PATCHES

This is Patrick...he is a pretty normal 4 year old kid who likes soccer, legos, and playing outside.  Unlike many other boys his age, Patrick had become very sick shortly after his first birthday.  He has now visited with more than 33 doctors and specialists and travelled over 3000 miles as we search for an answer for his chronic illnesses.  He has given so many vials of blood we have lost count...15 was the most in one sitting...and never makes a peep, and even watches!

Patrick was diagnosed with Portal Hypertension and Portal Vein Thrombosis about a year ago.  There is a blood clot that completely blocks his blood flow from his liver causing it to go back into his spleen making his spleen really large and affecting many of his blood counts.  He has gone for treatment surgeries where they have found varices (like varicose veins) in his lower esophagus which can be very serious if they begin to bleed.  He has had 3 treatments since October and has had to be banded 3 times.  We continue these scopes and bandings every two months to prevent Patrick from having any serious bleeds.

Patrick also suffers from recurrent high fevers.  His episodes come every month and generally last five days.  He does not get any relief from medicines and oftentimes the medicines will further increase his fevers.  Patrick just grins and bears it.

Just recently we have found out he has a heart murmur which needs to be monitored and has factor five leiden (a blood clotting disorder).

Patrick is real tiny for his age and has to be restricted in his play which makes for a very sad boy a lot of the times.  He wants to play soccer and lacrosse but, with his condition, we have to be careful in the activities he does.  Patrick tries to keep up with everyone but gets real tired oftentimes and has a hard time catching up.  

This is our Sweet Warrior Patrick...he is a truly amazing and strong little freckle-faced boy!