It was a day that started out like many of Alyssa's recent days...wake-up calls at 3:00 AM & 6 AM; rounds with the multitude of attending doctors, an apheresis treatment followed by a dialysis treatment. But it's here that most of the similarities ended...
Blood Pressure - So far there have been NO spikes or abnormally high readings. She has stayed within the desired ranges throughout the day, even during her dialysis treatment, which was a first. We don't want to jinx this, but we're cautiously optimistic that we're getting closer to finding the correct doses that will keep her BP in check.
Walking - she's up and around, beginning the process of getting her strength back. She's also excited that she will no longer need heparin shoots in her belly. She certainly has some very colorful bruises, often referred to as a "Heparin Belly."
Her blood levels remained strong today, so she is beginning a slow withdrawal from the prednisone. This will take a few weeks to accomplish as they are very careful not to withdraw it too fast.
Results: While we still don't have a definitive cause/name for what has made Alyssa so sick, we are starting to eliminate more and more possibilities:
High Blood Pressure - which came first, the high BP or the kidney failure? On the day that Alyssa first entered Unity Hospital, her blood pressure was normal at our GP's office. However, later that evening when she was admitted to the hospital, she was already suffering from acute renal failure and high BP. This leads the doctors to believe that the high BP is a result of the renal failure, not vice-versa.
Lupus and ADAMSTS13 tests came back negative, but may have been tainted by numerous transfusions. Other tests for both are pending.
Several other smaller tests were all negative.
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As all of her neurological tests have been negative lately, Neurology signed off on Alyssa today, asking only that she come back for a follow-up MRI in three months.
All-in-all, a very good day!
dd
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Dave, Great job on keeping all this straight and keeping us informed. You've done a fantastic job. It's funny...I talk throughout the day to one of you for updates but the recap from the blog gives me comfort as the updates/news changes ever so fast!! I hope you take her home soon...I can see exhaustion in you all!
ReplyDeleteAlyssa, I could see a huge change in you tonight. You are ON YOUR WAY!! You looked fabulous. Of course, holding baby Isabelle probably helped some, huh? I was googling all the new things you mentioned tonight. Cool stuff they do nowdays!! You really should go into nursing! You have a great start with all you've learned and experienced through this. Sleep well. Call me tomorrow when you are awake and not having a million interruptions. Love you! Aunt Sandy
Alyssa we are glad to hear that things are looking up. I have been reading the blogs every day and hope that you get to go home soon. Debbie and Dave my thoughts are with you also I hope you can take her home and rest soon. Hope to come and see you soon.
ReplyDeleteMy prayers are with you, Yvonne and Paul Thrasher
Alyssa- Sounds like it was a good day! Keep it up girlie! And so glad you don't need the heparin- I know how much patients dislike those, and rightfully so....I hope to come home in April and I look forward to walking next door to see you :)
ReplyDeleteKeep the faith and strength!! Dave- thanks so much for all the updates! Your great.