Differential diagnosis here we come!!!!

Hello Everyone:

Here's the latest! It turns out the rectal biopsy we had done in Lubbock was useless...not deep enough. So, Katarina may NOT have Hirschsprung disease at all! Of course we will celebrate if she doesn't, but then we are no further in understanding what is going on digestively than we were a month ago....URGGG!

Tomorrow is a big day. Katarina will have a 'full thickness' rectal biopsy under anesthesia as well as an upper respiratory evaluation to assess her trachea/airway and her ears. If the Otolaryngologist (try saying that fast three times) feels she is in need of tubes in her ears, she will go ahead and put them in tomorrow! We are also requesting that the GI surgeon assess her upper GI tract in an effort to gain information into what might be affecting the malabsorption problem. We are doing what we can to get the most 'bang for the buck' with one anesthesia experience.

Then, on Thursday morning, we will begin the day with an upper GI; which will likely be followed by vomiting...can't wait! On Friday, Kat will have a sweat test done; which is the least invasive test of her week. We will know Friday afternoon whether or not we need to continue exploring 'Cystic Fibrosis' as a possible cause of Kat's digestive problems. If everything comes back 'normal'...we will be at a loss and I assume the doctors will be stumped as well.

We don't want her to have any of these problems, but at the same time, we need to understand her digestive problems in order to begin treatment. So we ask that you pray for the wisdom of the doctors tomorrow, as well as great attentiveness by the anesthesiologist and the respiratory doctor responsible for the post-op recovery. We also ask for prayers for answers and insights into Kat's unique challenges in her body!

We appreciate all of your support! I will update as each test result is delivered to us!

Hugs and love,
Nicole