Monday, August 29, 2011

Update...better numbers

Thatcher's last set of labs were better and trending down. We return to the liver doctor 1 week from Friday, September 9th. Thatch also had his 1 year check with the pediatrician and a dermatologist appointment in 1 day last week. He was prescribed a cream for his rash and it is getting much better. He has sensitive skin and the prednisone was making it worse. Hopefully he'll get off Prednisone soon and not need the cream.
Been meaning to post this sooner, but not really much else going on, luckily! We joke that labor day is coming up and since Thatcher doesn't have the best track record with holidays we are somewhat nervous he will be admitted. No indication we are headed in as of yet.

Monday, August 15, 2011

August Update...More Labs

Just a quick update on Thatch for those who may occassionally check in to see how he's doing. We've actually been back for repeat labs since my last post. We didn't get the 1 month off as I'd hoped. In fact, we'll be going back for labs Wednesday to get another check. I spoke too soon after our last visit. Thatcher's labs weren't quite perfect so they are keeping a close watch.

There are 3 liver labs we watch for rejection (among other labs they take that measure various other functions) the AST, ALT, and GGTP. 2 of these were in the proper range but the AST was just slightly elevated both times. Another lab we don't normally pay attention to (Alk Phos) was also up. The Alk Phos is a liver indicator but it is also elevated when children are growing (for instance, it's usually high in kids going through puberty). This along with a couple other things have raised the doctors eyebrow a bit so they are watching him. I have been told this is not considered rejection, but they did not want to go a whole month without looking at his numbers just yet.



Honestly I am a bit worried (as his mom this is my job) but am trying to not borrow trouble and continue to give him the best care I can. Best case, he is growing and outgrew his dose of Prograf. They increased his dose slightly so I hope this has corrected the AST by Wednesday labs. I don't like to go into worst case unecessarily, but there is a potential for a liver biopsy if they can't figure out what is going on exactly. I've been praying for good numbers and no biopsy.



Thatch has also had a rash on his face for a couple of weeks now. I'm not too concerned, and I attribute it to his new teeth and all the drool from his molars coming in. Otherwise, Thatch is doing well. He even took his first 4 steps on the 9th! Our whole family was around cheering him on :).

Please say a quick prayer Thatcher's labs are good this week.