After four days of exhaustive testing, the Transplant Team is unable to arrive at a definitive diagnosis and for a change, is deferring to the stomach surgeon for answers.
He feels that the tests showed nothing that requires corrective surgery to the Nissen or stomach area and also confirms that nothing in the tests gives them a clear and concise diagnosis. He does feel that the recent and extensive esophagus infection coupled with the lack of balanced nutrition is contributing to the nausea stomach issues. Also, he recognizes the impact the significant number of meds she must take is also contributing problems especially on a relatively empty stomach.
So, tomorrow they re-install the stomach feeding tube once again and add a motility medicine to her daily regimen. The idea is to give the stomach and esophagus some time to heal and rest.
Additionally, Monday's bronc lab results show rejection and she must begin steroids for that within the next couple days.
We did confirm that the Nissen is reversible but very recent studies have shown that 5 year survival has increased from 40% to 63% for those patients with the Nissen. The doctor strongly discourages reversal and gives no guarantee that she would return to pre-transplant condition.
As I posted recently, we are not necessarily optimistic but see this process as the best alternative at this time. Don't ask her if she made the right decision to have the transplant.
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Hi Joy and Wayne,
We are sorry that you have had to be admitted once again. But, that is where the docs can watch your symptoms and find the answers you need. We pray they find them soon and can get you turned around once again and back home in Illinois.
Please know you are both in our prayers often.
Love,
Sharon
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