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Saturday, December 3, 2011

Heading home and into the holidays

Hi everyone,

I'm so sorry for the delay in giving an update. Evelyn and I came home from the hospital Thursday afternoon. After many tests and procedures here's the summary. Evelyn had a UTI which was probably causing her body to struggle with her already low hematocrit and platelet levels.
The vomiting was probably because she was getting too much food at night and the blood in it was probably from her body's inability to heal her delicate stomach effectively. As much as I hate being in the hospital (which is only half as much as Evelyn hates it), we are so relieved we stayed. Again, I credit our great and caring God for helping the doctors put symptoms together. The visit was, in the words of her nephrologist, a tune-up. She had a blood transfusion, which immediately perked her up. We also adjusted her existing medications and finally added some long anticipated ones--blood pressure medication, red blood cell hormone shots, growth hormone, and acid suppressant. The most difficult part of the visit was realizing this was not the last and that many of the medications she's starting at two years old (blood pressure and growth hormone) are either for life, after transplant, or until the end of puberty. On the other hand, the best part of the visit was watching Evelyn get sillier and happier as she felt better. I'm now very motivated to get Evelyn potty trained (I can't take holding her down for another catheter). My shingles are feeling much better. I'm guessing they will disappear within a week and there is no sign of Ada coming in contact.

We are again so grateful to everyone for meals, childcare, prayer, and notes of encouragement. We are indebted to you all for caring for us on His behalf.

Love from all of us,

Julianne