Back on medication

Received a call from Allie's GI doctor saying that he would like Allie back on her Erythromycin medication and he wants to up the dose from last time.  He said that since her growth rate fell in the last 6 months, he's concerned.  With putting her back on the medication and with a higher dose, he's hoping this will increase her oral intake.

Erythromycin is used to help moved things along in the digestive track.  Since Allie's stomach doesn't empty properly, the doctor is hoping this medication speeds up her emptying so she feels hungry.  This medication should also help Allie empty her stomach faster for her tube feedings - so hopefully we can get more calories into her.

Allie has been on this medication previously, numerous times actually and we seen very little to no changes in her.  However, we are hoping this time it works, especially with the increased dose.

Allie started 4 year old preschool last week.  She's in class with some great friends so I am hoping she transitions a little better than last year.  The silly girl just doesn't want to leave my side - EVER!  We had a great summer but honestly, I'm happy school is back in session.

Allie continues to do good.  We have no knew possible diagnosis for her and we are not truly actively searching at this time.  I continue to do my research daily on possible diagnosis's, however we are still taking a break from doctors.  We pray daily for an answer but for now, we are just living our life and enjoying it.

Allie's first day of 4 year old preschool

Allie giving us a big smile!

Chloe's first day of 1st grade - they grow up too fast!

Endocrinologist Appt.

Allie had an appointment with her endocrinologist at the Marshfield Clinic last week.  Her appointment was a follow-up to monitor her growth. 

Allie weighed 26 pounds and is 37 inches tall. This puts Allie in less than the 3rd percentile for both height and weight.  Of course, this is nothing new, however her stats are falling once again on the growth chart.  Her curve is going downwards and the doctor is very concerned.

Allie's growth rate last year was 8.2% which is acceptable, however this year her growth rate has dropped to 4.8%.  That is too low according to her doctor. 

We are scheduled to meet with her Endocrinologist again in December and if Allie's growth rate does not increase in the next 4 months, they want to start Allie on growth hormones, which is an injection everyday. 

We have been tossing the idea of growth hormones around for her for quite a while.  We just didn't feel like it was right for her at the time.  However, depending on her next visit, the doctor is really going to push it.  Of course, we haven't decided if growth hormones would be right for Allie - we will make that decision when we have to.

In the meantime, we are trying to increase Allie's tube feedings, but continue to struggle with the fact that Allie's stomach is super small (cannot handle more than 3 oz) and the fact that her stomach doesn't empty properly.  So, it's always a struggle to get enough calories into this girl. 

On another note......Allie's behavior has been difficult again, a lot of whining, crying and not sleeping.  So, I decided to bring her to the walk in because I knew something wasn't right with her.  Sure enough, Allie has strep throat.  Poor little pumpkin.  I had been asking her if anything hurt and even asked her specifically if her throat hurt but she always said no.  One more example of how little Allie has such a high tolerance for pain.  She is now on her medication and we are praying it helps her feel better so in turn her behavior goes back to being happy.

Overall, Allie is doing well.  She is ready for preschool to start and so is mom!  Please pray that Allie's growth rate increases in the next 4 months so we don't have to cross the bridge regarding growth hormones for little Allie.  Thank you.

The girls being so big :)