Hmm... from what little I know of People Medicine, the dirt eating could have been a symptom, not a cause? Pica (eating things which are not food) is usually either psychological or the body's attempt to obtain nutrients it is lacking. It may have been caused by the surgery, might be related to the earlier kidny problem, or might be a whole new thing.

At least it sounds treatable, even if it ends up being meds for life.

Here's hoping that it's the kind that will go away in a short while.

Al....though.... If every $500 means she has to live six more months....