"Hopeful For the First Time In Over a Year"

These were her GI doctor's exact words at Emma's appointment today.  He let us know that her HIDA scan showed that her gall bladder was functioning perfectly, which is great.  He also discussed the results of the pill cam.  It showed no internal damage--no Crohn's, no celiac, no evidence of stomach swelling.  Everything looked good.  She does have the rapid transit through the small intestine, which is the cause of her diarrhea.  He can't be 100% sure why, but it is very likely that it could be her body trying to quickly flush out the allergens she has been unknowingly eating.  (She is showing no signs of malabsorption, so the rapid transit does not appear to be a concern at this time.)

He was excited to hear that she has only thrown up once since we started the new diet (today is day five), and we are hopeful that this will persist.  We will continue to completely eliminate these 13 foods until our next appointment (August 22) and see what kind of progress she is making.  If she is asymptomatic, then we can add back the level one allergens one at a time.  (Unfortunately, soy was a 3+, so I guess there's no hope of adding that one back in any time soon.)  The doctor was honest with Emma in telling her that he does not expect her to get completely better, but he is very hopeful that her symptoms will be greatly minimized.  That's tough to hear, but I appreciate his honesty.  And, I am thankful that he no longer sees the need to send her to the motility specialist in Ohio at this time.  That is great news!

Once again Emma was a bit of a conundrum.  He said most people have internal damage from the allergens, and that is what alerts the doctor of the need to test for food allergies.  Emma did not show any of these signs.  Apparently, Emma's body likes to keep us guessing, but it is comforting to hear that these foods have not done any damage.

On another positive note, Emma didn't even come close to slapping the doctor today when he examined her abdomen.  There have been times where he and I could tell it took everything in her to resist pushing him away.  Her discomfort was not nearly as bad today.

All in all, today was a good visit.  We will pray for continued progress for Emma and creativity on my part when it comes to cooking.  I know some days will be more difficult than others, but we are up for the challenge.