Pyloric Stenosis Take Two

I write this post through cloudy, tear-filled eyes in room 5708 of Lee Memorial Health Park Hospital. Never in a million years did I think I'd be posting a sequel to the Pyloric Stenosis post that I wrote on August 21, 2008. Our little Charlie can't wait to be just like his big brother that he went as far as to have Pyloric Stenosis. Charlie has been vomiting since day one, but our pediatrician has attributed it to acid reflux which is very common in babies. I have questioned the idea that it could be Pyloric Stenosis for a couple weeks now but both pediatricians I saw said it would be ASTRONOMICALLY RARE for two babies in the same family to have it (my main pediatrician said it's never happened in his 12 years of practicing). Apparently we are astronomically rare.

I've taken Charlie to the doctor twice about the vomiting, with calls to the doctor in between. Today, after three bouts of projectile vomiting, I called the doctor and told them I wanted an ultrasound done of Charlie's belly. I thought for sure I would be told that it wasn't necessary (and Mama Ritchey wore her boxing gloves just in case that happened because I wasn't going to take no for an answer), but the on-call doctor agreed that it was time. I headed to Naples Community Hospital where he was given an ultrasound. I acted like I didn't see the large sign with huge font that said "DO NOT ASK THE ULTRASOUND TECHNICIAN FOR TEST RESULTS", and asked the tech if she thought it was PS. She said that it was a little unclear because Charlie had some gas bubbles in his belly, but that she felt pretty certain it WAS Pyloric Stenosis (and Charlie's reading was a "27" and anything over a "25" means PS... not sure what measurement that is). She didn't even finish her sentence before the floodgates opened and the tears began to fall. I remember all to well, like it was yesterday, what Adrey, John and I went through when Adrey had this two years ago. Adrey doesn't remember a thing about it, but it is something we will never forget.

We stayed at NCH for a couple more hours while the doctors and nurses coordinated with Lee Memorial and the ambulance transportation. Surgery will have to be done at LM as there isn't a pediatric surgeon in Naples right now. Charlie and I rode in the ambulance to the hospital and John went home to pack up a few things and met us there. We have a nice room and Charlie is resting comfortably. He is in NO distress or discomfort what-so-ever. He's sleeping like a baby:-) It's been an emotional afternoon/evening to say the least. I hate seeing our little guy hooked to IV's and unable to eat. Poor thing can't eat until after surgery tomorrow.

Sweet Charlie in Mommy's arms resting comfortably.

Being transported to Lee Memorial Health Park.

Although we've been down this road before, and know what the outcome will be, please say prayers for our Sweet Charlie. We love him so much. I just want tomorrow to be over with. Bless your sweet heart, Charlie. Mommy and Daddy love you with all our hearts.

Stay tuned... I'll update as soon as we learn more.

xoxo