This afternoon we received a call from Dr. Myers, the Pediatric Nephrologist at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. He told us that the blood tests that they ran yesterday all came back within normal limits. Praise God!
He informed us that his urine culture results will not be available for several days. They watch to see if any bacteria grows in his urine culture over several days. He wants to make sure that all of the e.coli bacteria that was in Noah's body while he was in the NICU is gone.
The urine sample they took via the catheter did not supply enough urine to send to Mayo Clinic for testing. This test would've been used to rule out Cystinuria, which is a cause of persistent kidney stones. It is a disease involving transport of cystine and dibasic amino acids in the kidney and intestine, and is one of many causes of kidney stones. Dr. Myers informed us that he doesn't believe that Noah has cystinuria, but he wanted to rule it out to be on the safe side. He explained that we will get another sample at his next appointment or we can request Dr. Auron to run this uirne test when we take Noah to see him on Tuesday.
Dr. Myers also explained that he met with a urologist to seek his opinion on the kidney stone on the left kidney. The urologist believes that the spot isn't a free floating kidney stone, but yet another part of nephrocalcinosis. In nephrocalcinosis, calcium deposits form in the kidney tissue itself. Most of the time, both kidneys are affected, which is Noah's case. He explained that the calcium deposits on the kidneys should disappear over time. These calcium deposits can occur in premature babies.
We return to Iowa City in six months for another check-up. We will also meet with Dr. Auron at Blank Children's Hospital on Tuesday.
Praise God for the normal test results thus far. Please continue to pray for Noah and for his urine culture to come back within normal limits and with no e.coli present in his body.
Thanks for your continued prayers. We are truly blessed!
Saturday, March 31, 2012
Friday, March 30, 2012
Noah's Trip to Iowa City
Today, we took a trip to Iowa City so that Noah could see a Pediatric Nephrologist. This all came about a couple of weeks ago, Friday, March 16, when Noah became sick with the stomach flu and became dehydrated as a result. That morning, Darci noticed blood in Noah's diaper. She immediately took him in to see Dr. Cooper who conducted urine tests via the u-bag and through a catheter. That night, we had to go to the Mercy ER because the doctor couldn't obtain a urine sample. While at the ER, they ran a whole host of tests, including a renal ultrasound, a chest and abdominal x-ray, a urine sample via catheter and blood tests. They confirmed through the ultrasound that there was a moderate amount of blood in Noah's urine and they saw shadows on both of his kidneys. We were released to go home with instructions to keep in touch with Dr. Cooper due to Noah's dehydration due to the flu and have Noah further evaluated by a Pediatric Nephrologist.
On Sunday, Dr. Cooper admitted Noah to the hospital due to dehydration and an elevated blood pressure. She was worried about hypertension. During Noah's stay at Mercy they rehydrated him via IV fluids and consulted an adult nephrologist since the pediatric nephrologist was out of town. Dr. Buchsbaum was covering for Dr. Auron while he was out of town. The nephrologist ordered a CT scan for Noah and they confirmed that Noah had multiple kidney stones on both kidneys. We were released to come home on Wednesday night, four days later after monitoring Noah closely.
On Thursday and Friday that week, Noah wasn't eating well, so we went back to the pediatrician's office. His heart rate was dropping down and he wasn't eating very well. Dr. Stoll confirmed that Noah had strep throat through a strep culture and advised us to go to Iowa City for further evaluation regarding Noah's kidneys. She made arrangements for us to see Dr. Myers the following week.
We went to Iowa City today to see Dr. Myers, a pediatric nephrologist. They ran another renal ultrasound and conducted blood and urine tests. Dr. Myers initial consultation stated that Noah's kidney stones aren't all kidney stones. Premature babies can get calcium deposits on the tissue of the kidneys due to the use of lasix in the NICU. These look like kidney stones, but it is actually called nephrocalcinosis, a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. This condition is common in premature babies. Dr. Myers confirmed through the CT scan and the renal ultrasound that Noah has a kidney stone on the left kidney and this is a cause for concern because it is 3 mm and this is pretty big for a baby his size. He ran many tests and will consult with a urologist and members of his practice to confirm the cause of the stone. At this point, they are using today's blood and urine tests to rule out any disorders or infections that may impact Noah's kidneys. We will obtain some of the test results tomorrow and other test results will come back in a couple of weeks as they are being sent to a lab at the Mayo Clinic. Although this situation is scary and worrysome, he did reassure us that this is not anything catastrophic. He stated that Noah's kidneys must be monitored regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. He also recommended that we consult with a local pediatric nephrologist regarding Noah's care. It is always better to have numerous eyes on the same medical issue. We have an appointment with Dr. Auron on Tuesday at Blank Children's Hospital.
Please pray that Noah's test results come back within normal limits and that there are no lingering problems. Also, continue to pray for the medical team as they continue to evaluate Noah and his test results. Praise God for a very thorough and comprehensive appointment in Iowa City today. We are thankful to have such great medical professionals evaluating our baby boy.
We will keep you posted once we know more test results. Until then, we would love for you to continue to pray for Baby Noah. The power of prayer is amazing!
On Sunday, Dr. Cooper admitted Noah to the hospital due to dehydration and an elevated blood pressure. She was worried about hypertension. During Noah's stay at Mercy they rehydrated him via IV fluids and consulted an adult nephrologist since the pediatric nephrologist was out of town. Dr. Buchsbaum was covering for Dr. Auron while he was out of town. The nephrologist ordered a CT scan for Noah and they confirmed that Noah had multiple kidney stones on both kidneys. We were released to come home on Wednesday night, four days later after monitoring Noah closely.
On Thursday and Friday that week, Noah wasn't eating well, so we went back to the pediatrician's office. His heart rate was dropping down and he wasn't eating very well. Dr. Stoll confirmed that Noah had strep throat through a strep culture and advised us to go to Iowa City for further evaluation regarding Noah's kidneys. She made arrangements for us to see Dr. Myers the following week.
We went to Iowa City today to see Dr. Myers, a pediatric nephrologist. They ran another renal ultrasound and conducted blood and urine tests. Dr. Myers initial consultation stated that Noah's kidney stones aren't all kidney stones. Premature babies can get calcium deposits on the tissue of the kidneys due to the use of lasix in the NICU. These look like kidney stones, but it is actually called nephrocalcinosis, a disorder in which there is too much calcium deposited in the kidneys. This condition is common in premature babies. Dr. Myers confirmed through the CT scan and the renal ultrasound that Noah has a kidney stone on the left kidney and this is a cause for concern because it is 3 mm and this is pretty big for a baby his size. He ran many tests and will consult with a urologist and members of his practice to confirm the cause of the stone. At this point, they are using today's blood and urine tests to rule out any disorders or infections that may impact Noah's kidneys. We will obtain some of the test results tomorrow and other test results will come back in a couple of weeks as they are being sent to a lab at the Mayo Clinic. Although this situation is scary and worrysome, he did reassure us that this is not anything catastrophic. He stated that Noah's kidneys must be monitored regularly to ensure they are functioning properly. He also recommended that we consult with a local pediatric nephrologist regarding Noah's care. It is always better to have numerous eyes on the same medical issue. We have an appointment with Dr. Auron on Tuesday at Blank Children's Hospital.
Please pray that Noah's test results come back within normal limits and that there are no lingering problems. Also, continue to pray for the medical team as they continue to evaluate Noah and his test results. Praise God for a very thorough and comprehensive appointment in Iowa City today. We are thankful to have such great medical professionals evaluating our baby boy.
We will keep you posted once we know more test results. Until then, we would love for you to continue to pray for Baby Noah. The power of prayer is amazing!
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Noah's Big Day Out
What a wonderful day! We found out on Friday that Noah could start going out of the house.
His pulmonologist said that he is getting big enough and strong enough to go out in public.
We still have to be very cautious about exposing him to germs, so we aren't letting others hold him or touch him without thoroughly washing their hands. We want to protect him from RSV. He has his last Synagis shot at the end of March...yeah! We were nervous about his day out, but it went extremely well. It went so well it tuckered him out this afternoon. He took a three hour nap, which is very rare for him. Taylor and Ian had a great day today as well. They loved taking their lol' bro to church. They also had a wonderful time going out for lunch as a family and then off to the Iowa Energy game this afternoon with Grandpa and Grandma Lantz and their cousin, Addie. They had a great time! Thanks for taking them, Grandpa and Grandma Lantz!
Noah gained 6 oz. this past week, which was great news! He has now gained weight three weeks in
a row....Praise God! We are praying that he continues to gain weight and that his reflux improves or ceases completely. His reflux has improved, but he still has some reflux and has an oral aversion.
We are working with an occupational therapist to help him with his eating.
Noah's big outing today was to Lutheran Church of Hope for worship and then to Bravo for lunch.
He was fascinated by it all. The music was especially captivating. He loved it and his eyes were as big as golf balls. It was wonderful introducing Noah to his Hope family. We couldn't wait to show him to all of the wonderful people that have so faithfully prayed for him. We have an amazing church and are so blessed by all of the prayers, love and support. Please keep reading more below.
A cute story from today...Pastor Mike saw him and pointed out that his shoes were the color of the Chicago Bears. Noah already made his first big impression on Pastor Mike. Now we'll have to have Noah follow the Bears on a regular basis. I guess we know who our family will be rooting for during the next NFL season...Go Bears!
Thanks again for all of your prayers and support. Noah is getting stronger each day and we praise God for all He has done for our little boy. Please check out the video of Noah attached to this blog.
His pulmonologist said that he is getting big enough and strong enough to go out in public.
We still have to be very cautious about exposing him to germs, so we aren't letting others hold him or touch him without thoroughly washing their hands. We want to protect him from RSV. He has his last Synagis shot at the end of March...yeah! We were nervous about his day out, but it went extremely well. It went so well it tuckered him out this afternoon. He took a three hour nap, which is very rare for him. Taylor and Ian had a great day today as well. They loved taking their lol' bro to church. They also had a wonderful time going out for lunch as a family and then off to the Iowa Energy game this afternoon with Grandpa and Grandma Lantz and their cousin, Addie. They had a great time! Thanks for taking them, Grandpa and Grandma Lantz!
Noah gained 6 oz. this past week, which was great news! He has now gained weight three weeks in
a row....Praise God! We are praying that he continues to gain weight and that his reflux improves or ceases completely. His reflux has improved, but he still has some reflux and has an oral aversion.
We are working with an occupational therapist to help him with his eating.
Noah's big outing today was to Lutheran Church of Hope for worship and then to Bravo for lunch.
He was fascinated by it all. The music was especially captivating. He loved it and his eyes were as big as golf balls. It was wonderful introducing Noah to his Hope family. We couldn't wait to show him to all of the wonderful people that have so faithfully prayed for him. We have an amazing church and are so blessed by all of the prayers, love and support. Please keep reading more below.
A cute story from today...Pastor Mike saw him and pointed out that his shoes were the color of the Chicago Bears. Noah already made his first big impression on Pastor Mike. Now we'll have to have Noah follow the Bears on a regular basis. I guess we know who our family will be rooting for during the next NFL season...Go Bears!
Thanks again for all of your prayers and support. Noah is getting stronger each day and we praise God for all He has done for our little boy. Please check out the video of Noah attached to this blog.
Saturday, February 25, 2012
A Busy February
Taylor has been busy this month with school, Girl Scouts, gymnastics, and a theater class at the Des Moines Children's Playhouse. She loves school, acting classes, selling Girl Scout cookies and doing cartwheels and back bends in our home and at the gymnastics studio. She celebrated her 8th birthday on January 28 and was very lucky to get an electric guitar for her birthday. She will begin guitar lessons soon. She is very excited about playing an instrument and loves to sing. She definitely has a love for music just like her parents.
Ian has been busy with preschool, playdates, playing with his baby brother, and having sleepovers at his Grandma Jean's house. He loves to play with legos, build structures, and assemble Hero Factory guys. He is all boy! He is excited to play soccer this spring and t-ball this summer.
Baby Noah continues to make progress each day. He is now on a 1/4 liter of oxygen, but only requires it during naps and at night when he is sleeping. He is completely off oxygen when he is awake....Praise God! His lungs are getting stronger each day. He continues to struggle with reflux on a daily basis. We've been on several different medications for his reflux and have found one medication that works better for him than the rest, but he still has some reflux with this medication. The only problem is that he can't be on this medication long-term. He'll have to go off of it eventually, so please pray that his reflux continues to improve to the point that he doesn't require medication. His endoscopy in January showed that there are no abnormalities in his esophagus; however, he does have irritation in his stomach. We had an OT consult in our home this past week and her evaluation confirmed that Noah has an oral aversion. Noah doesn't like to eat baby food or rice cereal off of a spoon, so we are working with an occupational therapist from AEA to help Noah with his oral aversion so that he begins to eat better. She said that oral aversions are very common for children who have reflux. Please pray that he overcomes his oral aversion and that his reflux continues to improve or stops altogether, so that his feedings get better. That is our hope and prayer. Noah weighs 14 lbs. as of this past Wednesday, Feb. 22. He had a 5 oz. weight gain this past week, which is a great gain for Noah. Please pray that he continues to gain weight and pack on the pounds.
Noah is developmentally "on track" according to the 6-month developmental evaluation and is getting more secure at sitting up on his own. He loves to play in his jumper and shake and bat at his toys. He also smiles and laughs all of the time, which melts our hearts. He is a cutie! We are truly blessed to have such wonderful children. Taylor and Ian are WONDERFUL with their little brother and we are thankful to God for giving us such amazing children.
Friday, December 2, 2011
Welcome to our Family Blog!
Welcome to our Family Blog! We are very excited to have a blog so that we can update family and friends on a regular basis. So much is going on at the Lantz household this month. We are gearing up for Christmas and are very excited to have a wonderful new blessing added to our family this year....Baby Noah. He is such a cute lil' bundle of joy! Taylor and Ian adore their little bro!
The kids have had fun this year with a new tradition we've started...Elf on the Shelf. The kids named him Elfie....how original! They look forward to finding him each morning when they wake up. I keep telling the kids that he is watching them to see if they are making good choices. They really enjoy this new tradition.
Baby Noah is getting bigger each day. He was born on June 4, 2011 at 2 lbs. He now weighs 12 lbs. He is still on a 1/4 of a liter of oxygen to assist him with his breathing. He was on a 1/2 liter of oxygen when he was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 24, so he has definitely made progress. He has doubled his weight since his discharge date, too! Noah has had some feeding difficulties since he's been home from the hospital. He saw a pediatric gastroenterologist in November and we've made progress since then. He is now on full formula...Similac Sensitive. This has really helped improve his fussiness during his feedings.
Ian has been busy with preschool this year! He loves school and loves to play at home and dress up as many different super heroes. Some of his favorite super heroes include Spiderman, Superman, and Batman. He also loves Star Wars! He asked for super hero figurines and a light saber for Christmas...watch out Taylor! Ian is a very energetic 4 year old boy! He has more energy than all of us combined. which keeps us on our toes. We love our lil' spitfire!
Taylor is in 2nd grade and is doing very well in school. She loves reading and writing. She also stays busy with WOW, KQ and the Hallelujah Heart children's choir at church. She also takes gymnastics at Sapphire Gymnastics Club. She is also invloved with Brownies and can't wait to sell Girl Scout cookies for the first time. Taylor is an active little girl! She is a great big sister and daughter!
We are so blessed to be home this holiday season after spending the whole summer at the hospital. We never take a moment for granted and enjoy every minute with our family. We are truly blessed this holiday season.
Check out some photos of our kids below.
The kids have had fun this year with a new tradition we've started...Elf on the Shelf. The kids named him Elfie....how original! They look forward to finding him each morning when they wake up. I keep telling the kids that he is watching them to see if they are making good choices. They really enjoy this new tradition.
Baby Noah is getting bigger each day. He was born on June 4, 2011 at 2 lbs. He now weighs 12 lbs. He is still on a 1/4 of a liter of oxygen to assist him with his breathing. He was on a 1/2 liter of oxygen when he was discharged from the hospital on Aug. 24, so he has definitely made progress. He has doubled his weight since his discharge date, too! Noah has had some feeding difficulties since he's been home from the hospital. He saw a pediatric gastroenterologist in November and we've made progress since then. He is now on full formula...Similac Sensitive. This has really helped improve his fussiness during his feedings.
Ian has been busy with preschool this year! He loves school and loves to play at home and dress up as many different super heroes. Some of his favorite super heroes include Spiderman, Superman, and Batman. He also loves Star Wars! He asked for super hero figurines and a light saber for Christmas...watch out Taylor! Ian is a very energetic 4 year old boy! He has more energy than all of us combined. which keeps us on our toes. We love our lil' spitfire!
Taylor is in 2nd grade and is doing very well in school. She loves reading and writing. She also stays busy with WOW, KQ and the Hallelujah Heart children's choir at church. She also takes gymnastics at Sapphire Gymnastics Club. She is also invloved with Brownies and can't wait to sell Girl Scout cookies for the first time. Taylor is an active little girl! She is a great big sister and daughter!
We are so blessed to be home this holiday season after spending the whole summer at the hospital. We never take a moment for granted and enjoy every minute with our family. We are truly blessed this holiday season.
Check out some photos of our kids below.
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