Joey started having very frequent episodes of apnea, yesterday afternoon. In an effort to find the cause, many more tests have been done. EEG showed no seizures. They are still doing all kinds of labs.
MRI showed clotting in the superior sagittal sinus, and the sigmoid sinus (both are veins). while both are clotted they are also leaking a tiny bit into the ventricle space (light blue space in the pic) below the superior sagittal sinus.
(2 pic links below)
http://www.rci.rutgers.edu/~uzwiak/AnatPhys/Blood_Vessels_files/image036.jpg
http://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl=http://www.obfocus.com/images/csf.gif&imgrefurl=http://www.obfocus.com/questions/qanda10.htm&h=358&w=322&sz=25&tbnid=qZzBSB3s6XCdSM:&tbnh=121&tbnw=109&prev=/images%3Fq%3Dventricles%2Bof%2Bthe%2Bbrain&hl=en&usg=__v1WeYTkwy_uHOypqnkAeiHhfWQM=&ei=rR5aS4S7B5CXtgeGy62kAg&sa=X&oi=image_result&resnum=4&ct=image&ved=0CBsQ9QEwAw
We think this is the cause of the apnea. The treatments are "time" which we think his body will eventually clear the clot or reroute the veins. Problem being too much apnea could cause O2 deprivation and more troubles.
Another treatment is a blood thinner, which could shorten the healing of this clot, but could make the leak worse causing pressure on the brain or other bleeding problems in the body.
Also if this was caused by something other than the jaundice...like a fluke genetic disorder, they would be different treatments than listed above, so genetic labs are being done.
The Dr is consulting with Hematology because they work with blood disorders to see what would or might be the best treatment plan. If they reach no clear conclusion...such as this is definitely best for this child because of A, B, or C.... we may be presented with options and asked to make the call. Right now while waiting for more results and info, they are saying just watch him this weekend and see how he responds...and hope and pray he doesn't end up on the Ventilator for respiratory distress, Possibly do a sleep study Monday. Still so many variables we have no idea if / when he will get better. Tho I trust he will. (no chance of going home before Monday, and maybe much longer....)
There are also so many things with or without treatment that "could" happen. Either way, pressure could build on the brain causing more trouble. Or other issues could show up from Billirubin toxin that have not been seen yet.
It is amazing...the peace of God! I have not been overly concerned about the outcome, because I know Joey is in God's hands. Nothing can happen that God does not allow. I still have the emotions of "momma", but with God's peace, I am able to step back and look at the situation reasonably and medically without getting frantic. We are in a good University Hospital. I am pleased and thankful for the care and detail that is taking place. Humanly speaking he is getting the best possible care. As parents our concerns are addressed as quickly as possible. On a bigger scale, God may use medicine or He could touch and heal him, whatever, we feel His hand and know He loves Joey more than we ever could...tho that doesn't seem possible as a parent's love is pretty big.
Thanks for your continued prayers!
Joy
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