ISAIAH KEEPS HAVING PAIN

Isaiah was admitted again to CHOP yesterday (1/16/13). In the morning he woke up with severe stomach pain and retching. Joy was able to take him down to the hospital for x-rays and evaluation, and I stayed at home with Josiah. It turned out there was no blockage, and we are still waiting for some lab work to come back to see if anything else is going on. Since being in the hospital, Isaiah has developed a high fever, his bowls have stopped moving, and he is not able to keep anything down. They are currently just keeping him hydrated through IV fluids and trying to keep the fever down.

Josiah and I got to speak to him last night and he seemed in pretty good spirits even with belly pain still lingering. Please continue to pray for him and for us with this latest trip to the hospital. Isaiah was in the hospital right before Christmas for 3 days due to similar symptoms, but it turned out to be the flu that affected his bowels on top of having croup. Josiah also had croup with the flu, and Joy had the flu on top of bronchitis. Needless to say, it was not a great Christmas, but at least we were all home together. Somehow I didn't get sick so I was able to manage the household while everyone else rested.

One thing new we learned during these recent hospital visits, is that we have to be extra careful with Isaiah and what sicknesses he is exposed to. Certain viruses/bacterias can cause his bowels to stop working (ileus) which then could lead to a blockage of the bowels. Because Isaiah often appears healthy, many forget he is medically fragile with a delayed immune response to illnesses. He cannot fight off viral/bacterial infections like "normal-functioning" children. Please remember this when you or your children are going to be around him. It could be a matter of life or death for him. Please help us protect Isaiah and if we are going to be getting together with some of you, please let us know if anyone may be sick or not feeling well.

Thank you for your prayers and help,
Chris