Just wanted to let all of you know that we will not be going to Birmingham for Lydia's appointment tomorrow. They do not have all of the tests results back in, so we pushed her appointment back two more weeks.
We did learn yesterday from one of her tests that she has moderate pancreatic insufficiency. She has been taking the prescribed digestive enzymes since her original appointment and they really seem to be helping.
Our prayer is, it is all Type 1 related, but mostly that she will continue to gain weight and be healthy.
What is pancreatic insufficiency?
Pancreatic insufficiency is the inability of the exocrine pancreas to produce and/or transport enough digestive enzymes to break down food in the intestine and to allow its absorption. It typically occurs as a result of progressive pancreatic damage that may be caused by recurrent acute pancreatitis or by chronic pancreatitis due to a variety of conditions. In children, it is most frequently associated with cystic fibrosis (CF) or Shwachman-Diamond Syndrome (SDS). SDS is the second most common cause of inherited pancreatic insufficiency after CF. All those with SDS have some degree of pancreatic insufficiency beginning in infancy. Pancreatic insufficiency can also be associated with type 1 or autoimmune diabetes. It is less frequently but sometimes associated with pancreatic cancer.
Pancreatic insufficiency usually presents with symptoms of malabsorption, malnutrition, vitamin deficiencies, and weight loss (or an inability to gain weight in children) and is often associated with steatorrhea (loose, fatty, foul-smelling stools). Diabetes may also be present in adults with pancreatic insufficiency.
We are being patient with the results, yet ready for our appointment on May 23rd.
Thanks for loving and caring for our sweet girl!
XOXO,
Kristee
