Colin had an appointment today with his regular Pediatrician to go over what all needs to be outlined regarding his stomach issues he's had since birth. To sum it down, he has had continual GI issues with diarrhea since birth and never a solid poop unless he's overly constipated due to not drinking enough. As the Pediatrician had discussed, this is extremely common with kids on the Autism spectrum to have tons of stomach related issues in terms of Diarrhea or having a 'cramping stomach' all the time.
We covered his 60 questionnaire to determine what might be the sources or what tests might need to be further completed.
What was determined is that he needs to be tested for Gluten Intolerance which means he needs to go back onto a gluten filled diet over the next 2 weeks in order to be tested for antibodies that would show up. He has been off of it within the past 1-2 months so he fears the antibodies wouldn't be as present as they'd like or need them to be. It's really frustrating to hear but we're having to put him back onto a regular diet in order to get a conclusive test for this. It does make it a bit easier on cookie for the next 2 weeks but to think of his stomach issues, sensory problems increasing once again, and attitude and crankiness increasing once more is SO frustrating to think about again. Being on this diet has not only decreased gluten issues but has also his behavior. A huge results was his first solid normal poops ever. Normally he always has loose extremely explosive ones which isn't fun during diapering years. All in all, it's a step in the right direction even though it's a huge leap bag for his autism diet making us 'start the progress all over again' as they say.
Additionally, they'll check for any possible infections, anemia, vitamin imbalance, etc. After all that if nothing comes up they'd send him out to another specialist which is a Pediatric GI specialist. They might need to 'look' inside with a colonoscopy [spelling?] only within the worst case situation.
Thankfully this doctor seeks progress even mentioning he researched some info prior to us coming in related to Autism and stomach related issues. He wasn't aware of his Psychiatrist diagnosing him as she's been trying to reach him he hasn't connected back with her yet which is frustrating to hear. I politely asked him to connect up with her to quickly review notes and help offer her info that might help with his diagnosis.
Next step as most of these diagnosis and major appointments are out of the way is to start scheduling regular basis appointments with an Occupational Therapist, Physical Therapist to manage Sticklers Syndrome and prevent further joint/bone problems by building up muscle strength and tone, and I believe they also have a speech therapist who can help integrate that into the equation. Monday, I also follow up with the Neuro Psychiatrist to determine when I can get into Providence as the Dr approved him as well as the insurance [phew!!!!] on a rare case due to CDD possibility. They informed me the way to have the first appointment with them might be clear out in February since this place is in high demand within the Northwest as well as Nation. We will continue to see the lady who diagnosed him as well as wrote up the IEP for further management of daily behaviors and such. I highly recommend Elizabeth Fisher at Healthybonds.net as she has been a huge help with all this.
What also will be scheduled is his next ERG which is due next month to happen, and December his next regular check up with Casey Eye to keep observing his vision to prevent any possible tears, holes, detachments, vision decreasing, etc. We have been reassured that the school for the blind is local in Vancouver if anything is to happen. That is refreshing to hear that really outstanding source of help in that department is that local to us. This is what makes it hard for me to consider about relocating unless we can find resources like this within that similar area again.
Off to homework land and test studying as well as online test taking for me. I have midterms next week as well as tons of homework assignments that need to be completed ASAP before they become too last minute which I don't like to do! I was wishing to visit my parents this weekend and pick up Pumpkins they grew in their garden but homework has hindered that. Now we can try to visit a patch local to us over the weekend if the time opens up. I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
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