For about the past 4 months we have been trying to figure out what is going on in Kamryn's little body. Without going into too much detail, she's been "sick" and in a lot of pain since December and about a month ago, I took her to the pediatrician to get some tests run. I have always liked my pediatrician and have been taking my kids to him for the past 3 years, but this time I was totally frustrated!! I had to call repeatedly for the test results and was really bugged at the nurses attitude. She kept telling me that all of the tests were normal and then added "hope she feels better soon"!! WHAT??!? She didn't feel better and the symptoms and the pain continued...so we packed up the car and headed to St. George to see a specialist. At first, I was hesitant to make the 4 hour drive for a 30 minute consult...wondering if it would be worth it or if I would leave just as frustrated as before. But as we sat there and explained her symptoms and as the Dr. was asking questions, etc.. I felt a sense of relief...this Dr. was going to help us!! He was so good with Kamryn and VERY reassuring - his initial diagnosis was "ulcerative colitis" (you can read about it here) and said that in most cases it is very treatable and most patients will live pretty normal lives once they are on the right medication. He said in order to be sure, we would need to run some tests and Kamryn would need to come back to have an EGD and a colonoscopy. During the scope they will remove small pieces of her colon, her intestine and pancreas to biopsy. He left the room for a minute to get some paperwork for me and I explained what a scope was to Kam and she started to cry. I feel so bad for her - no 10 year old should have to be dealing with issues like this! So today is the day...we have started the prep for the scope and we are going to be making the drive to St. George again this afternoon so she can be at the hospital for her tests first thing in the morning. Hopefully, we will be on the road to recovery soon and I can have my happy, smiling Kamryn back! 
Thursday, April 16, 2009
The diagnosis is...
For about the past 4 months we have been trying to figure out what is going on in Kamryn's little body. Without going into too much detail, she's been "sick" and in a lot of pain since December and about a month ago, I took her to the pediatrician to get some tests run. I have always liked my pediatrician and have been taking my kids to him for the past 3 years, but this time I was totally frustrated!! I had to call repeatedly for the test results and was really bugged at the nurses attitude. She kept telling me that all of the tests were normal and then added "hope she feels better soon"!! WHAT??!? She didn't feel better and the symptoms and the pain continued...so we packed up the car and headed to St. George to see a specialist. At first, I was hesitant to make the 4 hour drive for a 30 minute consult...wondering if it would be worth it or if I would leave just as frustrated as before. But as we sat there and explained her symptoms and as the Dr. was asking questions, etc.. I felt a sense of relief...this Dr. was going to help us!! He was so good with Kamryn and VERY reassuring - his initial diagnosis was "ulcerative colitis" (you can read about it here) and said that in most cases it is very treatable and most patients will live pretty normal lives once they are on the right medication. He said in order to be sure, we would need to run some tests and Kamryn would need to come back to have an EGD and a colonoscopy. During the scope they will remove small pieces of her colon, her intestine and pancreas to biopsy. He left the room for a minute to get some paperwork for me and I explained what a scope was to Kam and she started to cry. I feel so bad for her - no 10 year old should have to be dealing with issues like this! So today is the day...we have started the prep for the scope and we are going to be making the drive to St. George again this afternoon so she can be at the hospital for her tests first thing in the morning. Hopefully, we will be on the road to recovery soon and I can have my happy, smiling Kamryn back! 
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14 comments:
Poor Kamryn! I think she'll be alright, hopefully this sorts everything out!! Good luck!
Half the battle is knowing the diagnosis -- so hopefully you're well on your way to a quick recovery. Poor Kamryn! Hope she gets better soon! And I'm so glad you didn't give up. I firmly believe that moms know better than the doctor when something's up.
We will be thinking of her today and praying that all goes well. She does a pretty good job of being a happy, smiling Kamryn even with her illness. (Maybe it's the secret of the "happy pack"--I need to get me one of those.)
p.s. Last night when I went to bed Darin said, "Well, I'm going to go watch Pride and Prejudice" and laughed. It was sitting on his computer desk. We'll get it to you sometime.
poor girl! hope all goes well.
we love you Kam! You'll be just fine!
Please keep us posted. We can and will help in ANY way.
Hugs from our house!
Jod, that's hard! Nothing is worse than have your kids sick and not knowing how to help. I'm glad you stuck to it. When will doctors know that Mom always knows best?! Hope you can squeeze in some fun in St. George, too. Good luck!
Good luck. We will be anxious to hear how the tests went. What a brave girl!! Our prayers are with you.
Keri
I am sorry you have had to deal with all of this. Kamryn is a wonderful person. Tell her our prayers are for her today.
Oh that is so sad. I wondered what was up when I read your comment. I'm so sorry. 10 and already having to be so grown up. Bless her heart. Know we are praying for you. Love you. Good luck!
I am waiting for an update and hoping she is doing well. It is so hard when you have something that is somewhat vague wrong with you because it seems like it takes that much longer to diagnose. Just curious....why do you go to St. George rather than to Primary Children's in SLC? I would think they would have a lot of specialists there.
Poor thing! I'm so glad you were persistent. I hope it all works out. Keep us updated.
I have known two people in my life that have that same condition. Although it is painful, the right diet and medication can help. I hope everything goes well and you find out for sure soon!
So sorry to hear that your little girl is going through this! NO FUN! If by any chance this diagnosis doesn't turn out to be what they think have them do a biopsy for Celiac Sprue...lots of the same symptoms and undiagnosed LOTS..my little boy has it so if you have questions let me know!
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