A lot of children born with Down Syndrome have heart defects. Some have holes in their heart, or a valve isn't working correctly and they undergo surgery at a very young age. Even as young as a few months. I can only imagine how hard it would be to watch your baby go through something like that.
Beth was born with a good heart and didn't need surgery. She grew up strong and active. She never did have the balance to ride a two wheeler, but she rode her bike with training wheels until they broke. And she was probably in middle school by that time. She jumped on our trampoline, she loved to swim, and we would often go hiking.
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After she graduated from high school she joined All Aboard and was going to exercise classes, art classes, bowling... she kept busy. But over the years she has slowed down (like we all do) and doesn't move as much. And I've noticed her stomach getting bigger. Even though she's lost 20 pounds over the last year, her stomach seems more swollen than fat, and it's hard as a rock. I don't know about you but the older I get the more... uh... flabby mine gets. But hers is different.
It was Sharaya and Diana that had the idea she might be lactose intolerant. I hadn't even thought about that. So for the last six months or so we've cut out dairy from her diet. And now we're working on gluten-free foods. But her stomach is still hard.
So yesterday I took her to the doctor. And the first thing they did was weigh her. She's been consistently losing weight for the last year so I was shocked to see she's gained 15 pounds since August. The doctor said it could be anything from a tumor, to an issue with her kidneys or maybe she just needs a stool softener. So she's looking to everything.
She ordered blood work to check her kidneys, thyroid and a host of other things. She got a urine sample, and she's also looking into the different meds and supplements Beth takes. We're going to get a CT scan as well but right now they're booked solid. I'll call next week to set up the appointment.
We appreciate your prayers.
9 comments:
I will be praying for sweet Beth.
I will be praying too!
Beth is added to my prayer list. Hugs!!
Praying for Beth and for answers...
Add my prayers to the list. The good thing is that you are now seeing someone, getting the tests. The waiting is so very hard but once you know anything you can make a plan. I hope that is soon.
Prayers for Beth. ♥
Praying with you and others for Beth. Please keep us posted as you are able. (((hugs)))
Held my breath all the way through this post from the title on. God bless Beth and help her medical team figure out what is going on with her health. She is such a sweet heart and I have grown so fond of her and all of you. Please keep us posted as you get test results back and start crossing off possibilities. I have begun mixing a little prune juice in my Crystal Light and for the first time in years, I am a semi-regular. Wish that would be all that Beth is dealing with. Sending you guys big love.
I will be keeping Beth in my prayers. She was blessed to be born with a good heart. I love the photos of her with her friends. Praying that they find something simple that will help with the hard stomach. ((HUGS))
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