sooo.... pediatric GI appt.

OK, I know this is sort of off-topic, but I could not deal with posting this in the UC forum. My 11 year old daughter has been having blood & mucous in her stools since July- we live on Cape Cod, where there isn't a pedi GI to be found for literally miles. So there are a few pedi GI's who come down from Boston once a month, & we finally had our appt. today. Doctor was great, really nice, funny, put her at ease, etc. Her own pediatrician had done tons of bloodwork, which looked really good. Bottom line is we go up to Boston to one of the big childrens hospitals next Thursday for an upper GI endoscopy & colonoscopy. Of course, first thng I think is prep- totally different for kids. She starts Miralax Monday evening, then takes increasing doses Tuesday, clear liquids & more Miralax Wednesday, then the procedures Thursday. Now, since she's basically been raised in the bathroom, she's more knowledgeable about IBD than your average kid. And the pedi GI said that IBD in kids presents totally different than in adults- where an adult may become really ill, kids just keep going along, things seem great, aside from symptoms. I don't know... if they do find inflammation, they'll start her on Delzicol. I just wanted to give you guys an idea of what's going on... the GI also told her that out of say 1000 kids with IBD, maybe 2 wind up with an ostomy. As I said- this is more suited to the UC forum, but I cannot deal in a civil manner with all the replies I'm bound to get about feeding her queen bee pollen & the like.... I myself am in an ok place with the ostomy right now. Good thing, huh?!?!

Uggggh. Your post just made me say NOOOOOOOOOOOO. I am so sorry. I hate that this is happening to you guys. :(

Ohhhh nooooo. I really feel for you. I know that with my three daughters, whenever there is a health issue, my world stops. Nothing else matters and I am all consumed. Kind of makes what you're going through insignificant, doesn't it?

I'm so sorry that she has to go though this, but if she's anything like her mom, it will be smooth sailing. I'm sure she's a tough cookie!! And whatever the tests show, she'll deal with it just like we all did. Except, she'll have the support of someone who truly understands.

Sending you big tight hugs Eva Lou. I'll be thinking about you next Thursday. Keep us posted!!

She is in great hands, both with her mommy and her docs. Whatever the outcome, you will have done the best you can to minimize her discomfort. Thoughts with you, nothin hurts like seeing your child hurt. She 's lucky your learning curve is ... almost mastered. Keep your friends here posted, on whatever board you post on. You won't be getting any advice on bee pollen or goat poop enemas from me! Lol

thanks everyone! I knew I'd get some good replies from my buddies here- no judgement or suggestions! I'm hoping it's nothing, a weird polyp. But if it is IBD, true- she does have tons of knowledge already. And it's actually interesting to see the difference between an adult GI & a pediatric GI... they do approach things completely different. We're having the procedures done at Tufts Floating Hospital for Children- apparently any type of endo procedure done on a child requires a team of pediatric anesthesiologists, not just your "regular" anesthesia guys. They use propofol on kids, too. It's gonna be hard to watch her go under, you know? Yikes! But I'll let you all know how it goes... she's excited about getting to ride in a wheelchair...!!!

It's difficult to wrap your mind around it...but you are doing the BEST for your child!! Funny how one of the most beautiful places on earth doesn't have the medical care needed for IBD patients...but at least it's not too far away.

Although my kid had a traumatic injury needed medical treatment, and not IBD, she handled it with more ease than me. Your child will teach you a lot from this experience. And, if it is something that needs surgery, she has you for support...and you have us

Keep us posted!