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January 03, 2009

Yes, I've been AWOL

We've had a bit of a medical emergency around here, so I've been pretty busy spending my time hunkered down with my loved ones and researching like crazy and just haven't found it in me to blog about the contented, happy, simple stuff since it was far from it and didn't want to blog about the depressing stuff just at that point. But I'm back.

On Monday I took Nathan to the doctor with a swollen face and entire body looking a LOT larger than he had been. I suspected kidney issues and that was confirmed by the doctor by having off the chart levels of protein in his urine. So we were immediately admitted to hospital for treatment - fortunately only one night stay. He has Nephrotic Syndrome with no known cause. No damage, just his kidneys weren't functioning quite right.

So I'm now researching diet changes, extra nutritional needs and ensuring enough vitamins/minerals are being eaten, effects of the drugs he's now on (corticosteroids), ways of minimising those effects and healing his body, monitoring him for any random illness now that his immune system is suppressed, feeling elated when he pees (especially when he does one that fills a 350ml container and risks overflowing onto the floor). LOL.

So yeah. That's us for now. Life goes on. We all seem to have this need to stick close to home, go for walks and plays at the beach, hang out in the garden, laugh and play and dance to music and jump around the room like a kangaroo or horse, dig for potatoes, pluck caterpillars off the tomato plants and all those usual things. He's in high spirits and has an unfailing trust in his body to heal and return to normal.

Things are looking good though and his protein levels in his urine have returned to negative today, so that's all sounding good so far and possibly hence my return to the blogosphere.

7 comments:

Nancy said...

Our Great God has provided us with marvelous bodies that for the most part regulate and heal themselves. I know you are also grateful for the doctor's that stepped in to help. Keep seeking and asking God for wisdom in your search...natural foods as you know are the best of the best medicines...I will keep your little guy in prayer as well..that he will continue to heal as he enjoys the simple , satisfying journey of life with his family.

Stephanie said...

I'm so glad to hear that Nathan isn't deterred, and that he "trusts his body to heal itself" as you said.
What a remarkable little boy!
Sending blessings your way.
Steph

Leanne said...

((HUGS)))

I have a friend Jennifer W (she is on hs group)who is doing a course in nutrition diploma level - I am sure she will be happy to talk with you. She is brilliant at resourcing info - when I had a query she emailed me heaps of info.
She also sells some vitamins - but isn't pushy. She is very interested in nutrition - might be worth picking her brains.

Love L

Sharonnz said...

We're enjoying being very home-based atm too. Glad to hear he's on the improve.

Sandra said...

I've been thinking of you and Nathan, Nikki. I'm glad to hear he is getting good signs of improvement.

Anything, ANYTHING, which you learn about how to help a little boy's body recover from steroids, would be of huge interest to me. Fionn had to have oral steroids for his asthma before Christmas and I'm wondering if that is linked to his new, current bout of eczema. Rather have eczema than difficulty breathing any day though.

Johanna Knox said...

Hi Nikki - a late comment as we've been away, but it's great to hear that things are looking so positive.

Chile said...

Best wishes for a speedy recovery for the little guy!