The endoscopy found ulcers in his lower esophagus. A biopsy was taken, and we should get the results early next week. Everything else looks great. The doctor doesn't understand why he has ulcers in his esophagus and not in his stomach. Yet again, he is outside the "norm".
The causes and complications are rather ominous. Causes can be from reflux to H. pylori bacteria to EE. Complications range from discomfort to deterioration of the esophagus wall to cancer. I am trying to keep a positive outlook. I am going to wait until the pathology is back before making my decision on treatment. There is plenty of information on the internet about treatments including meds and herbal treatments.
For now he is taking a drug called Carafate which is supposed to coat the lining of his esophagus. It is supposed to reduce pain and help in healing. He will have to be on it for one month. After the first dose this afternoon, he was given a tube feeding of 5 oz. of Neocate chocolate (30kcal). Didn't seem to have any discomfort. Some pain about an hour and a half after second feeding. We will see if it helps him sleep through the night. I am also debating whether or not I should send him to school tomorrow. The Dr. said he may need a day or two of rest. I could use some too. :-)
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Endoscopy
Endoscopy is a minimally invasive diagnostic medical procedure that is used to assess the interior surfaces of an organ by inserting a tube into the body. The instrument may have a rigid or flexible tube and not only provide an image for visual inspection and photography, but also enable taking biopsies and retrieval of foreign objects. Endoscopy is the vehicle for minimally invasive surgery.
Many endoscopic procedures are considered to be relatively painless and, at worst, associated with mild discomfort; for example, in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, most patients tolerate the procedure with only topical anaesthesia of the oropharynx using lignocaine spray.[1] Complications are not common (only 5% of all operations)[citation needed] but can include perforation of the organ under inspection with the endoscope or biopsy instrument. If that occurs open surgery may be required to repair the injury.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.
Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
It all sounds so clinical, but what it translates to is misery for my little boy. I look at the picture from his bad hair day, and he looks chubby. Right now he is gaunt, his eyes are dark and sunken in, his skin is pasty white, and he is just not my sweet & happy guy. He has been throwing up even more than usual, and it is much harder on him because it is a thick sticky mucus that causes him to choke. He had aspiration pneumonia the week before Spring Break. Tomorrow's test just can't be here fast enough. I know there is a possibility that it will lead to surgery, but at this point I just want my baby to feel better.
I will post results of the test soon. Hopefully, tomorrow.
Many endoscopic procedures are considered to be relatively painless and, at worst, associated with mild discomfort; for example, in esophagogastroduodenoscopy, most patients tolerate the procedure with only topical anaesthesia of the oropharynx using lignocaine spray.[1] Complications are not common (only 5% of all operations)[citation needed] but can include perforation of the organ under inspection with the endoscope or biopsy instrument. If that occurs open surgery may be required to repair the injury.
Eosinophilic esophagitis is an inflammatory condition in which the wall of the esophagus becomes filled with large numbers of eosinophils.
Eosinophils are white blood cells (leukocytes) manufactured in the bone marrow and are one of many types of cells that actively promote inflammation. They are particularly active in the type of inflammation caused by allergic reactions. Thus, large number of eosinophils can accumulate in tissues such as the esophagus, the stomach, the small intestine, and sometimes in the blood when individuals are exposed to an allergen. The allergen(s) that causes eosinophilic esophagitis is not known. It is not even known whether the allergen is inhaled or ingested. Eosinophilic esophagitis is more common among individuals with other allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, allergic rhinitis, and atopic dermatitis.
It all sounds so clinical, but what it translates to is misery for my little boy. I look at the picture from his bad hair day, and he looks chubby. Right now he is gaunt, his eyes are dark and sunken in, his skin is pasty white, and he is just not my sweet & happy guy. He has been throwing up even more than usual, and it is much harder on him because it is a thick sticky mucus that causes him to choke. He had aspiration pneumonia the week before Spring Break. Tomorrow's test just can't be here fast enough. I know there is a possibility that it will lead to surgery, but at this point I just want my baby to feel better.
I will post results of the test soon. Hopefully, tomorrow.
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