Gemma has been struggling for about 3 months with abdominal pains. We've tried a few different prescribed meds. She's had every scope, and scan (including a CT scan) done. On the one hand, we are very grateful that all her organs are healthy and that there's no problem, on the other though we just want a quick fix. We feel so helpless, not being able to do anything to ease the pain. No pain meds, up until today, have worked. She says it's a constant pain that comes more severely at times.
About a month ago, she went for a scope, and the Specialist Surgeon found that she had a fungus at the base of her oesophagus. She was treated for that for 7 days. 3 days after the course ended, the pain started again. She was treated for a further 7 days. He then started treating her for gastritis as well.
On Sunday morning her pain was very intense and her sugars were extremely high - not dropping below 20. I took her to emergencies, only to discover that her cannula in her infusion set was bent. We've had many a bent cannula, but with the pain etc, I just assumed that it was all related. On insertion of a new infusion set, her sugars came down slightly, but they were still much higher than normal. On Monday morning the school called to say she was in a lot of pain, By that evening she was crying in pain and could not tolerate it any longer. She managed to eventually fall asleep, but again I took her to emergencies. I had been in touch with her paediatrician. He advised that we admit her. The following day was when she had the CT scan. He did every possible blood test again. Everything came back clear. Helplessness - does not even describe how I was feeling.
On Thursday a stool sample came back finally showing something. That she has a bacteria - if I understand correctly - in her intestinal region. A nurse explained it very nicely - that with organisms in the abdominal area, when one is there, it opens up a door for more to come attacking. With her prolonged high sugars in the past week or so, it's worsened the situation, and obviously the diabetes slows the healing time. It makes sense that her pain initially was just below the ribs and is now in the centre of her tummy. Her doctor said she could choose to either stay or go home as the bacteria can be treated at home. She decided to stay, as she doesn't want to leave before she feels better. She has been moved out of the paediatric ward, into the surgical ward. She has her own en-suite room.
Today for the first time, they administered pain meds intravenously, as it is very severe. I'm so glad she decided to stay for that reason alone. I just hope and pray that this 10 day course will clear this bacteria, and her pain will disappear for good.
Just a note on our boys - The day Gemma had her scope done, Bryce took in his absolute stride. Neither Michael or I were available the entire afternoon. Bryce got himself to each extra mural he was supposed to be at, walked himself to karate, and was only picked up by Michael at 6pm. He makes me so incredibly proud. He has been left mostly to his own devices - he is doing exceptionally well at school and continues to amaze us with stunning art works. I can honestly say he is doing it on his own, as most of our attention is focused on Gemma. Thabo continues to bring craziness to the family. He LOVES to sing, and often belts out the beats of Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, Lady Gaga, but his favourite song of all time is Jolene. This week, however, has taken it's toll on him as Michael was away for 2 days. He arrived back today, and has taken the boys to Johannesburg, as Bryce is competing in a karate tournament. It's not all diabetes in Gemma's life. She is starting to take after her dad on the Squash court. She will playing in the Inter Provincial Tournament for Free State in a few weeks - lets hope she has healed by then. She does private drama, which she absolutely lives for. She plays the lead role of Alice in Alice in Wonderland next weekend, so again we hope she can be better to fulfil this dream of hers.
I just want to take this opportunity to thank her team that constantly care for her, being available at any given time of the day. Dr Walsh and Dr Yazbeks rooms who allow me to walk in without an appointment, and find a time to squeeze Gemma in. Dr Heyns, the specialist surgeon, who ensured us that Gemma is going to be absolutely fine, that he will do anything to help her. Dr Herhold, who we only met today, as he is stepping in for Dr. Diffenthal - who is on a much deserved weekend off at a cycle race. Dr Herhold knows how to bring a smile to his patients, I feel honored to have had this brief encounter with him. To Donna, Gemma's dietician. Donna, I hope you don't mind me sharing, is going through an extremely challenging time with both her daughters - health wise, and she is there for Gemma - always a phone call away. To Marissa, Bloemfontein's medtronic rep. The insulin pump has been life changing for Gemma, and Marissa is there to answer any questions - at any time. To all the ER doctors who now know my face when I walk into the ER. A very special thank you to each and every single nurse that has been there for her. I have no words, it's a job that one must do for the absolute love of. The passion and caring that each nurse we have ever met, is so humbling.
Last, but definitely not least, Dr Diffenthal. A doctor who you have to book months in advance, just to get an appointment, is there at our beck and call - any hour, any day. Dr Diffenthal is a world class doctor, and we appreciate him more than he can imagine. We have been to many hospitals with Gemma, and I wish I could name every doctor that has looked after her in the past, but focusing on the present, we are so extremely grateful for the care she received right here on our doorstep.