4.22.10

Yesterday was our appointment with Adolescent Medicine, which actually turned out to be an appointment with a Pediatric/Adolescent Gynecologist and an Endocrinologist (hormones). The quick rundown of the appointment is that we are having more testing done. There may be something to the issues with her reproductive system, but it may be that will go away on its own. We will get more information after the initial test results come back in a month or so. It doesn't sound like we will be getting a definitive diagnosis from these tests for her overall problems, rather that these problems are side effects of the bigger issue.

If you would like to read a more detailed version, I'll include that too. Aimee's appointment was with the gynecologist, however, she just happened to have an endocrinologist attending her appointments with her for the day. We were meeting with this department for two different reasons. First, that the vaginal opening was not apparent. Second, there were several cysts on one of her ovaries. Neither one of these issues is a major cause for concern on its own. However, we also discovered while we were there that she has some breast buds forming. Add that on top of the other two issues and we could have a bigger problem.

Basically, there are 3 different potential causes:

1. Her brain is telling her body that it is time to go through puberty, causing cysts and breasts to form.
   
2. Her thyroid is messing up the production of appropriate levels of hormones, causing cysts and breasts form.
   
3. The cysts, which are pockets of estrogen, could be raising the overall levels of estrogen in her body, causing a temporary swelling of the breasts.
   

We had a few blood tests taken yesterday to look for indicators of one of the first 2 possibilities. They are concerned that it may be a brain issue, since we do know that her brain is not developing normally. We have to wait to treat the vaginal issue until we know which of the above is happening, because they use steroids and/or hormones as a treatment. However, we can't wait too long, because there is a potential that the problem could develop further and not allow her to urinate. If this happens, she would have to go in for an emergency surgery.

Her therapy appointment went well yesterday. She was very responsive, despite having already been through several hours of appointments that day.

Upcoming appointments:

• Occupational Therapist at home Wednesdays
  
• Washington Sensory Disability Services 5.10.10 (tentative)
• Visual Disability Specialist 5.17.10 (tentative)
  
• 15 month check up with Naturopathic Pediatrician 5.24.10
• Genetics 5.24.10
• Orthopedic 5.24.10
• Orthotics 5.24.10
• Neurodevelopmental 6.2.10
• Audiology 6.3.10 (tentative)
  
• Endocrinology 6.9.10

At the end of June our financial aid expires. Please pray for continued favor in that area. We are continually reminded of the big blessing that is when we get our insurance notices. Nice to see those 10 thousand dollar bills owed be erased!
Also, please pray for Ed and I. The length and slowness of the process is really taxing and there does not seem to be an end/answer in sight. Aimee seems to be doing well through it all. The appointment days are a bit much for her, but she recovers quickly.
Thank you for your support!