Oh how things never change

The title may be deceiving, but what I mean is the problems seem never ending. However, this is not a sad blog, it is one of motivation.

So, on Monday May 17, 2010, we headed at 6:30 am I may add to Sick Kids in Toronto. We went to the GI/Nutrition clinic. We didn't even have to wait that long ;) The nutritionist and doctor agreed that Briar is not gaining weight, in fact she is losing weight especially in the last 4-5 months. I was aware of this because her clothes fit better now than in January. Anyways, she is currently 75 cms long and 8.51 kilos. The nutritionist said that is about 2 1/2 feet, 18 1/2 lbs.

So the doctor asked us a lot of questions about Briar and her eating habits (throwing up 10-20 times a day, eating 3 bottles and some pureed foods, medication and digestion) After gasping at the amount of times she threw up (Charles and I laughed although it's not funny) he had three recommendations;

1. New medication - It is similar to what she has been on but more powerful. It is a special order medication and they have to get permission to prescribe it. They also have to locate a pharmacy that can make it or ship it to us. Because of the side effects of this medication, Briar had to have an ECG of her heart and blood work. We are just waiting for the results. If all goes well, the doctor thought once started, we would know within a week if it is working or not.

2. A Nissan Fundoplication - sound familiar? Briar has already had this surgery and the doctor said that although it is an option, that in children with neurological disorders, it usually isn't successful. So he doesn't recommend this one

3. A GJ Tube - This is a tube that is placed through the stomach into the small intestine (jijunum) and food is fed through this tube. Because the small intestine is much smaller than the stomach, the process of feeding will take much longer. But when I questioned the doctor about feeding her orally and then possibly just tube feeding at night, he said this is an option. I am excited about her possibly not regurgitating as much, but really undecided about how this will affect her life in the long run. We have a lot of thinking to do, but as always Briar is the best that she can be and we love her more every second!!

So I will update about the stroller in the next post!!