Friday, September 21, 2007

Progress report on April

I am happy to report that April is doing well. She is not in any pain because she is on lots of medication. I was able to talk to my mom a little more about the situation, and I was also there when the doctor came in, so I was able to hear what he had to say. I feel I know a little more about her situation now.

Today they went in and took cell samples from three different areas of her left kidney. The doctor knows she has some type of nephritis, but he needs to know what type in order to treat her. The theory about strep infection causing the deterioration of her kidneys is still a theory, but not an absolute. He said we may never know the exact cause, so now he's focusing on how to treat her.

Because so much protein and some blood cells are leaving her body in her urine, the doctor thinks that has caused her lack of physical growth over the last 6+ months. Those of you who know her have noticed how thin she has gotten. Hopefully once the doctor gets the results of the biopsy, he will be able to treat her so her kidneys heal completely and begin functioning fully again. Then she should start growing!

The tissue samples were sent to Vanderbuilt, so we won't know anything for a week or two. April is not to do anything strenuous for a week, and nothing where she could fall or have an impact for a month (like no sports, climbing, bike riding). There is a risk of bleeding after an impact.

Thanks everyone for your prayers!

3 comments:

oofie goofie said...

Thanks for keeping us informed. So thankful that yesterday went well! We'll keep praying!

Donna said...

I'm glad the biopsy went well, and we will continue to pray also for her recovery. She is definately blessed to have such a wonderful mother and family to take care of her!

Unknown said...

She is in our prayers...just as the doctors and your family are! What a strong little girl she must be!