Still no answers...

The doctors still struggle to understand what is causing B's anemia and how to treat him. After two complete exchange transfusions they decided they weren't helping and they needed to move on to another treatment. Yesterday Brady had his first IVIG treatment. It went in over the course of about 7 hours. So far, it hasn't had any impact. He needed a blood transfusion this morning for a hemoglobin of 6.4. But, when I asked on rounds the hematologist said that it could take a few days to be effective. If there was no change by monday then they would feel it hasn't worked. So, please pray that this IVIG is the answer we've been waiting for!

B also had an upper GI series yesterday. It was the first step to get him set up for a G tube and possible Nissen Wrap. Brady does eat by mouth but not enough to meet his nutritional needs so a G tube is a definite. I'm waiting to speak with surgery myself but based on their notation in his chart it looks like he could be scheduled for surgery as early as monday or tuesday. It will be up to Dr Sheehan (B's pulmonologist) and the surgical attending to decide whether or not he will get the Nissen done also. Its scary to think that he could be having surgery in just a few days but I also know that getting it done is a step toward home. It would be incredibly frustrating to get his anemia to a point where he could be discharged only to be held up waiting for G tube surgery because he doesn't eat enough on his own.