Anyone have a DC with GI issues?

Shore.Bride

My DS had untreated reflux for two years; I mentioned my concerns time & time again to the pediatrician, but since DS was gaining weight and didn't have the 'typical' reflux symptoms....I was told that he was fine.  I switched pediatrician's and demanded a milk scan/reflux test when DS was two and, lo and behold, he had reflux   He has been on prevacid ever since, but I haven't really noticed a difference. 

DS still continues to be quite pale and has dark circles under his eyes - and sometimes looks a bit sickly.  Which breaks my heart.  He has had every allergy test under the sun (all normal) and his iron level is normal.  I took him to a Pediatric GI doctor a few months ago and it was a terrible experience.  The dr was so condescending; I ended up leaving in tears.  We are seeing another Pediatric GI tomorrow and I want this to be a good, informative appt.  I am going to talk to the doctor about an endoscopy for DS - and maybe another milk scan.  Something just isn't right with his GI system; I absolutely know that.  Can you give me any other suggestions about any additional tests or medicines that I should ask the doctor about?

Thanks a ton - and I apologize for the long post. 

mplusnequalsh

I would absolutely ask for both an upper & lower endoscopy. (since he will be put under, might as well get the whole picture). I would prepare a timeline of his symptoms and write down any questions you have ahead of time. If you think he still has unresolved reflux, you could also ask for a pH probe to check the acidity of his reflux and check if the Prevacid is doing its job. Or you could also ask to trial a different PPI like Nexium or Prilosec. Prevacid did nothing for my daughter, but we had better results with Nexium. A celiac bloodwork panel might also be a good idea.

 

Good luck! I hope you have better luck at tomorrow's appointment.  

hero

Is your Dr. willing to help you with an elimination diet to see what might be the problem? Some people stop all known allergens, including gluten, and add one item slowly back in their diet until their symptoms return. Others eliminate one item at time for bit to see if the symptoms go away. 

Celiac testing isn't always conclusive and some people can have just an intolerance to gluten. After years of problems, my GI issues were resolved after going on a gluten-free diet. 

I hope the new Dr. takes your concerns seriously and really looks for the source of the problem.

liza0828

I would suggest reading the book, "What's Eating Your Child?" by Kelly Dorfman.