Well we have had a trying an unexpected experience this past week. It all began with what I refer to as the "lollipop incident". I took Lilly for a haircut, and she cut her gums while eating a lollipop. It took 5 days before her mouth stopped bleeding. During this time she also developed strange dark purple bruises. The pediatrician ordered blood work. After seeing a hematologist at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Lilly was diagnosed with Immune
Thrombocytopenic Purpura (
ITP). It is an autoimmune disease where the immune system attacks the body's own blood platelets. Normal platelet levels range 150,000- 200,000. On Wednesday, Lilly's levels were 2,000.
She has been receiving an IV-
Immuno Globulin treatment, and this treatment should help her body stop attacking itself.
We are thankful for the many prayers and e-mails we have received from our family and friends. As all parents can imagine, this was a very scary time for us.
Lilly is feeling well. Her bruises remain and she has lost weight due to a suppressed appetite, but we are hopeful she will improve. The picture above is of her "mitten". It is an IV wrapped and hidden from her view. Since we will go back for a second treatment today, the nurses suggested leaving the IV in place so that she would not have to be traumatized with another IV placement.
Times like this make us appreciate our health in every way. We thank God for keeping Lilly safe as she recovers from this illness.
The only comical thing from all of this... When Lilly's blood pressure was checked, her IV placed or when blood was taken, she would get incredibly upset (understandably). Instead of screaming or crying, she'd spit! So, during these procedures Lilly zerbered and spit all over the place. We had never seen that side of her before. The nurses found it hilarious; as it was quite the change from crying kids.
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