It's that time again

We have just hit the 4 week mark since Avery's last admission and here we are upon the next one :(.  If you remember from the last post I was taking Avery in for a liver ultrasound and some labs.  Well, the results were even worse than I expected as were his labs.  Since coming off the medication(actigall) in Sept. which is supposed to stop his gallbladder from slugging, he has developed a complete obstruction in his gallbladder.  Basically, there is no place for the bile to go from his stomach so it backs up into his liver.  It's creating very high levels of bilirubin (jaundice) in his liver.  Right now his liver is pretty angry b/c his gallbladder is not working b/c it's so obstructed with sludge.  He is actually starting to turn a bit yellow especially his eyes.  By looking at him you would not know that he has all this going on and I am sure if you or I had this issue we would be pretty miserable.  Not him so far, he is still pretty happy.  But something still needs to be done rather soon.  Of course soon brings us right up to Christmas.  UGH!!!!

I am so grateful to have my pediatrician. He has really grabbed the bull by the horns when it comes to making quality of life decisions with Avery's care.   I texted him last night the results of the ultrasound and by the morning he was on the phone with Children's making up a plan for us.  Mainly trying to keep him home for Christmas.  The dr. that called me last night to tell me his labs were quiet bad compared to last week wanted to admit him right away.  Having been a veteran of the Children's Hospital system, I know what happens towards a Holiday weekend.....Absolutely nothing!!!! There was no way I would let him be stuck in a hospital for Christmas and he would likely not get anything more than he can get at home.  My pedi. made that very clear to the dr. that called last night (before even talking to me). That's why he is so good for us b/c we think alike.  They agreed to let Avery start IV antibiotics at home and back on the medication he was previously on.  He has to have another ultrasound and more bloodwork on Thurs.  If his numbers look a lot worse then we may end up inpatient anyway but I am hoping that we can get him through the weekend and be admitted on Monday.  Once he is admitted they may do further studies and will definitely either take out his gallbladder or hopefully just put a stent in it (which would be less invasive).  Again it all depends on how bad it is when then get a better view and if he gets sick before than.   One of the biggest symptoms is extreme itchiness.  I really really hope he does not develop that :(  My poor lil man just cannot catch a break.  It's always something.  We could use all the positive "Stay at home for Christmas" thoughts we can get.

On a happy note :)  Master Avery received an early surprise from Santa.  Only we have no idea who it is but we were so happy and appreciative to receive such an awesome gift... He got 5 tickets to see Sesame Street live in the front row no less!!!!!!! Whoever is Santa, they sure know my lil man b/c he LOVES Elmo.  I cannot wait to go.  Both boys are going to love it.  Thank you from the bottom of our hearts it put such a positive spin on such a stressful day.