After a long weekend of close monitoring here at Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Myka was able to head back to the operating room first thing this morning for another biliary procedure with Interventional Radiology for further internal exploration, with hopes of adjusting the tube and stopping the excess bile leakage.

We’re pleased to report that the procedure was a success in many ways, as they were able to insert a larger biliary tube (upgraded from 8.5f to 10.2f) and the drainage already looks extremely improved externally. The major bile duct that connects her liver to her small intestine looks “great,” according to her transplant doctor, but several other minor ones still show narrowing. Since Myka’s “Liver Numbers” are now back down into normal ranges, they suspect that the original blockage (sludge) in the bile ducts is now passed and the length of time with the biliary drain in PTC could be lessened greatly. It’s possible that she’ll be able to now get the new drain out as early as April 1st. While we’re not counting on anything, that was great news to hear.

Myka has gained some energy today – walking around the floor, eating some Chick-fil-A, enjoying music therapy and playing bedside. They clamped her bile bag this afternoon to see how she deals with the lack of flow. Thus far, she’s holding her own. Since the clamping, she has not experienced any fevers, vomiting or other previous side effects from last week.

PRAY for no further complications (such as infection, fever, bleeding, etc), PRAY for continual, stable placement of the new biliary tube, with no excess leakage of bile. PRAY for a smooth night, with proper rest & nutrition

Because of the impending health crisis, there seems to be an unofficial initiative to get kids that are immunosuppressed out of the hospital in an expedient fashion. We’re anticipating discharge tomorrow, baring an emergency.

Thanks for your support, encouragement & prayers during this time. We love you all!

Richie, Regan, Alivia & Myka

PS – A huge shoutout to our #Pittsburgh healthcare professionals ???? who can’t work from home and courageously risk their wellbeing for the health of fragile children, like my #MykaJoy. Tons of #HealthcareHeroes right here in the ‘Burgh! ???? Social distancing isn’t a new thing for our family, as we make daily choices to limit exposure and activity in order to prioritize Myka’s health. As a #LiverTransplant recipient with a genetic disease, we’re obviously concerned parents during this healthcare crisis, as #MykaJoy is immunosuppressed, but THIS TEAM at UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh is prepared!???? From the super sanitary housekeeping, to the proper, precautionary guest restrictions, to the understanding healthcare professionals, we’ve felt tremendously safe and cared for @ CHP during this scary, unprecedented healthcare crisis. ?? #Coronavirus #Covid19 #Pittsburgh #FindTheHelpers #StopTheSpread #FlattenTheCurve