the childrens hospital.

We went to the pediatrician on Monday for a weight check to make sure that Millie is still gaining weight only nursing... without any formula supplement. She gained a few ounces which was good to hear, but the appointment ended with some disappointing news. Dr. Kiley asked about her skin coloring and the yellow in her eyes... wanting to know if there has been much change from when she was born to now. I knew her eyes were still very yellow, but we had been told that this was the last place to change after being jaundice... I just didn't know how long would take for them to turn white. She showed concern and asked that we take her for a blood test following our appointment to check for another billirubin level issue, different from the billirubin issue she had as a newborn. We went to Memorial Hospital and had her bloodwork done right after the appointment and then the waiting began... we didn't have any idea of what to expect from the outcome of the lab.
I received a phone call yesterday from Dr. Kiley explaining the lab results and showing great concern about the findings. While I was on the phone, Carey & Melissa arrived for our playdate. It was a huge blessing that they arrived when they did because Millie woke up ready to eat, and I was tied up on the phone hearing about what was to come with her. Dr. Kiley explained that her direct billirubin level was elevated which is a much bigger issue than the elevated billirubin levels when she was a newborn. These direct levels show issues with the liver. She had already contacted a GI spcecialist in Colorado Springs that suggested we skip an appointment with her and come see a liver specialist at The Children's Hospital in Denver as soon as possible. Dr. Kiley said that there could be a few reasons why the direct billirubin level was high, but the most common issue is called Biliary Atresia. This is a rare issue (1 in 15,000-20,000 babies) but the most common when these levels are elevated. She said to remember that this is her best guess... not the diagnosis and that we would know much more about the situation after meeting with the specialist.
We were able to get an appointment at The Children's Hospital this morning. We met with a liver specialist for a consultation and then had a ultrasound & some labwork done to determine if the diagnosis could be determined without a liver biopsy. We waited at the hospital to hear the results... the ultrasound did not show the issue, so we are scheduled for a liver biopsy to be done early tomorrow morning. They are still suspecting Biliary Atresia, but it is still not a certain diagnosis.

she was a rockstar for all the doctors & nurses.
i was a proud mama.