Gastro. question

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Permalink Reply by vanessa dimauro on January 20, 2009 at 4:12pm

Dear LOL,
sorry for your son's GI troubles. I am not a doctor so my response is merely based on experiencial knowledge - However there are so many different GI issued that may be present there is no logical reason to postpone a colonoscopy - which really is painless and fast. While largely unlikely from a statisical perspective, there are also a suite of rare diseases that go along with ab pains and blood in stool. You may want to visit my blog about juvenile polyposis http://www.juvenilepolyposis.blogspot.com/ for more information about colonoscopy prep and well and info about other GI related information.

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Permalink Reply by LOL on January 20, 2009 at 7:45pm

Thanks Vanessa. Our son has no worries about the procedure it is just that he feels he can't afford to miss class as they are so tough. He is just searching for a measure that would ease pain and address the symptoms until he gets a break (first part of March). It is not the best way but he is conscientous about school and has clients as a personal trainer. His dr. suspects ulcerative colitis as all tests (liver, blood...) were normal 6 weeks ago. If the colonoscopy were not actually a two day procedure it would be easier for him. I will check out your blog. Wish he could just be home :)

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Permalink Reply by Janeen on January 20, 2009 at 8:35pm

LOL,
I had a similar situation happen to me in college. I was diagnosed with Gastoenteritis (although I think today it would be classified as IBS). Mine was caused by stress and poor eating habits.
I missed several classes to finally get my diagnosis and if your son speaks with his profs, they may be able to help him so that he doesn't miss too much in the 2 days he will be out.

At the time I took Tagament (at the time it was a RX and not OTC) and it really did help along with a modified diet.

My advice is that if I were him, I would go for the testing. If he's in that much pain, he probably isn't functioning as he should to get through his classes anyway.

As a mom, I can only imagine how stressful this is for you being away from him.

I hope he feels better soon. I know how horrible this can all be!

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Permalink Reply by LOL on January 21, 2009 at 5:20am

Janeen, Thank you. I appreciate your empathy and sharing your experience. I agree - a conversation with the professors may make it easier to do what is in his best interest. I will encourage him along those lines. He texted me last night to say he would go over to the student health services to get a CBC and blood pressure to at least get a bit more info. Gactroenteritis? of IBS - sounds very likely as he is a kid that internalizes stress.
Thank you. S

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Permalink Reply by LOL on January 21, 2009 at 7:47pm

My son asks if an MRI would be reasonable instead of the upper endoscopy and colonoscopy that the dr wants him to come in for. He is so stressed to miss class so hoped an MRI would be enough.

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Permalink Reply by vanessa dimauro on January 21, 2009 at 7:58pm

that is a good idea! fingers crossed for you and him !!! And if he has to have the colonoscopy he might want to schedule it for a first monday am appointment - depending of course on his class schedule. He would do the prep on sunday, scope at say 8 or 9am and back in action by 11 often if not earlier. He wouldnt be allowed to drive home after the scope but there is generally few reasons why he wouldnt be able to study or attend class afterward the scope. That scenario would likely only result in a few hours out of commission.

best to you both
Vanessa

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Permalink Reply by LOL on January 21, 2009 at 8:16pm

great plan - a monday morning. First an MRI; then the colonoscopy if needed -on a Monday. I did not mention an upper endoscopy the dr. wants to do -he is already stressed. That sounds like a terrible procedure. Thank you for your consult!

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Permalink Reply by vanessa dimauro on January 21, 2009 at 8:22pm

poor guy! and you! I have been there and it is defintely stressful. you are in my thoughts. lets us know the good news when it is all over.

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Permalink Reply by LOL on January 21, 2009 at 8:26pm

Thank you! Thank you! I will keep checking in and I expect I will post more questions as we go.

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