When we entered the hospital, they gave us a list of tests that they were probably going to have to perform on Abby:
– blood work
– ultra-sound of the stomach
– potential spinal tap (to rule out meningitis)
– IV fluids (for dehydration — of which she was very dehydrated)
Strangely enough, when the Peds ER doctor came in, he mentioned Pyloric Stenosis as a possible culprit, but said it was relatively rare and he didn’t expect it to actually be the cause. Little did he know!
Luckily for Abby, he suggested the ultra-sound first (as opposed to the spinal tap) and said that if it was in fact positive for pyloric stenosis, then the spinal tap would not be necessary.
Getting an IV into Abby was difficult and it took three tries, with the main Peds Dr. getting it on the 3rd try. Poor thing screamed her head off during it. Guess we know her lungs are working well! Then, in went fluids. She was very dehydrated and the fluids helped with blood production, such that when they did finally take blood, they were able to do so from her ankle with relative ease.
I went with Abby for her ultra-sound and Ron went with Emily. It was kind of neat. The Tech spent some time looking for and at the muscle itself. Then, she brought in the Radiologist who did the same. Then, they had her drink clear Pedialyte and watched the movement of the liquid into her belly. And, they watched nothing happen to it from there. They got a great study, so they were 100% sure it wasn’t going to digest.
Once they explained all this to me, Abby kindly threw up everything she’d just had. And, because I’ve never actually seen projectile vomiting to know that that was what it was, the Tech kindly confirmed! 🙂
For Emily, on the other hand, she had no sign of the condition and made her “I do not want anymore of that stuff” face on the Pedialyte.
Upon returning from the ultra-sounds, Drs. told us about both girls’ results and admitted Abby and discharged Emily from the ER. Granted Em gets to stay with us anyway! Up to Level 4C.