1/23 Spleens and Livers

We had a visit from GI today and the talk was about livers and spleens. It’s pretty conclusive now that the distention of Josie’s belly is being caused by both an enlarged liver and enlarged spleen. Those two organs are taking up so much of her abdominal space they’re just pushing the rest of her intestines away and the only way to go is out.

The GI Doc ordered up another ultrasound today with Doppler to track the blood flow throughout the spleen and liver. Hopefully this will provide some good information on what’s wrong. Many times these types of symptoms indicate some sort of blockage or obstruction preventing blood flow or bile flow. There are other consideration with liver disease, but it’s been brought on by her condition throughout her stay since September.

Josie had a pretty good day today after a pretty rough night. She was up at least six times vomiting overnight. Her fever was up to 101° and hear rate above 160. By mid day those both came down with a normal temperature and 130 heart rate allowing her to feel much better the rest of the day. She was up doing lots of painting and coloring. We were walking back and forth across her teensy little room. She’d grab my finger and we’d walk together around the bed, then she’d lean against the bed for a little bit for a break and then she’d head back around the bed to her chair with no help at all. This was hard work and she didn’t much care for it, but she’s so agreeable to this type of challenge. At the end of the walk she’d be whimpering and crying, then sit for a minute or two and be ready for the next rep. Nothing like being a slave driver Dad/Coach getting the most out of his little athlete.

Later in the day she was complaining of tummy pain so we ordered up a fresh dose of Oxycodone (her latest pain medication), but while waiting she dosed off and is still asleep, likely out for the count.

We’ll learn more from the Doppler test tomorrow. Gotta get that liver under control