Rylee's Doctor Appointment

The first time we went to the Pediatric Dermatologist, we left feeling like the doctor didn't really do anything. He examined Rylee's hemangiomas, increased the dosage on Timolol we were already using, and told us to come back in a month.  We were treating the hemangioma itself, trying to shrink it, but we didn't have anything other than Vaseline to treat the ulcer.

This time, I left feeling so much more relief, knowing that we would finally be treating the ulcers.  I realize the hemangioma is at the root of this entire issue, but it is the ulcers that are causing her so much pain.

The great news is that they aren't infected.  Huge relief there.  The other good news is that the big ulcer does have new skin forming and starting to fill in the ulcer, based on the treatment we were already doing.  It didn't stop the new ulcers from forming, or the original one from hurting, but at least it was starting to finally fill in with new skin.  I know it's going to take awhile, since the ulcer is so deep and needs several layers of skin.  I want it to be better now, but I know it's going to take time.

So here is the new treatment plan:

1. We are to apply three different medications to the ulcers.  The first is Lidocaine, a local anesthetic which is used to numb the area.  We can only apply this up to three times a day, and we were cautioned to be sure not to use too much because the side effects can be toxic.  The doctor said it is very safe to use, we just have to be sure to apply no more than the prescribed amount.  Soooooo, even though we can use it up to three times per day, I am opting to just twice.  Not taking any chances there.
2. The second medication is Silvadene, which is an antibiotic ointment typically used on burns, but has been found to help ulcers.  We can use this every diaper change.  I consulted Dr. Google when I got home, looking up each of these medications, and read that Silvadene is not to be used on premature babies or infants under two months old.  Hmmm....So we used it sparingly that first night, until I had a chance to call up our doctor to ask about this since Rylee was a preemie and also not quite 2 months old.  I was assured that they have been using this medication to treat many, many babies and it was safe to use.  I'm choosing to just trust our doctor. 
3. Lastly, we are using a thick layer of zinc oxide over the entire hemangioma to act as a barrier with each diaper change.
4. We are to stop the Timolol for the time being.  I take this as to mean we are making the ulcerations a priority and once those are healed, we will get back to shrinking the hemangioma.

Diaper changes still suck and are still painful for Rylee, but it doesn't seem to be near as bad as it was a few days ago.  This new treatment plan appears to be working as far as decreasing the amount of pain she is in. The ulcers look the same as they did when I took these pictures, shown in my previous post, but hopefully they will start clearing up soon.

I want to thank you all so much for your kind words, suggestions, and the many prayers that have been said on Rylee's behalf.  The response to my last post when I shared in more detail about little Rylee's poor little bum, has truly filled my heart with love, and has made me even more grateful for this blogging community. One gal just happened upon my blog, seeing the post title, "Is This an Urgent Matter?", while reading another blog and being drawn to it. The absolutely amazing part is that this gal has gone through the same thing with her 19 month old son having a hemangioma on his bottom.  She clicked on the link to that blog post and it just so happens that our babies have this unfortunate issue in common. When I opened her email and read that she knew exactly what we are going through....well, I can't even begin to describe the warm fuzzies I felt by her reaching out to me.  She explained everything they had done to help treat her son, offering suggestions of all the things they had found to help.  All I can say is thank you, thank you, thank you!