It’s been a while since we posted on here. Overall Savanna is doing really well. Even when she is “healthy”, we still seem to always be at doctor’s appointments. She is also in Pre-School 2x a week for a half day, which is where the cute Halloween photo is from!
Here is what has been going on over the last few months:
LIVER
Routine appointments and check-ups…
– Liver doc apt: physical exam good
– Liver labs: looking good
– Liver ultrasound: looked good, still watching the culprit bile duct that caused all the issues earlier this year.
KIDNEY
If you can remember during transplant her kidneys were failing, and she was on dialysis. They didn’t know what her future looked like for her kidneys.
– Kidney doc apt: physical exam good
– Kidney labs: look good
– Kidney ultrasound: have improved and 100% normal kidney function
CARDIOLOGY
Because her kidneys being “diseased”, she had high blood pressure, and this hurt her heart and caused thickening of the left ventricle. The cardiologist told us with the BP meds this could reverse over time. Her heart has been improving, which is a great sign.
– ECHO: Savanna has persistent left ventricular hypertrophy but no longer has evidence of mitral stenosis (narrowing of the valves)
– EKG: same as above
ENT
Savanna has been getting ear infections at least once a month for about a year. In October this year she had THREE ear infections. She is scheduled for her Tonsils and Adenoids to be removed and to have Tubes put in her ears November 29th, this was originally schedules for the end of December, but moved up due to chronic ear infections. Although, this separate from her liver transplant issues, it is still connected to the overall health of Savanna.
– EAR INFECTIONS = Many pediatrition visits
– SLEEP STUDY: Savanna (and I) have to go to a sleep study this Friday to determine if she also has sleep apnea. She snores a lot when she sleeps, and this can affect her heart and oxygen to the brain. Another reason why we want to get her tonsils and adenoids out, in conjunction with the tubes.
– WHY NOW? Her tonsils and adenoids are enlarged, I also had my tonsils and adenoids removed. Wade and I both had tubes in our ears, so we think she is likely destined for this fate either now or later.
– BENEFITS: The transplant team also said the tonsils are an area of concern for transplant patients, as this is an area that can grow cancer. Being on immunosuppressants puts you at a higher risk of getting cancer. So they are actually really happy these are coming out!
Say a little prayer that all goes well on November 29th!
A few more pics from fall 2023!
