While I try to keep this blog G-rated, some information requires a bit more of the gritty details. The bloody show covering Annie and her bed each morning was becoming quite alarming. It seemed there had to be more than low platelets at play. Plus she was requiring transfusions more frequently and we had hoped her ATG was going to stretch out the need. Her nosebleeds seemed under control so the blood had to be coming from her mouth. It seemed an expert look was in order. Her lovely dentist was able to see her shortly after my call and ... sure enough, three loose teeth! After consulting with our doctor-cousin, we learned that yes, the blood loss from the mouth as well as her bruising would cause her hemoglobin to drop more rapidly. Ah so the mandate to hold off platelet transfusions falls through if the bleeding is causing a need for more hemoglobin transfusions. Thus off to the hospital last Friday for platelets and an appointment for more today in preparation for tooth extractions tomorrow. The increased platelet fixes, plus regular use of a clotting medication, has kept Annie and her bed blood-free since last Friday. Even better, her hemoglobin dropped at half the rate it had been. She still needed a full, nine-hour day of transfusions today but it sure felt good to know there was a reason behind the increased need for hemoglobin. We had declared the treatment a failure but this gives a thin thread of hope that maybe progress was being masked by the teeth exodus. Next appointment on Tuesday. Until then we'll be readjusting to high-hemoglobin Annie. This Annie is ravenous and a bit hyper - a stark contrast to the droopy, lack-of-appetite girl of late.
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