A & E

7th March 07 - Trisha had her first A & E.

While changing her diaper at 9pm, Daddy Xman found a lump on her right groin area, he screamed for me to take a look. I rushed upstairs and lo and behold, there's a lump the size of marble at her groin area. We were both very worried and immediately changed, packed her stuff and rushed to KKH A & E.

It took us an hour + before we saw the A & E doctor. The doc managed to push the lump up into the abdominal area. Trisha cried a lot in pain! =(

Diagnosis - Reducible Hernia. What the heck is that?

Found this after we came home. http://www.healthsystem.virginia.edu/uvahealth/peds_hrnewborn/umbilica.cfm

What is hernia?

A hernia occurs when a section of intestine protrudes through a weakness in the abdominal muscles. A soft bulge is seen underneath the skin where the hernia has occurred.

In babies, a hernia usually occurs in one of two places:

• around the belly-button
• in the groin area

A hernia that occurs in the belly-button area is called an umbilical hernia.

A hernia that occurs in the groin area is called an inguinal hernia.

Why is a hernia a concern?

Occasionally, the loop of intestine that protrudes through a hernia may become stuck, and is no longer reducible. This means that the intestinal loop cannot be gently pushed back into the abdominal cavity. When this happens, that section of intestine may lose its blood supply. A good blood supply is necessary for the intestine to be healthy and function properly.

So Trisha was admitted into KKH for a night's observation to see if the lump comes back again. It was a sleepless night for both of us while she slept very well (most likely cos she has cried herself tired).

The Paediatric surgeon came by at 12am + to explain to Mummy PP (Daddy Xman went home to get Trisha's milk and Mummy's overnight stuff) what is hernia and what treatment there is for hernia etc. The only way - surgery! =( But she's still so small and young! She's only 8 weeks old! Muumy PP was so sad and worried and cried. Daddy Xman was also very worried and couldn't sleep well that night. In Daddy's and Mummy's heart, we still hope that the hernia is a mild case and surgery is not needed.

The next morning, the same Paediatric surgeon (Dr Rahul) + another consultant (Dr Ong) came by and confirmed that surgery is imminent. It's a matter of time and it's better to do it now than later. Reason being, if it reoccurs and the lump cannot be pushed back, then an emergency surgery will be needed and more complications may arise. So we have no choice but to listen to the experts and fix a date for Trisha's first surgery. =(

So 14 March 07 it shall be.
By the way, she's 4.4 kg and 53cm at 8 weeks old and she had to spent her 8th week milestone in the hospital. What a way to "celebrate"...sigh....=(