Belly pain continuing

Well we have had quite the worrisome day. Well, me worrying anyway. Ally's belly pain is just not going away. Jerad got her all the way to school because she really wanted to go (and her ANC is 2350!)....she got there and was doubled over in pain so he brought her right back. She was still resisting all food. Quite frankly, because even if she eats a morsel of food it ends up being diarrhea. (sorry if that is too much information...but it is what it is). I knew her nutritionist (whom we love, Miss Shannon) was not happy with her weight loss too, so we went into the hospital today.

They did lots of tests...her normal bloodwork was good. She showed some malnourishment in her protein levels and potassium levels, but not dehydrated. They did an abdominal scan of her belly. They found nothing at all in her bowel. Literally nothing. Normally there would be some stray amounts of food...some air....but on her nothing. I remember with my Mom they were always worried about her digestive system shutting down when she wouldn't eat. I was glad that they didn't find any masses or any constipation (which I figured). We really didn't get much of an answer for the pain.

I was told AGAIN that I need to get her to eat, but I try!! I try so hard. I try like every 15 minutes all day. It is exhausting and stressful and I am always trying to whip something up or grab something for her. Of course, as soon as we get to the hospital, she decides she wants to order some food from the cafeteria. She ate half a taco (some protein) and a baked potato (loaded with potassium) with cheese. I about fell over. The most she has eaten in a long time and she also made a big fat liar out of me. Just kidding....I think they know me better than that.

They also decided to put her on an IV nutrition. Basically, she will get hooked up to IV nutrition support every night for 14 hours...530pm to 730 am. This doesn't go through the stomach, but they are hoping that some calories/protein will give her some energy and possibly stimulate her to eat again. And she will take the appetite stimulant drug to help her do that. We can do this through home healthcare and they are coming tomorrow afternoon to teach me how to do it, mix it up, etc. Another badge for my nurse's training. They are going to try it for a week and see how she does. I guess if they want it to go thru her stomach they have to insert a tube in her nose and feed her that way....preferable for the situation because it involves the digestive system, but I would rather not have to do that to her. Hopefully we don't have to go that route.

I just have the feeling that something is wrong and I hope some light is shed on our situation soon. It is too long to keep going in this pain and she has to get another (and higher dose) of the methotrexate on Thursday. I am scared it will send her over the edge. So much for me "liking" this phase. I take it back. I guess there is just no good phase until we are done with this rotten schedule and get back to our routine life.

I hope things turnaround soon. I want my Ally girl back. Please continue to pray for Maggie who has just finished her 9th day in ICU and does not seem to be making much improvement. And Amanda who just clocked day 8 in the inpatient unit with an infection in her port. Also for Davey's family who are putting their dear son to rest tomorrow morning. Our thoughts are with them.

As always, thanks to our loyal Ally's Army for the support and prayers.