January 28 - ER Run

Lisa called about 2:45 AM this morning saying that they were taking Ashby to the ER and could we come over to stay with Brooks.  Ashby had not been feeling well since Wednesday night.  She had thrown up twice, but mostly was lethargic and not eating.  She complained of pain in her back and side some, but had no fever.  She woke up around midnight and it had taken them a couple of hours to finally get her calmed down and back to sleep.

After talking about it, and doing a little research on the internet, they decided they needed to take her to the ER to rule out appendicitis.  The symptoms were not exactly right, but they didn't want to take any chances.  Jason had to have his appendix out when he was about 10 or 11, so it was something that stuck in Lisa's mind.

Needless to say, we got up, got dressed, and headed over to their house.  By then Ashby was back to sleep.  Bill and David gave her a blessing, then they took her down to Children's Healthcare of Atlanta to have her looked at.  We climbed into their bed and slept the rest of the night.

We didn't hear them come home about 6:30.  They just slipped in and went to sleep in the guest room downstairs.  Brooks woke up about 7:30, so I got up, fed him, and was playing with him when Lisa came up.

The good news is that it doesn't look like it is appendicitis.  Ashby struggles with bowel movements, and the doctor was almost certain it was a bowel backup that was causing the symptoms.  He told them it was a good thing to have brought her in to be checked and then gave them instructions on what to do.

They gave her a suppository when she woke up and she was able to have a good bowel movement later in the day.  They will put her on a mild laxative for the next two weeks, and then cut the amount in half and continue to give it to her for several more weeks.  Lisa said she was acting much better. The doctor told them that this can be a genetic thing, especially since Ashby usually eats a good variety of food already.

This just reminds us how precious these little ones are and how easily they can become sick or get hurt.  I am glad for Lisa' motherly instinct and David's support of her feelings.  I am glad for the care they got at the hospital, from a doctor who cared and from the support staff, as well.  I am especially grateful that this is not something more serious.  Ashby is a precious little girl and we do love her!