thyroid wacky again...

[Ericsmomma]

haven't posted for awhile...we've been making the rounds at the doctor's. Seen a gastro doc at Cleveland Clinic to find out why Eric is having so many stools per day (like5-7). Potty training is imposible, so we were hoping for some answers. Well, it turns out Mr. Eric was impacted....huh! The doc kept feeling Eric's abdomen, marking his skin with a pen, measuring, etc. He thought his liver seemed enlarged (yikes), so he wanted him to get a abdominal x-ray. He also ordered bloodwork to check his thryroid, liver functions, and to recheck for celiac disease. The x-ray showed a major back-up of "poop"....I couldn't believe it! He goes constantly...how much junk can one skinny little guy have in him! So now we are on Miralax 2x daily (his teacher LOVES this!)
He's on a probiotic for his belly. We also have to see a allergist, nutricionist, and a endocrinologist (his bloodwork is showing he is slightly hypothyroid). So guess we will be spending our vacation days again at the Cleveland Clinic....
We are also leaving for Baltimore Maryland this week to see Dr. Capone at the Kennedy-Krieger Institute. He specializes in dual-diagnosis of Down Syndrome and Autism. I hope he can help us with a plan for Eric's development/behavior. And a clear-cut diagnosis would certainly be nice. The jury is still out on whether he is on the autistic spectrum...one neurologist thinks he is....her partner thinks he's not....so now we go to door number #3.
My gut feeling is he's not, but he definetly has some autistic like behaviors. Alot of stimming, and anxiety. Still non-verbal. So hopefully we will get some answers.

[Emilysmom]

Wow Dolly! That's a lot on your plate for such a short time!!! But, it does sound like you are on the right road to finding answers for Eric.
Please keep us informed about how all the testing goes. I've heard Dr. Capone speak at quite a few seminars, and would definitely make the trip to see him if I needed his expertise.
Hugs,
Susan

[wrblack]

Yes, that does sound like a rather full plate. I've only seen Dr. Capone twice, and he's seen Charlie only once. But I think he's a good man and a very good doctor, and an authority on the combination of Ds and autism.
But sounds like Eric really needs a good pediatric endocrinologist at the moment. And I'd hope you'd find one locally. Maybe a gastro doc, too.
And speaking of full plates, there's a very good seafood buffet at Phillip's in the Inner Harbor. And speaking of eating fish, there's a good dolphin show at the National Aquarium within walking distance of there.
Hope you find some answers for Eric and have a good trip. -- Bob

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

[sd112170]

HUGS AGAIN!!!!!

[Chris too]

Trust Bob to turn your hospital-visit-vacation into something more vacation-like I believe he's had plenty of experience with it.

Best wishes, Dolly. My prayers are with you and Eric.

[CC]

HUGS girl, PLEASE let us know how everything went.

My thoughts are with you.

CC ~

[jelanismom]

Hi Dolly, just wanted to say I'll be sending positive thoughts for Eric, I understand everything you're going through.
Daily probiotics work great...I swear by them and start swearing when we run out...LOL
And out of balance intestinal flora plays a big role in stimming so I've read, it's interesting and I'm curious. Jelani displays many autistic tendencies, lots of stimming, but was tested out of the autistic spectrum. I look forward to hearing the Krieger institutes' plan for Eric. I can't wait to hear how that goes. If you'd like I can send you links to the articles/video regarding autism and the gut.