Bruce Jaffray Gives His Opinion

Elizabeth and I went to see Mr Jaffray this afternoon. I won't bore you with the details, but the upshot is that if Elizabeth stays out of hospital until January 8th her op will be cancelled/postponed, but if she has any admissions then it will go ahead in mid-January/Feb.

Mr J thinks that it's 50/50 that Elizabeth's problems are caused by reflux, but he has seen children with as few clinical signs as Elizabeth 'cured' by a fundoplication. I think that, ultimately, he feels that the potential for long-term chronic lung damage is too serious to ignore. We trust Mr Jaffray completely, so that's how things will stand.

J (having a drink tonight - yes, indeedy)
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An Official Period of Prevarication

Hi,

We went to see the resp team at the RVI this morning. The great news is that Dr O'Brien thinks he may have been a little hasty regarding the proposed fundoplication and we have now agreed to enter an official period of "If it ain't broke don't fix it".

We are still seeing the surgeon on Thursday to get his views on the operation, but it would be surprising if he's really bullish in light of the what the resp team have now said.

So, this looks like a good result. We just have to hope that Elizabeth, who has now managed a record-breaking seven weeks without a hospital stay, continues to be in good health. She is now the size and weight of an average one year old.

I'll post the results of our meeting with Mr J on Thursday evening.

(A very relieved) J
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It's Grim Oop North

We hope that you enjoy this shot of Newcastle Quayside taken this morning on our way to see a children's classical concert at the Sage with some (new!) friends.

On the topic of Anna's health, Mike McKean - ace respiratory consultant - called and we had a long chat. The upshot is that he is going to meet with the other resp consultant, the gastro consultant and Anna's surgeon about her case. Everything will be reviewed and they will revisit the decision to go for surgery and also look at what can be done regarding the "possible reflux" as far as meds are concerned.

Andy and I are very pleased with this development and we should know by the end of the month what the final decision will be. We will, as always, keep you posted.

Janie
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