Five years ago when I first met my little peanut, I had no clue how much this amazing child would be able to accomplish. However, she was blessed with a strong dose of determination that helps her overcome the obstacles that she faces.
Since she ended physical therapy in November, she has been running, dancing, and climbing. Her new-found thrill is climbing up the slide part of the slide (the steeper the better!) and learning how to swing by herself on the swings. She has mastered riding her tricycle and loves to dance during worship.
Today was her last day of pre-kindergarten, and because she has done so well, she is going to be starting first grade in the fall. She has already learned to read, loves to make up math problems and solve them, and has somehow taught herself how to tie her shoes!
Medically, she has had much to deal with so far this year. Because she has frequent bouts of bronchitis/respiratory infections, her pulmonologist recommended that she have her tonsils and adenoids removed. However, in order to do this, ear/nose/throat doctors and the insurance need confirmation of sleep apnea before performing the surgery. As you can well imagine, being hooked to all kinds of monitors during the sleep study to test for sleep apnea did not make her a happy camper. However, she managed to get through the test, which turned out to be negative. We will be going back for a follow up in August to talk about what to do next. Until then, she is on a medication that is supposed to reduce the size of her tonsils and adenoids.
Sometime in March, Kelli started to have urinary issues as well. Her pediatrician needed to take a urine culture to check for an infection; the catheterization really scared and upset her. Luckily, this test also turned out to be negative. When the symptoms continued, her doctor sent her for an ultrasound of her kidneys and bladder. Because medical procedures cause a great deal of anxiety in her, the technician was only able to get pictures of her kidneys and not her bladder. Fortunately, her kidneys appeared to be fine. At this point, I was starting to believe that her symptoms had more of an emotional basis and not a physical one. I mentioned it to her counselor, and she has been working with Kelli on her anxiety issues. Because her symptoms persisted, Kelli was sent to a urologist. When a urine culture was taken this time, it showed a trace amount of blood and an elevated protein level. However, further testing was within the normal range. She will have a follow up appointment in August, and until then we are to increase the dosage of her laxative a bit and help her find ways to lower her anxiety levels.
Kelli's next surgery will be on Friday, June 20. This one will be to remove the plate and four screws that were placed on her femur last summer. This procedure should only take about an hour and a half. Afterward she will be in a hip abduction brace for two weeks. During that time, she will not be allowed to do any weight bearing on her left leg. Her doctor will see her again on July 7, and if all is well, Kelli will be able to start walking and enjoying the rest of her summer.
I appreciate all of you who are and have been praying for her!
James 5:16 The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.
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