I apoligize for my absence lately, but our schedule has been really unusual and a bit difficult. Plus, yesterday was the big day. It was Devyn's nephrology appoinment.
It was a quick appointment that went really well. He was quite surprised that she had grown. He said that when he got her blood work he was concerned mostly about the CO2 level in her blood. It should be at least 23 and hers was 18. That told him she had a problem with her kidneys, most likely renal tubular acidosis. That's why he had them recommend formula for her. He said she could has the acidosis or she could just have an immature kidney. Either way her body isn't producing enough growth hormone and that's why she has had so much difficulty growing. She needs the higher calorie count of formula in order to grow. He said that he could treat her with a bicarbonate, but that it tastes horrible and has to be given 3 times a day. He said we could also give her growth hormones, but that seemed too extreme. So the plan is to just wait. When she turns 1 we have to do more blood work to check her levels. We also have to keep an eye on her growth. At this point we don't have to make a return appointment. We just have to have the results of the blood work sent to him for him to review.
That's it! Such a relief. This was a breeze compared to so many other situations we've been in. I told the nurse that the nutritionist said she just wasn't eating enough. She said that the CO2 level alone tells them that it is a kidney issue and not a nutrition issue. Thank you very much! I felt vindicated. She had gained another 3 oz in the last 3 weeks, but it was a different scale. So, again, I take that with a grain of salt. All in all we're thrilled with the result of the appointment.
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