May 23, 2008

I heard back from the Surgeon that did Kinnick's NEC surgery.  He reviewed the upper GI study and says that the colon was dialated.  He says this isn't normal (don't know why the hospital or GI specialist didn't say anything about this).  He wants to do a lower GI - 24 hour study.  He suspects a narrowing where the last surgery was done.  We've scheduled the study the 2nd week in June.  

We started Kinnick on Culturelle for kids - a probiotic.  It can be taken as a dietary supplement.  It is supposed to improve digestion and help maintain regular bowel movements and normal stools.  Since Kinnick has been on it, she is stooling 2-3 times a day.  I'm not sure where all of the poop is coming from, but it seems to be helping to get it out.  She doesn't have diarrhea, it's all very formed.  Some of the stools are so large, it's hard to believe it came out of her.  It looks like something that could have come out of an adult.  I read about Culturelle on Hallie's blog (listed under my preemie friends).  I asked the surgeon if this would help Kinnick.  He didn't think it would be the answer to our prayers, but said it wouldn't hurt.  Last night, Kinnick didn't leak much at all around her G-tube.  She also had minimal leaking today.  She still has a great deal of gas in her intestines.  I'm sure it is very painful.  She handles the pain so well.  I think she's just used to all of the pain.  I'm hoping with more normal stools, maybe the gas will go away.  I'm hoping tonight is another good night.