Moody/Karens daughter Olivia

The motion of the wheel chair made her sick

At first they thought ENT to check inner ear, but as I mentioned, the testing they did in the room pretty well ruled that out as a cause, but has raised suspicions for neurological causes.

gallbladder disease runs in my family

Olivia had been feeling bad for about 6 weeks but in the last 2 weeks she has lost 8 lbs

they did ultrasound on her whole abdomine. Kept coming back to do more pics of her liver & pancreas. Then they came in and said going to do nuclear scan called "HIDA" tomorrow specifically for liver, pancreas & gallbladder

She is only going to the bathroom once a day and not very much output

they are keeping Olivia hydrated and keeping her fairly comfortable with the anti-nausea meds.  As soon as the meds wear off though we know it as she gets soooooo sick

Doc has upped her fluids, but she still has only been once today. About 200cc's if we are lucky.

ultrasound they did yesterday was pretty "inconclusive".  It showed a group of "predominant" blood vessels in the lower left lobe of her liver.  However, this isn't enough info to make a diagnosis, and could just be normal for her liver

The child had dropped down to 81lbs when we got here saturday afternoon and is down below 80lbs today.

She has not been able to drink one drop or eat one single crumb of anything since last friday

Her tongue was so thick, white and dry.

Deep inside our brains is a cavity that contains the pituitary gland.  I know some things this gland does but guess I will be an expert very soon.  Anyway, the cavity in Olivia's brain has no gland........One thing we do know is that is does control one part of the brain that triggers nausea and dizziness.  It controls hormones and cortisol production too.

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Ok, I watch too much "House"! Anyway, I thought it might be helpful to look at all the clues together.

Karen did say that they ruled out an inner ear thing, but that was what struck me as I read through the list. LABYRINTHITIS is what I was thinking:

 URL of this page: http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/001054.htm
Alternative names   
Bacterial labyrinthitis; Serous labyrinthitis; Neuronitis - vestibular; Vestibular neuronitis; Viral neurolabyrinthitis; Vestibular neuritis
Definition   
Labyrinthitis is an ear disorder that involves irritation and swelling of the inner ear.
See also: Meniere's disease
Causes, incidence, and risk factors   
The are likely many causes of labyrinthitis. It commonly occurs after an ear infection ( otitis media ) or an upper respiratory infection. It may also occur after an allergy, cholesteatoma, or taking certain drugs that are dangerous to the inner ear.
During labyrinthitis, the parts of the inner ear become irritated and inflamed. This interferes with their function, which includes the ability to keep your balance.

The following raise your risk for labyrinthitis:
Drinking large amounts of alcohol
Fatigue
History of allergies
Recent viral illness, respiratory infection, or ear infection
Smoking
Stress
Use of certain prescription or nonprescription drugs (especially aspirin)

Symptoms   
Abnormal sensation of movement (vertigo)
Difficulty focusing the eyes because of involuntary eye movements
Dizziness
Hearing loss in one ear
Loss of balance, such as falling toward one side
Nausea and vomiting
Ringing or other noises in the ears (tinnitus)

Signs and tests   
A complete physical and neurological exam should be done. An ear examination may not reveal any problems.
Usually, the diagnosis of layrinthitis does not require other tests. Tests will be done to rule out other causes for your symptoms. These may include:
EEG
Electronystagmography
Evoked auditory potential studies
Head CT scan
Hearing tests (audiology/audiometry)
MRI of the head
Warming and cooling the inner ear with water (caloric stimulation) to test eye reflexes

Treatment   
Labyrinthitis usually goes away within a few weeks. However, symptoms may need treatment. Your doctor may prescribe an antibiotic to treat the infection. Medications that may reduce symptoms include the following:
Antihistamines
Corticosteroids such as prednisone when symptoms are severe
Medicines such as compazine to control nausea and vomiting
Medicines to relieve dizziness such as meclizine or scopalamine
Sedative-hypnotics such as Valium

To prevent worsening of symptoms during episodes of labyrinthitis, try the following:
Keep still and rest when symptoms occur.
Gradually resume activity.
Avoid sudden position changes.
Do not try to read when symptoms occur.
Avoid bright lights.
You may need help walking when symptoms occur. Avoid hazardous activities such as driving, operating heavy machinery, and climbing until 1 week after symptoms have disappeared.

Expectations (prognosis)   
If you have severe vomiting, you may be admitted to the hospital.
Severe symptoms usually go away within a week. Most patients are completely better within 2 to 3 months. Continued dizziness is more likely to last in older patients.
Hearing usually returns to normal.

Complications   
Injury to self or others during attacks of vertigo
Permanent hearing loss (rare)
Spread of inflammation to other ear areas or to the brain (rare)

References   
Polensek SH. Labyrinthitis. In: Ferri FF, ed. Ferri's Clinical Advisor 2008: Instant Diagnosis and Treatment. 1st ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2008.
Update Date: 9/27/2008
Updated by: Daniel B. Hoch, PhD, MD, Assistant Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc. 9/11/08

Will keep looking...

((((HUGS))))) and prayers to the Moody family!

Diane

I called Karen to tell her that Hanna had responded to her request.  While I was talking to her they brought Olivia back to the room from having the endoscope done and she had to go.  She did tell me that they had a peaceful sleep last night which they were thankful for.  Karen is hopeful that it is Olivia's gallbladder because Karen had the same symptoms (not to that extent) as Olivia and she went through test and more test before they found out it was her gallbladder.  This would be an easy fix!!!!!    As far as the pititary gland, there are some of the gland tissue there which is apparently enough to keep her hormones levels  where they should be.  A person can function with this condition if born with it but if the gland is destroyed from a head injury then it would not be as good. 

I pray that Karen will hear the words that she has waited so long to hear "we have a DX and it is a simple fix and your Olivia will be healthy again in no time"  I ask this is Jesus name.....

I will not be at my computer for about 24 hours but will continue to pray...

Just realized this was occurring.  My thoughts are with you, Karen and Olivia.

Tina 

Sending up more prayers for Olivia. Our family is just sick at heart over this and are praying that the cause will be found soon and Olivia will be on the road to recovery.

You are both in my prayers.

Valerie

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This is so upsetting. Karen, I will pray.

Spring. 

What faithand fifty said.

"Coming in tonight to see what's been happening. Have read back.

Sending additional prayers for resolution, comfort, support, encouragement, answers of all sort."

Pam

Lifting Olivia and her family in prayer. Just heard about this. 

Oh, Karen, this is wonderful news!  Thank goodness!  Hugs to Olivia!  Continued prayers here!

Moody ~ Wonderful to hear from you and thank you for updating all of us.  As you can see Olivia is in all of our hearts & prayers! 

Praise God....progress!  Continued prayers for improvements and strenght.

Karen

Praise God

Thank you for the update.  I have been praying that you would give us some good news. Thumbs up!!!!  wow you must have felt like a ton was lifted off your shoulders.  I know you must be thrilled about Drew's response to all this.  Praise God again!!  Now I will pray that she will continue to improve and be able to keep lite foods on her tummy, gain strength and be able to go home.  Tell Olivia to keep exercising those thumbs by doing the "thumbs up"  LOL

Keep us updated with lots of good news

Great update!  We continue to pray.