Update on Natalie’s health

Update on Natalie’s health:

As some of you know Natalie was admitted into hospital on July 12^th where she stayed for some time due to new abdominal pain that was quite intense with vomiting small amounts of blood. This admission was rather eventful. Natalie was put on so much morphine for the pain that her breathing became very shallow, mom and the nurses had to keep tapping her and calling her so she would take another breath as she wasn’t doing it otherwise. She also had chest x-ray, blood work, ultrasound and then was taken to the operating room where she had endoscopy #17. For the first time in her life she was not put under general anaesthetic but swallowed the tube while awake, with little sedation. She handled it well and didn’t seem too concerned by this unfamiliar way of adult care she is now having to adjust to. The tests reveal that her spleen has grown more, leaving very little room in her abdomen. Her stomach and small bowel, along with pretty much every other organ, has been pushed and squashed to the far right side of her abdomen which is causing intermittent obstruction and squashing of the stomach valve which results in this pain and fullness. They also found an enlarged lymph node and some new dilated veins in her stomach which doctors are going to keep a close eye on. Despite all this she remains positive and brave throughout her journey with Biliary Atresia. She is now back at home continuing to recover and working on eating. It is taking longer for her to bounce back after each admission these days but she is still as determined as ever!

On August 18^th Natalie will be meeting with her adult specialist, Dr. Charles Scudamore at Vancouver General Hospital as she transitions from BC Children’s Hospital. Dr Scudamore is picking up where Dr. Rick Schreiber left off and will continue with her regular follow-ups. Natalie is also scheduled to meet with the liver transplant team this November. The intention is for them to do an assessment and work on a plan with Dr Scudamore as to when a liver transplant and spleen reduction will be necessary. We thank each and everyone of you for all the endless support you show Natalie and our family, and for following us and joining us on the journey to making the world aware of Biliary Atresia.

One day a cure will be found.

Natalie with twin sister Kathryn and good friend Emily