Three weeks ago, Karis received an injection called Prolia to strengthen her bones. Prolia causes bones to absorb calcium from the blood. Usually Prolia is administered every 6 months, but because the docs didn’t consider Karis stable enough, it had been 11 months since her previous Prolia injection. Apparently, Karis’ bones really, really needed calcium, because Karis has required infusions of 1-2 grams of calcium every single day since she received the injection. This means that we leave home for 7 West every morning by 6:30, wait for results of blood tests, and then hang out for several hours while Karis receives infusions of calcium, as well as frequent doses of potassium and phosphorus, and sometimes a blood transfusion. It’s a tiring schedule.
Previous experience with Prolia led us to believe that Karis would stabilize within 2-3 weeks of receiving the injection. However, the other times the docs were able to put much of what she needed right into the TPN. Since she’s not on TPN, she’s almost doubled the number of pills she takes every day (including mega-doses of calcium, potassium, and phosphorus), but we’re not sure how much she is absorbing. Today Karis’ calcium level was lower than it’s been the last several days when we hoped she was stabilizing. Back to 7 West tomorrow . . .
This week Karis began to suffer excruciating pain in her abdomen. To make a long story short, Karis apparently had a rare reaction to Lisinopril, one of the new blood pressure meds prescribed by the renal team when she was in the hospital. After they finally stopped the Lisinopril, the pain disappeared within two days (thank God!). We’re relieved this problem is solved, but the docs are concerned because she’s been dumping huge amounts of protein into her urine and no other med helps the kidneys preserve protein the way Lisinopril does. 7 West nurses have done so much to help Karis through this difficult week–we are grateful!
Karis Blog 
7 West Team was/is awesome! Always thinking of Karis and hoping for the best!
Thank you for the kind way you remember special events in many lives, including mine! Didn’t realize until just now the delicate situation you continue to face with Karis’ health. Praying specific Scripture for you all. Psalm 144 comes to mind as well. With a heart of love, A. Kathy
such a complex line you all are walking…. I was not aware the Karis is off TPN…. how is she getting nutrition? praying for her each and every day~ a Mothers love….we are all so familiar but the Mother of a chronically ill child, no matter their age is unmatched by any other force on this planet…. praying for rest for you Mom….. I know how much you need it..
hugs hope and love