update on Annette

Annette had to do a 3rd blood and urine test 3 weeks back because the 2nd blood test was taken from the veins on her hand but the results might have been falsified due to the trauma of pushing the blood out from the veins. Hence this 3rd blood test was to be taken from the artery on her forearm and this time it was done by a doctor. We stood outside the room this time and our poor girl cried her lungs out.


So we met with the 2 paediatricians this week to discuss the results. She's been found to have high lactate levels and they suspect she might have difficulties with energy production so they suggested that she undergo an MRI scan. It has been scheduled on 29 Oct. 


We pray that the doctors will be able to find the cause for her high lactate levels, poor weight gain and delay in her gross motor skills and that her condition will be treatable (then we can also avoid having a muscle biopsy which may be the next phase of testing if nothing shows up on the MRI scan and it's really painful so she'll have to be under GA if the biopsy is to be done). 


We're also praying for the whole procedure to go on smoothly and safely (she'll be admitted on 28 Oct at night so hope she and mummy can get rest even in a 6-bedder ward! and she'll be sedated for the scan). Daddy will be home with Samantha and will take leave the next day to look after Sam.

We thank God that she's a happy (cheeky too!) and active girl who is also in good health apart from the problems above. The physiotherapist has seen improvements in her gross motor skills (the last appointment was about 6 weeks back and we had another session last week and this week) so she's sitting up more, using her hands to support herself and is able to sit up unsupported for a brief moment until she shifts her weight. She also started cruising (walking sideways along her cot and table) since last week.