Special Delivery from Chicago

Sarah has asked me to update her blog with all that took place yesterday with Dr. Whitington. First and foremost, it is such an honor to even be allowed into Sarah's sacred blog and I would just like to thank her for this wonderful opportunity. Despite my immense gratitude for this opportunity, I still cannot deny the fact that Sarah's breath smells like she just ate a poop sandwich. I am starting to think that those are her favorite things to eat. On to Ezra....

Yesterday was a very good day for our family and for little Ezra. Sarah and I arrived at the hospital at about 7:45 a.m. for an 8:00 a.m. meeting with Dr. Peter Whitington. We were both a little anxious for the meeting but thankful that he was willing to come and give his input on Ezra. When we arrived we were surprised to already find him along with several other doctors in Ezra's room. He immediately introduced himself and his first words to us were about how impressed he was with Ezra's physical appearance. He stated that Ezra appeared better physically than most other babies with NH that he has treated. So, this offered us some immediate comfort for the remainder of the meeting. He went on to say that the reason he decided to come to Iowa was: 1) to keep his word and, 2) to further evaluate Ezra and see what they would do differently in Chicago versus Iowa and what they would really be up against if he were to go there. He stated confidently that Ezra was perfectly fine here in Iowa and that there appeared to be no need to transport him to Chicago. He said that Ezra, at this moment is nowhere near needing a liver transplant and that he probably will not need one (let's hope). He told us that he has treated a number of infants successfully with far worse lab numbers and that were much sicker than Ezra without the need for transplantation. Comparing his numbers again to other infants that he has managed, Ezra's numbers were "above average". He went on to tell us that he felt Ezra's liver was in the healing stages for a few reasons. The first being his glucose levels. When Ezra was born he was hypoglycemic. He was given glucose to address this concern and his lab numbers showed a positive response to this. To him, that showed him that some of his liver was functioning. Also, since his numbers have been stable and have not worsened, he felt that that was also another sign that his little liver was recovering. It will just take time for him to fully recover, but he felt that Ezra would recover and regain full function with his liver. He even went as far as saying that he would like for us, along with Ezra, to visit him in Chicago in September so Sarah can participate in some of the on-going research that he is conducting. He recommended that the staff here not conduct lab work two times a day as they have been doing, but cut back to 2 times a week. Ezra's coagulation numbers along with his bilirubin levels are still high, but Dr. Whitington told us that these are the last things to improve with these infants. I asked him how long he thought this could take and he said that he has seen infants improve in a few weeks, with the longest being 3 months. So, again we will be here for awhile and that is OK. Just as long as Ezra gets better. By no means are we out of the woods but Dr. Whittington gave us a few more rays of hope. Sarah and I felt very blessed to have Dr. Whitington come to Iowa just for our little son. Throughout this process we have expressed to each other multiple times that we haven't felt alone. The Lord's hand has been made evident during this time and we are so grateful for that. We are so grateful also for the doctors and staff that have taken care of him (and for the one reading this blog, you know who you are). They have all been great. Thanks to everyone for your support and prayers. It has been so wonderful to see and feel your love.