Appointment

Sorry about not posting sooner about the doctor's appointment - it has been a busy few days. We did receive lots of information when we were down there on Friday. A few major highlights were:

• Autumn's kidneys are functioning at about 20%. If a normal person has 100% kidney function - Autumn's are around 20%. Any lower that 20 and they will put her back on dialysis.
• They can do many things to compensate for what her kidneys aren't doing for her. They have decreased her calcium and increased her sodium. They are fairly concerned about the amount of protein that is still in her urine, as some protein can tear apart the kidney filters when it goes through. They are considering giving her shots to help stop this protein from getting through the filters.
• They will also closely monitor her growth (height) to be sure that her lack of kidney function is not affecting her bone growth as it sometimes does in small children.

They aren't sure what is going to happen from here. They don't have a lot of data or history for this kind of case - so they just plan to keep checking her levels and adjust things according to what her body is doing. They have mentioned a kidney transplant, but that wouldn't happen for a little over a year, so we are not pursuing that route just yet. We are still believing and trusting in God - that he will continue to heal her and make her well. She was 4 months old yesterday and we are so thankful to Him for bringing her so far in these few months. She is already over 12 pounds and is doing all sorts of normal baby stuff. Her sister can make her smile and even laugh on command. We are rejoicing that God chose us to raise this little girl - she has taught us so much already. I can't wait to see what else God has in store for us (her) in the coming weeks, months, & years!! Keep praying for her as she continues to fight - keep praying for us as we strive to be our best for each other and for these girls. We love you all!!