Our Beautiful "Blog Hog's" Adventure.....

Brynne has been lovingly renamed: The Blog Hog.

Brynne had her tonsils out - finally - on Thurs. 12/18. Things went well & she was released that evening from the center (against a nagging, nervous gut feeling I was having) & didn't have to stay over. We brought her back to get her settled in the hotel (long story - see "Jim's Brilliant Idea") & had her rest.

On Friday, after a crazy day (between hotel, Aunt Teresa's & finally home), we got her settled at home about 6pm. By 7pm, she was hysterically screaming with abdominal pain "the most horrific ever" - then, difficulty breathing & severe chest pains. I called her ENT & left a message & decided to rush her to the E.R. at Medical Center of the Rockies (not a fan of LUH's E.R.!).

After many, many tests - she was diagnosed w/ Acute Pancreatitis & her liver was 'involved'. They needed to transport her to a pediatric unit (which MCR doesn't have) & around 2am, she & I were transported by ambulance to Longmont United Hospital's Pediatric Unit (didn't know they had one!) I truly believe a HUGE reason this happened (her transfer via ambulance) was the amazing 40 minute missionary experience I had w/ Cody the Medic. What an amazing young man, I hope the seeds that were planted (especially on genealogy) that will take hold in this wonderful man. Our paths crossed that night, thanks to Brynne, for a reason, I am sure.

(Isn't Brynne a gifted optomist? :)

Brynne was directly admitted to the pediatric unit at LUH. A great Dr. & our old Pediatrician (Wade Heinrichs) & wonderful nurses took excellent care of her. Dr. Heinrichs brought Children's Hospital of Denver's G.I. team onto the case. Still don't have answers - are working hard, but befuddled so far.....

Her pancreatic numbers went below normal as of today, but, her liver numbers keep climbing, along w/ other markers (inflammation, etc...). They ruled out gall stones at the ER via ultrasound & today ruled out a blockage via xray. A ton of blood was taken and many tests ordered & sent to the Mayo Clinic - we'll hear back next week on them.

They released her to us to bring home tonight. We are trying hard to keep her hydrated (tonsillectomy wise & crazy new illness wise......), keep her pain managed ( a trick in itself ) & get ready for Christmas.

We feel that we have already received the greatest gift that she is home again with us & that we have been blessed - YET, AGAIN - with excellent Doctors & specialists. This kid is helping us to drain every last benefit out of our insurance company before the year's end.... she should! She is the main reason we MET every out of pocket & deductible! :) Worth every penny.

Lots of tears, lots of prayers (we felt them all) & the power of the priesthood have filled our last several days. What a way to humble yourself & put your heart in the correct mood for Christmas: To be reminded what truly matters in life.