More Appointments

I was finally was able to talk to a neonatologist today... two actually! I spoke with Dr. Phillips and Dr. Hoffman, from UCD. They basically told me the same stuff we know.. plus some.

The main doctor I spoke with, Dr. Phillips, went over every complication individually and what they do or what they can do with them. He did say he's not sure what they will be able to do until Anabelle is born, but he seemed hopeful. 

Below is what he's told me about the different issues:

Gastrocentesis: When she is born, the pediatric surgeons will take her and put a tube in her mouth and down her throat, to prevent air from going into her intestines. Then they will take her to OR and see if they can put her intestines back into her belly. This is called a primary closure. The doctor said that this is possible in about 75% of cases. If she doesn't have enough room to put her intestines back into her belly, then they will put a bag over the intestines and slowly push the intestines back in over a period of about two weeks or so. The average time a baby with just Gastrocentesis stays in the NICU for about 1 month. However, sometimes they stay for a little shorter, but possibly a lot longer. Just depends on when we deliver. 

Clubbed feet, hyper-extended legs, and arthrogryposis (curled in wrists): I believe that's how you spell the wrist issue, but regardless.. the doctors grouped these issues into one topic, orthopedic. They said that it could be related to a nerve and spine issue, and if it is then it will be a lot harder to correct and Anabelle might be severely handicapped from them. However, if it's not a nerve and spine issue, then they can be fixed. They will have her, again, assessed after birth. He did explain if it's not related to a nerve and spine issue, then she will have physical and occupational therapy to help correct them. For the clubbed feet specifically, they will put her legs in casts a few weeks after birth to help straighten them. When I've search for different surgeries or treatment methods for these issues, I have come across a variety of possibilities. They sometimes do surgery, sometimes the casting is enough. Again, it will all depend on the severity. 

He did recommend for us to come by UCD and visit/tour the NICU. He seemed like he was optimistic. Also he told me that he will do everything they can for us and Anabelle. He also let me know he is the attending doctor this week if we wanted to stop by and have him coordinate our tour. It just feels like finally we have a doctor who has some hope for us : )

We have an appointment on Friday (12/9) to meet with a pediatric surgeon this Friday and another appointment next Tuesday (12/13) with a pediatric cardiologist. The neonatologist didn't really venture into the heart problems knowing we has a cardiologist appointment. We also have our bi-weekly ultrasound appointment next Wednesday (12/14).. 

Hopefully we can get a clearer picture of what's to come, but it doesn't seem like it. We just will have to wait and see...

With love, 

The Polks