And the Diagnosis is….
Posted by Dr. Cason on Wednesday, July 23rd, 2008
NOT esosinophilic esophagitis (EE)
Thank you Lord. I know this may sound silly but I was soo happy because with this potential diagnosis the GI doc recommended eliminating soy. No he doesn’t test allergic to soy but she said it can help in kids with EE.
Are you kidding me? I tried. Between last week and today I cut it out and every meal was stressful. (remember we are eating out in O’ahu. Home cooking wouldn’t be so bad) So not only could he not have milk and eggs and nut products but add to that soy and I’ve plunged right off of sanity’s edge. Soy- most specifically soy lecithin- is in everything! Would I do it? Damn skippin’. But it would have been hard. So I rejoiced with our results.
BUT he does have
- CT confirmed chronic sinusitis
- Reflux
- Candidal esophagitis
- Asthma
- Food Allergies
- Hypogammaglobulinemia of unknown etiology
Now this puts this a physician mother into overdrive. He is what you would call an interesting case-a diagnostic dilemma if you will. But I keep in mind Occam’s razor. In medical school we learned about Occam’s razor, often paraphrased nicely as “All other things being equal, the simplest solution is the best.” Meaning that Jake probably only has one or two things going on and not a multitude of abnormalities.
I hold this fact alone high above me and worship it as true. Hooves outside the window usually indicate a horse not a zebra! The chances are that he does NOT have an extremely rare condition. The chances are this is allergies and a little reflux. Very common problems in kids. Common things present commonly and in uncommon ways.
Today this reasoning is calming to me. Even though there are a lot of labs still pending and we currently have a mini pharmacy in our mini hotel fridge, we are going home. Jake’s color looks better and I swear his little cheeks even look chunky.
His demeanor is improving and he’s getting very playful! When I took my everfaithful camera out of it’s case and said, “Jakey, show me your eyes!” He got so close he nearly ran his nose into the camera! No kidding, I barely cropped this shot- he was that close.
Filed in My Life |
Lisaon 23 Jul 2008 at 8:27 pm 1Hurray for no EE. Question: How does candidal esophagitis present? Is it just a white coat that you would need a scope to see or are there other symtoms?
Lisas last blog post..Part XV, Making Inappropriate Jokes, Not Eating The Yogurt And Other Lessons In Life
Jeni Winegearton 23 Jul 2008 at 8:43 pm 2I am SO glad things are getting resolved and THAT YOU ARE COMING HOME! Amy’s back and now you’re coming back. Life on Guam is improving…
I cannot imagine how overwhelming all of the tests and stuff were, but I do know that his parents are the best parents. With you guys, he WILL be okay.
See you soon,
Jeni Winegearts last blog post..Christian is learning to swim!
White Hot Magikon 23 Jul 2008 at 10:13 pm 3I sm glad it wasn’t the EE. You sound like you turned the corner and are hoping again.
Nora
White Hot Magiks last blog post..Time to get er done.
Beth from the Funny Farmon 23 Jul 2008 at 11:36 pm 4So glad that he had some positive news. I don’t know how I would handle all those issues with the diet either.
Beth from the Funny Farms last blog post..Around the Barn
Alesiaon 23 Jul 2008 at 11:39 pm 5Thank god! Allergies and reflux we can deal with.
I’d never heard the term Occam’s razor. I love it!
Kylaon 23 Jul 2008 at 11:46 pm 6That’s great. But, man, does that symptom list make me itch to do some research!
Kylas last blog post..A little art show
Awesome Momon 24 Jul 2008 at 12:06 am 7I am glad that is seems to be something simple. Have a good trip home!
Awesome Moms last blog post..Try this Tuesday
Audubon Ronon 24 Jul 2008 at 12:55 am 8Good news.
Audubon Rons last blog post..Just One Perfect Day, It’s All I Ask
Kat Stephensonon 24 Jul 2008 at 2:12 am 9Sheila - I am so glad Jakey seems to have a better diagnosis. I have been praying for Jakey and your family.
Have a wonderful trip home to Guam, and keep enjoying your beautiful photography too.
Dr. Casonon 24 Jul 2008 at 3:25 am 10Lisa- It presents in young kids as food aversion since it’s tough to eat becuase the esophagus is swollen. It some kids it’s just difficulty swallowing or food impaction.
Jeni- Can’t wait to see you guys!
Saw Amy in the hotel here in O’ahu. It was so great to see a warm friendly face.
White Hot- Sooo happy too:)
Beth- Yeah!!
Alesia- I think that they HAVE to teach it to medical students otherwise they run away with the diagnostic possibilities!
Kyla- Ha Ha!!:)
Awesome- Seriously. Now I’m just packing and making some snacks and a diversion kit!
Audubon Ron- Sooo good news.
Kat- Thank you again. I’m taking so many pics here it’s almost too many. Oh wait a minute….no such thing!!
Moonbeam’s Mom- So glad you’re commenting! It is funny when things don’t follow our rules! Hey you want to yell! Read the book!
Erinon 24 Jul 2008 at 4:53 am 11YAY! So glad it’s a horse and not a zebra. Zebras are great in zoos. Not so great in kids.
Erins last blog post..County Fair = LAME
Cath Lawsonon 24 Jul 2008 at 8:52 am 12Hi Dr Cason - I’m so pleased for you. I know he has a few problems but these things are all treatable right? That’s wonderful news.
Cath Lawsons last blog post..Oops - I Sank A Business
tiffon 24 Jul 2008 at 10:00 am 13It’s good to know what you are dealing with.
Hope you and jakey have a safe trip home.
Will there be many more changes for Jake?
Barbara Swaffordon 24 Jul 2008 at 11:08 am 14Hi Dr. Cason,
What a relief. You must feel like a ton of bricks have been lifted.
I know it’s not over, but you’re on your way (as is Jakey).
That’s a neat photo. He looks good!
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Interview With Lorelle VanFossen - Part 2 - Errors Bloggers Make
Donnaon 24 Jul 2008 at 11:44 am 15So very happy for you and Jake!! My grandson had like symptoms…allergy to all things wheat….Happiness to you!hughugs
Donnas last blog post..Strawberries Anyone?
Davinaon 24 Jul 2008 at 12:44 pm 16Hi Dr. Cason.
I am happy to hear that the worst did not come to pass. You must be so relieved!
Davinas last blog post..Core Value Statements
Ann at One Bag Nationon 24 Jul 2008 at 2:14 pm 17Glad to hear the news and that you’re finally heading home.
Ann at One Bag Nations last blog post..Thwarted. . .
Dr. Casonon 24 Jul 2008 at 2:51 pm 18Erin- Ponies are best!
Cath- It feels treatable at this point.
Tiff- No I think we should stay pretty much the same. Except for some added medication then we’ll be done soon!
Barbara- I am on my way so we just need to worry about the plane trip. Business as usual!
Donna- Wheat! Oh wow that’s tough. We eliminated wheat for a couple of weeks and then reintroduced it with no problems.
Davina- I am relieved. My stomach-ache stopped as soon as I talked with the doctor!
Ann- Thanks Ann!
Sara Rosson 24 Jul 2008 at 8:58 pm 19Glad to hear you are heading home with a positive outcome. This must have been draining on both of you.
As for the eating out, we just bring food from home with us so we know what is in it. I never know if the restaurant will contaminate something. Something you could try when you get home.
I am sure the family is waiting and will give lots of love when you get home.
Sara
Guinevere Meadowon 25 Jul 2008 at 7:30 am 20I’m so glad it was not the diagnosis you feared! I have never heard of Ockham’s Razor, but I really like the sound of that! My mom is going through something similar- a multitude of seemingly unrelated health problems- there’s GOT to just be one or two things at the root of it.
Guinevere Meadows last blog post..Today’s Updates
Nora Beeon 02 Aug 2008 at 6:57 am 21It must be nice to have some answers. Glad you are home and getting back into your routine!
Nora Bees last blog post..The Bees are back from the mountains