Emerson is still looking punky, but is much improved from over the weekend.  The current thinking is that this adrenal crisis was brought about by her infections from last week.  They don’t think there are any new or hidden infections to treat.  I’ll be feeling better when she’s back up and asking for “Lello”, though.  For now she’s still looking spacey, picking at her nails, and occasionally moaning.  She’s not talking or moving much.  She is, however, sitting upJ.  Her coloring is improved, but she still looks pale and weak.

Let me explain what happened this weekend…

Emerson has adrenal insufficiency (aka Addison’s Disease):

“Adrenal insufficiency is a condition in which the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, do not produce adequate amounts of steroid hormones (chemicals produced by the body that regulate organ function), primarily cortisol.”  ~  Wikipedia

This weekend Emerson had an acute adrenal crisis (aka an Addisonian crisis): 

“An adrenal crisis often occurs (when a person who has adrenal insufficiency) is subjected to stress, such as an accident, injury, surgery, or severe infection; death may quickly follow”  ~  Wikipedia 

In a nutshell, Emerson’s body isn’t able to produce adequate amounts of a hormone called cortisol.  Our bodies naturally increase production of this hormone during times of extreme stress and illness.  Simply put, it is an increase in cortisol that keeps our organs functioning in stressful times.  Emerson’s body was thrown into an adrenal crisis last week & her body began to shut down.  Her organs needed cortisol & her body was unable to produce it.  Once identified, the team started high-dose IV cortisol which, in turn, started to reverse Eme’s overall deterioration.  I hope that makes sense.   

Thank you so much for all your prayers through this difficult weekend.  With the help of a gracious God, guiding a top-notch team of medical professionals, Emerson appears to be on the mend & again out of immediate danger.  I’m not sure how many ‘lives’ a young girl can have, but she clearly has more than her fair share!