Natalyn's Medical Journey
Hi my name is Sara Cathey, Natalyn's aunt. I am a paramedic and usually the one out helping others but now I'm asking others for help for my family. Natalyn is a year and a half old. She is the perfect combination of sweet and sassy. Her smile lights up every room. She was transported to the hospital on May 31st. Three days prior to that day she was not really being herself. She was lethargic, not laughing or being playful and had to be woken up because she was sleeping for prolonged periods of time. After arriving at the hospital, labs work was done and then redone to confirm, due to them being at critical levels. Her blood pressure was also 200/130. The hospital then decided it was in her best interest to be flown out to a pediatric hospital.
Upon arriving at the pediatric facility, the family was told she was in renal failure and she had to be placed on continuous dialysis, which is 24 hours 7 days a weeks. Due to her being unstable, it took a week for any further testing to be done. During that time we had no answers to why her kidneys were failing or why her blood pressure remained high when they tried to wean her from her medications. There were many ups and downs during that week, especially because of the unknown.
She was finally able to get a renal CT. The docotors have diagnosed her with Bilateral Renal Artery Stenosis (RAS). This is the result of the narrowing of the artery that feeds the kidneys and in her case both are narrowed. The doctors explained to us that a normal artery would look like a PVC pipe and Natalyn's look like cocktail straws. Reductions in blood flow to the kidneys has resulted in her severe hypertension and renal failure.
As of now, the treatment plan is still unknown because this is extremely rare in pediatrics. However, the doctors or consulting with out of state specialist to devise the best course of treatment. The road is going to be long. My sister and brother in law have not left Natalyn's side. They have two other boys at home that want nothing more than their sister to be able to come home soon. This situation has caused both financial and emotional hardships. We appreciate whatever help you can provide, even if its just prayers. I will be posting updates here as I get them. Thank you