Kiera had a barium study (and other tests) done yesterday. Here is what we know so far. Kiera has a hiatal hernia which makes her reflux worse. A hiatal hernia is an anatomical abnormality in which part of the stomach protrudes through the diaphragm and up into the chest. (The picture above shows a hiatal hernia that is very similar to what I saw during Kiera's videofluoscopy.) We are not exactly sure when this happened to Kiera but my suspicion is that it was a side effect of her esophagus closing up. The tightening of the esophagus likely shortened it and that was probably enough pressure to pull the stomach up through the diaphragm.In addition to the hiatal hernia, it is likely that she has dumping syndrome (or rapid gastric emptying). Dumping syndrome occurs when undigested food empties too quickly into the small intestine. Early rapid gastric emptying begins either during or right after a meal. Symptoms include nausea, vomiting, bloating, cramping, diarrhea, dizziness, and fatigue. Late rapid gastric emptying occurs 1 to 3 hours after eating. Symptoms include hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), weakness, sweating, and dizziness. Experiencing both forms of gastric emptying is not uncommon. Kiera shows all of these symptoms and that is why feeding her is so traumatic for her and us and why others are uncomfortable watching us feed her. This is also why I was so desperate for respite care.
Kiera may or may not come home from the hospital today because the doctors are more concerned today about her blood sugar levels than they were yesterday. Keith is with her now and I will get a call later this afternoon as to whether Kiera can come home. Regardless of whether she comes home tonight, she has to be back in hospital for Monday for further observation, testing, and treatment.
The picture shows Kiera's first experience with grass. She loved it but she obviously loves Piper more.
2 comments:
Hugs and prayers for you. Brenda, for continuing strength, patience, and respite care as you struggle to be Mom to Piper as well as Kiera. Good job on seeing Kiera's beautiful personality and spirit. Keith, for being able to go to work and concentrate on the job at hand in order to provide for your family; for continuing strength, patience, and understanding for Brenda and Piper as husband and father. For your marriage, that it be able to weather this continuing storm and challenges of being parents of a special needs child. Piper, for patience and understanding beyond her years to help Mom and Dad, but still be a child and sister. Kiera, for healing and thanksgiving for her good nature. Extended family, may they be able to see a way to help and have the courage, patience, and love to take the steps, as heartrending as that may be. Love, Graunty Cheryl
Thanks for the updates! So many people care for you all and are rooting for all the answers to Kiera's health.
Princess Piper ... you look gorgeous baby! You can tell in the picture that Kiera loves you sooo much! While your sister is "sick" she has you to make her days happy ... what a special gift you're giving her!
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