long without food. Actually, I can't imagine skipping lunch.
So, today we will try again to slowly bring up her feedings and, hopefully, see her process her food.
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