Riley's endoscopy

Riley had her upper endoscopy with biopsy this morning. She did great. She had to get an IV and general anesthesia, but the procedure was only about 15 minutes long. We were home by 10:45am and she is eating, drinking, smiling and watching Dora the Explorer. The doctor saw no abnormalities during the procedure, but the lab results on the biopsy will take a few days. She did weigh in under 18 lbs, which means she lost some weight again. That's not great news, but we weren't surprised since she has been a little sick for the past week or two. (That makes her cough, gag, vomit more frequently)

Scrunch

Riley makes the funniest face when she needs her nose wiped. When I say, "Do you need a kleenex?" She scrunches up her nose in preparation.

She gained 8 ounces!

Half of a pound is a big deal around here. Yesterday, Riley weighed in at 18 pounds 5.5 ounces. It felt so good to see it! I was not optimistic on our way in as she has still been throwing up. We also scheduled her endoscopy for Dec. 22nd. She will go in the morning and the whole procedure should only take about 15 minutes. I feel calm about the whole thing now, but come that Monday morning and I think I will be a stressed mess of a mommy. Does that sentence make sense?
She will be put under general anesthesia and that makes me a bit nervous as well. Our insurance will be changing January 1st so we thought we might as well pay only 20$ at Kaiser to have the procedure done. We will start with a fabulous pediatrician (so I have heard) on Jan 2nd. Jaron has already consulted with him a few times over the phone and he has been great and given us so much information. He is not taking new patients, but immediately said he would take her. We feel very good about the decision.
Overall, Riley seems to be doing better. Today is day #2 with no throw up, which is always so nice for me. :) Se did have fall into the brick fireplace on Wednesday and suffered a fat lip and bloody mouth. I mean, really, can I get a break???
I am always in awe that she is ALWAYS happy. Her smile and goofy faces always keep us laughing and when I think of how tired, irritated, and frustrated I am with the whole situation I look at her beautiful sparkling face and realize if she can have all this going in inside of her and be so joyful then I should be just as joyful. She really has something about her that draws you to her. So many people have told us this. God has given us a precious gift in our Riley Elizabeth.

Walking...finally!

Sorry it is sideways. I forgot I cannot take video this way.

1 ounce

Back to the doctor today and the number on the scale was 17 lbs 13 oz, a weight gain of 1 ounce. Riley is in the 1st percentile. I should be happy for a weight gain, but it really is not enough. Her meds do seem to be doing their job, so we will continue this regimen for another 2 weeks in hopes of a greater weight gain. If we do not see it on the scale, our next step is an endoscopy. I have stopped breastfeeding her, which has seemed to cause an improvement in her so maybe she was allergic to me.

Update

We took Riley to se the GI doctor again today for a weight check and to discuss her meds. We felt armed with information and questions after consulting with another doctor outside of Kaiser (thank you, Steve!!!). Unfortunately, Riley's weight has dropped further, 17 pounds 12 oz, her exact weight at 6 months old. (she is now 13 1/2 months) After much discussion we are down to a few options. We are starting her on 2 meds today. One is prevacid, an acid blocker which will help protect her esophagus from getting damaged by the stomach acid. The other, Reglan, is a med to help move food through her stomach at a faster rate so that hopefully if she does throw up, the food has already moved through and into the intestines.We are also mixing a calorie supplement into her food. We will try this for 2 weeks then return for another weight check.
At that point if the reglan is not working there is another med we can try for 2 more weeks. After 1 month if things have not improved she will have a scope to biopsy her intestines to check for allergies or other conditions that could not be picked up in a blood test.
These are our last options before a feeding tube would be necessary. Please pray for weight gain. Riley is definitely not getting the calories she needs and it is very noticeable in her daily activites. Please also pray for Jaron and I to be strong advocates for Riley.
Through this I have felt enormous peace that can only come from Jesus. I know He loves this little girl and we will continue to trust in him for her care.

The beginning of walking

Riley has slowly been working toward further independence as she has started to walk. She is very good at cruising and in the last few days has started taking more and more steps on her own. She has done 5-6 at a time, but is still pretty lazy. :) I am ready for this phase of development and ready to use less stain remover on the knees of her pants.