Update on Walker...

Hi all! So I expressed to all you my concern, as we found out we were having another boy, regarding the medical issues we had with Brady. So the only thing we could while I was prego with Walker was to find out if it was genetic, by testing my blood, and waiting to have Walker's blood tested when he was born. Thank the Lord that my test came out fine, not genetic!! So chances are Brady's immunodeficiency was a fluke (1 in a mil type of thing)- but obviously part of God's plan from the beginning.

So Walker arrived on May 6th (it's almost his first birthday!!) and his blood was tested. The first round of tests came back great (basic CBC), but we were waiting for more tests of his immune system, which took a while to get back. Finally after calling and waiting and calling and waiting, we found out that one of his values was a little off...he had a low count of B-cells (which is part of the immune system and aids in making antibodies against antigens). So...the only thing to do at this point was wait and re-take his blood a couple months down the road. And it was best for me to keep nursing...that way he gets my antibodies, and is protected longer than if he was on formula.

Walker had more blood work at 6 months and his b-cell count was great!! Praise God! However, his IgG count was low. Ugh...I just wanted an all around good report. But I also realized that many kids could have these issues and never find out about it because they don't get blood work every few months! So I was optimistic. This was the only low value, he was developing anti-bodies to his vaccines, which was something that Brady didn't do very well. So again, I was encouraged. The Dr. decided to put him on antibiotics, prophylactically to prevent him from getting any serious infections (until we could do more testing-and they are trying to play it safe for our circumstance). So since the beginning of December 2009 he has been on Amoxicillin twice a day, which he takes like a champ. We went back for blood work at 9 months and his count was the same, low.  So we remain on antibiotics, and he will be tested again after his first birthday. We are going to CHOP (Children's Hospital of Philadelphia) for all his Dr. appointments and blood work.  The head of immunology, Dr. Orange and his fellow, Dr. Forbes have been following our case and have been fabulous to work with!

I asked Dr. Orange how this low IgG count would manifest itself in a child, and he told me that a child with this low value might be seen in the Dr. office several times for re-curring ear infections, colds, etc. So it seemed minor infections were a result. Walker has never had an ear infection, only several colds this winter, which could have been due to his low IgG. But I feel safe because he is on antibiotcs for the time being. Dr. Orange also said that they wouldn't diagnose this an immunodeficiency until age 4, if he still has this issue. Until that age it could just be that his immune system is taking a slower time developing his IgG. So we are praying that soon (before 4) he makes his own! :)

I wanted to give everyone an abbreviated update, because I'm sure some of you were wondering what ever happened to all of Walker's testing, and also so you could pray for him and us as we continue to wait and re-visit the Doctors! Thanks for all your support, we are truely grateful and love all of you!