When Weston was born, he weighed 8lbs 9oz. He was 7lbs 15oz when we left the hospital.
Tomorrow he will be 4 weeks old, and he has still not regained his birth weight.
Friday (8/13), we went to the pediatrician's office for yet another weight check.
Poor weight gain of 1oz in a week, coupled with a rash on his forehead and still having jaundice was cause for concern. He had blood drawn and it revealed that his bilirubin level was high, indicative of some kind of liver malfunction. The pediatrician admitted us to Dell Children's Medical Center Friday evening for testing.
In the course of 24 hours, we met 6 doctors.
This type of issue can be caused by one of seemingly 100 things. Weston has been tested for everything from an infection to Cystic Fibrosis to anatomical defects.
As of discharge Saturday afternoon, we don't know what is causing his high bilirubin, his lack of weight gain or his rash; but we do know:
1. He has not suffered any liver damage at this point
2. He does have a gallbladder, but it is on the smaller size
3. The GI specialist feels that it is very unlikely Biliary Atresia, a very serious anatomical issue
4. Though he is not gaining weight, he isn't loosing it; and other than the three root issues, appears to be a healthy baby
5. Whatever the cause, it isn't aggressive or damaging enough at this point to necessitate him staying in the hospital
The plan is to follow up with Weston's pediatrician tomorrow, Monday 8/16 and the pediatric GI specialist on Wednesday 8/18. By Wednesday, most of the metabolic labs should be back, and hopefully we will have an answer. It is incredibly frustrating to see your infant child being tested for all these horrible diseases and conditions, and then having to wait what seems like an eternity for the results.
Billy and I are so appreciative and grateful for all of our family and friends that have been calling, texting and praying for Weston. We are especially grateful for my mom and dad that have been taking care of Emily while all of this has been going on. We love you, Mom and Dad. Thank you so much.
We are happy to be at home today and are laying low, enjoying snuggle time with Weston.
Weston seems to be relieved to be home, away from the needles and prodding. He slept really well last night and has been eating like a horse today.
Please continue to pray for Weston, and all sick children.
It is truly heartbreaking to see such vulnerable creatures in dire situations.
As we learn more, we will update.
3 comments:
Prayers for your family Ashley and Billy. I have been checking Billy's updates all weekend. I hope everything goes well for Baby Weston.
Nicho had pyloric stenosis when he was a baby and had to have surgery at 3 weeks old of age. It was frustrating to see my small baby not eating well and not gaining any weight especially being a first time mom. It all worked out and started to gain weight soon after the surgery.
It will all work out for you too and Baby Weston will get better. I am so glad your parents are also able to help with Miss Emily. I'm sure she is enjoying the extra attention.
As I was driving home from KY last night Jenn told me about Weston. I am so sorry to hear - I know how that must be making all of you crazy not knowing what the problem is. Know for sure he is in our prayers and will ask our prayer line at church for added prayers!! Glad your mom and dad are there to help out. We will keep checking on this blog.
Carlette
Prayers continue for Weston from NC, TN, CA and ETx. Pray chain started for him through a friend of mine, so that covers most of the country now. Before you know it, Weston will be up and giving MissE a run for her money.
Love,
PawPaw and MeeMaw
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