May, 20, 2010

We had a follow up with Seattle Children's Hospital (Nephrology Dept) today, and here is what came out of that.... We found out that the tests for renin (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Renin) levels coming out of the kidneys came back showing high levels coming out of both kidneys... which does support the kidney's causing the high blood pressure.  It was also concluded that the blood pressure was under control with the medications and the fact that her other symptoms were not going away that we needed some more discovery.  The plan from Children's is to have neurology, gastroenterology, infectious disease, and metabolic departments get involved.  Dr. Smith (who we met with today) is going to speak to all of these specialties, have them go over Allison's case, and come up with some recommendations.  Then get a plan together and organize all this to either do as an inpatient (again) or possibly as an outpatient, take all the blood everyone needs at one time and get everyone that needs to see her to see her.  But before this begins to get everyone on board and with a plan.  Some specific tests will take some time to get back, but to get the ball rolling.  Also we have an appointment with Allison's pediatrician Friday afternoon to discuss everything that has gone on with Allison and discuss any ideas or suggestions that her pediatrician may have.  Dr. Judy Smith (from children's) said she would call us this weekend after speaking to the other departments with an updated plan.  We are definitely looking at the possibility of doing this as an outpatient.  Ali would rather not be back at the Hospital... Either would we, but we will go over a few different plans and decide what to do next hopefully by Monday or Tuesday.  Allison has been doing ok today as she has had a  few periods of wanting to play and except for the car ride back and forth to Seattle has been sitting on the couch watching "kids shows".