Samantha's Diary

Samantha’s vomiting has reduced tremendously thanks to the doctors’ help. The doctor has narrowed down the cause to her existing condition, which is high level of lactic acid in her blood. Normal human will have acid level of 2, while Samantha has level 11. According to doctor, this is common with Mitochondrial disorder patients and could be controlled via Sodium Bicarbonate.

As Jonathan had serious vomiting before and was diagnosed with Pyloric Stenosis, Samantha had higher risk of having it. They did an ultrasound on her abdomen again for Pyloric Stenosis. The scan came back negative and it also confirmed that there are no obstruction to her digestive systems, which also rules out GERD.

There is however a clearer picture of what we might face with Samantha in the future, but this may change as she grows. Through the MRI, the doctor informed that there are damages to the brain part which controls her motor skills. Her legs and arms movement may be affected. There is also some part of the brain damages which affects her learning skills. There is also visible larger than normal water volume in her brain.

The good news is, Samantha don’t have to undergo any surgery for now. The Hydrocephalus which was said could be threatening her life turns out to be her skull closure were slow due to her existing illness. It will close over time.

Another findings was her left kidney is no where to be found via the ultrasound. Doctor is to perform additional test to check whether was it because she was born with only one kidney or the kidney was damaged during her first incident. If the kidney was destroyed during first incident, and it is left in the body, it could be toxic and need to be removed via surgery.

Samantha is scheduled to discharge either this Friday or Saturday, and at most on Monday.

We brought Sam to doctor today and he checked her. Samantha was sent for brain and abdomen ultrasound. Her urine sample were taken again for another lab test.

The results from the ultrasound came back with negative for Plyloric Stenosis, the problem which Sam’s brother had when he was 3 weeks old. Doctor also has ruled out UTI as the urine sample taken did not contain any signs of infection. However, the ultrasound on the brain shows that there is sign of water in it. This would need further MRI on the brain for clearer picture. According to the doctor, this was present during the first week when she was in PCMC.

Now, the cause of the vomiting is still not found. We would need to observe her condition for the next 2 days. During this time, complete hygiene is to be practiced so that viral infection could be ruled out too. If the vomiting still continue for these 2 days, she will be admitted into hospital and get thorough examination.

As for Samantha, she is slightly active compare to yesterday. We could still see from her eye that she is tired too. bWe’re hoping it is just a reflux and could go away after few days.

God, please guide us to find the cause for the vomiting.