This is the second part of a two-part story (Part 1)
The lip tests came back normal, but Dr. Datta ran more blood tests and X-rays to check Breanna’s lung function, so they could at least rule some things out.
At this time, they also did a stool sample to check for inflammation markers in the bowels. The average level in an adult is 50; Breanna’s levels were over 1,800. She was referred to the Jim Pattison Children’s Hospital to see a pediatric gastroenterologist (PG).
At the time, Saskatchewan did not have a PG, so one came from Winnipeg, and they saw him on Sept. 28, 2023. He performed a colonoscopy on Nov. 18, 2023, and on Dec. 5, it was confirmed that Breanna had one of the worst cases of Crohn’s disease.
Because Breanna’s case was so severe, she needed IV infusions, as they were not going to waste time with pills or injections. She was also put on a liquid diet to ease her bowels. At the time, Breanna weighed only 31.39 kg; today, her weight has increased to 35.45 kg.
Between all the scopes, blood work, stool tests, and an MRE, they found that she had inflammation from her buttocks to her face. This was why her face and lips were swelling—the rest of her body inside was already inflamed.
On Dec. 27, 2023, Breanna received her first IV infusion at the hospital in Saskatoon. This needs to be done every four weeks. For a year, they drove to Saskatoon, but now they can go to Regina, where the procedure takes three to four hours.
The infusions have caused a side effect called psoriasis, which started at the nape of Breanna’s neck, the edge of her hairline, both ears, her nose, and her armpits. To control this, she is on additional medication, along with creams for the affected areas.
If this was not enough, Breanna was also diagnosed with chronic fatigue.
Over this time, Reddick put 7,000 km on her vehicle. While in Saskatoon, they needed to stay overnight as the treatments took six hours. To add to this, the lifesaving infusions cost $1,800 each time and are not covered by Saskatchewan Health.
Although Reddick receives some assistance, there are still significant expenses related to Breanna’s illness.
Breanna’s tests and appointments include IV infusions every four weeks, routine blood tests every four weeks—consisting of four vials—and blood tests every three months, which require 11 vials.
She also undergoes stool tests every three months, ultrasounds every three to six months, and an MRI/E with IV contrast every year, along with a yearly scope.
Mental health appointments take place every two to three weeks, and she sees a pediatrician every three months in Regina. On top of all this, Breanna has a long list of vitamins she must take daily.
Throughout this ordeal, Breanna has been unable to attend school, as she is too weak to sit in class. She takes online courses when she is able and is working to complete Grade 10.
She does not go out much, as it completely wears her out and leaves her sleeping for days.
“Having a sick child is not optional for moms,” said Reddick. “If it was not for Dr. Datta pushing and me knowing my kids, I knew we could not wait.”
Although Breanna is on the right path to feeling better, this is a lifelong illness that will never go away. Her treatment will continue until doctors feel she is in a stable condition.
“I was asked the other day how I do it,” said Reddick. “I did not have a choice.”
Reddick is thankful to her doctor for pushing for answers and to her employer for being so understanding through it all.
