GI Test Results

The good news is Jimmie's GI test showed no structural abnormalities. However- as expected, it did show severe reflux. No structural damage has been done yet, but there may be psychological damage to Jimmie. The last 2 feedings he has absolutely refused to take anything by mouth. We don't know if maybe he's figured out that his belly will be filled (through the tube) if he doesn't take the bottle or if things have just continued to progress in his aversion to eating.

The medical staff thinks that sensory issues and aversions to eating are just around the corner if not present already because of the major discomfort he has been experiencing. They are trying to get this reflux under control. They have doubled his Prevacid intake and they have started him on Erythromycin which is supposed to move the milk out of his stomach quicker.

Right now we still don't know how long he'll be in the hospital and what the outcome will be. There are 2 posibilities we'd rather NOT see happen.

1. Jimmie having to go home with an NG tube. Hopefully if this is the case that need would not progress to a surgery and a more permenant way to feed him.

2. Surgery to prevent Reflux. This surgery is called a Fundoplication. Here is an explanation of that procedure: "During fundoplication surgery, the upper curve of the stomach (the fundus) is wrapped around the esophagus and sewn into place so that the lower portion of the esophagus passes through a small tunnel of stomach muscle. This surgery strengthens the valve between the esophagus and stomach (lower esophageal sphincter), which stops acid from backing up into the esophagus as easily. This allows the esophagus to heal."

And actually a 3rd worse possibility would be combining both of the above. Surgery for a permenant feeding tube and a Fundo Procedure.

What we would love to have happen and what we want you all to pray for is that Jimmie's Reflux can be tamed and that he'll start eating really well by mouth. We'd love for him to go home with no NG and be taking a sufficient amount by mouth. I have to say though that is starting to seem like it's asking a lot. We are discouraged today at how he is eating. Things have only gotten worse with Jimmie taking his feeds by mouth since he's been hospitalized. Things have definitely gotten better with his body though. He's gaining weight and is fully hydrated. And it is much less stressful for Rachael to know his little belly will be fed whether he takes his bottle or not.

Just keep praying for our little man. Pray that he would be brave and take his bottle!

Love,
Amber