Explorer is Okay! And a Few More Details, too.

Yesterday, Explorer and I headed into the hospital for a day of tests and appointments.

We actually opted to stay the night at my parents house, they live MUCH closer to the hospital then we do.  My mom even dropped us off on her way to work so that DH and the other kids could stay and grandma and grandpas for the day.

  I have to tell you, this children's hospitalt is AMAZING!!  The radiology department was decorated like a baseball dugout and had sports stuff everywhere.  I was very impressed!  The staff is very friendly and helpful, too.

First up, was the ultrasound. The ultrasound went well.  Turns out that our tech was from our hometown.  She was easy going and friendly.  Explorer even talked to her a little bit.  It was cute.

Then came the 5 hour wait between the u/s and her Drs appointment.  Ug.  I spent a lot of time in the cafeteria. It's a beautiful space with atrium windows and a hot air balloon.  I learned that donuts and bacon are the only yummy breakfast foods in the cafeteria.  Dont eat the eggs...just dont. 

I checked out the rest of the place, too.  The roof top deck was so neat, sadly it started raining right after we got up there so we had to leave.  The playrooms, library, parent's spaces-all lovely.  

Finally, it was time to head to the Dr's office.  5 stars for a friendly, easy to understand doctor that explains everything!!  And 5 stars to a great staff.  I found out that Explorer officially weights 14 lbs-double her birth weight-all breast milk.  Go Explorer!!

After talking to him, I found out the real reason why we were there!  I'm so glad we went!!

Okay, ready for some technical stuff???

There are TWO types of bilirubin.  The first type, unconjugated, or indirect, is the kind that you always hear of.  It is the kind that causes babies and adults to turn yellow.  There is also a second type called, conjugated or direct.  Direct bilirubin is what happens to the indirect.  Essentially, the liver breaks down the bilirubin and makes it water-soluble so that it can be excreted from the body in urine.  It is then called indirect bilirubin.  For some reason, if the liver isnt excreting the indirect bilirubin correctly, it can wind up in the blood stream.  Explorer had some elevated levels of indirect (normal jaundice), but she also had elevated direct levels along with elevated liver enzymes.  And, these showed up on more then one blood draw.  Okay, NOW, we have a reason to call special doctors.  I wish that my local Dr had told me, but I understand how that doesnt always happen.

After reading online, I have found out that these levels can indicate problems with the liver, or possibly with the spleen or gall bladder, and lastly the kidneys, which explains the ultrasound of all Explorer's organs.  They all checked out-perfect!!!

The Dr at Children's did run labs after the appointment and is checking her levels again.  He is also running a test for Alpha-1 Antitrypsin Deficiency.  Which you can read about here:  http://www.netdoctor.co.uk/diseases/facts/alpha1def.htm if you are so inclined.  But, he doesnt think that anything is wrong with her.

I want to thank you all so much for your prayers for Explorer!!!  

The results could have been very different, and I am so thankful for God's grace in allowing a healthy scan.  As I roamed the halls and sat in the cafeteria yesterday, I saw many families dealing with some really hard things.  I know that my God would have been God regardless of the answers yesterday, and that He would have extended enough grace to cover us had we needed more.  But, I am so very thankful that He has decided to answer our prayers with a clean bill of health for Explorer.

So thank you, so very, very much for lifting us up and covering us in your prayers over the weekend.  I am forever grateful!

I pray you are having a fun and healthy week as you prepare to celebrate the birthday of our Lord and Savior through whom all blessings flow!!!

Merry Christmas and God Bless you!