Thursday, January 17, 2013

Some Trust in Horses...


Three guesses and the first two don't count. 

Emily is sick again.  We went back to WVU on Tuesday.  She had vomited probably 60-80 times in twelve hours and began throwing up blood.  I did what I'm good at and hit panic.  Not proud of the panic, but it got me to the very front of the several hours long wait in the ER.

She was admitted.  However, every time we've done this they've seen something in bloodwork to be concerned about: her sodium was low, her hemoglobin was dropping, or whatever, but this time...

Aside from being dehydrated, she was doing great!  Well...as great as someone can be that's barfed so much they've torn up their insides.

She came off the IV Wednesday morning and they encouraged her to drink, drink, drink.  She's still throwing up, but drinking enough to stay hydrated, so we are back home again...with orders to get her right back if things don't go as planned.

Several people lately have questioned whether it could be emotionally related.  Our pediatric GI says absolutely 100% NO WAY is this emotional.  It's physical.

BUT he does recommend finding her...emotional help or US getting it to be able to help her with facing misery every fourth week.

It was a bit of a bombshell.

Emily's so happy, exuberant, joyful, and busy when she's well and the rest of us talk about how it's affecting our schedules, or plans, or whatever, and I never once thought about WHAT it's doing to HER!  What's it's like for her to yet again face the onset of nausea and begin throwing up over and over  and over again.  I've thought of the physical trauma, but never the emotional trauma of cyclic vomiting.  

*****

Plan #1- Her records have all been sent to Nationwide Children's Hospital in Columbus, OHIO.  They have a pediatric GI team and specialize in cyclic vomiting.

 It's a good plan

            but they have a six to eight MONTH waiting list. 

Plan #2.  See if they can get her seen at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.  Apparently the doctor that wrote the book on cyclic vomiting is there.  


I don't care WHERE we have to go as long as they can help her. 


It's hard for people who have not seen her sick to understand how fast she turns into a dehydrated, miserable puking machine.   When she's well, she's terrific.  When she's sick, it's heartbreaking.  Not to mention what it's doing to her teeth and throat and psyche.


I know one thing that God is teaching me through this is to trust Him.  Too often I put my faith in doctors and medicine and lose hope when they can't live up to my expectations.  King David said, "Some trust in horses, some trust in chariots, but we trust in the name of the Lord."  My version should read, "Some trust in doctors, some trust in medicine, but I will trust in the name of the Lord."

Since WVU can't help her, I hope that we can get her in somewhere soon that can.  But I KNOW that God is sovereign.  He has a plan for Emily's life whether specialists can help her or not.  His plan is one that will give her hope and a future.


Just look at what it's already done to her teeth!


6 comments:

  1. Oh Holly, I'm so sorry it's happening again! I love your "conclusion" of the matter - yep, God is good & faithful & has wonderful plans for Emily! And He will continue to work them out for her & you all. May you all feel God's amazing peace & joy in the midst of it all! Love you & praying for you all.

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    1. Sharon, you are an inspiration to us with your faithfulness and sweetness. God has used your situation to bless so many people. Today, I'll admit, I don't want to be a blessing. I just want it to be over. I want to be normal. Not handling things well today!

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  2. Continuing to pray for your family, Holly.......that's tough to have the vomiting keep returning. Have you thought of the Mayo clinic? It's wonderful though to see that Emily is such a happy spunky girl when she is feeling good. That shows her endurance! Remember Elisabeth Elliott's wise words, "Just do the next thing." One day at a time, sweet Jesus!

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    1. Yes, we have talked about other options, including John Hopkins here in Maryland. BUT our doctor strongly feels these are NOT the best places for dealing with cyclic vomiting. Thank you for thinking of it!

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  3. I know you know this but will say it again, keeping sweet Emily and your family in my prayers.
    You are such aa good mama!
    Praying for answers to help Emily. And soon!!!
    Live you!!

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    1. I do know, but it's still sweet to hear.
      Thank you, dear friend, you know very well about the hard things that can happen on this journey.

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