I am exhausted and drained and have a headache but so many people have called, e-mailed, texted and Face-Booked to see how things went for Harry that I thought I would update briefly...
The appointment went very well. The doctor spent about an hour and a half just talking with us. He had some pretty good ideas of what might be going on with Harry's stomach. There are some big concerns with Harry's growth (he is failure to thrive and simply not growing). Dave and I are small but this is not a matter of being small, this is a matter of not maintaining growth. There are other more personal issues going on with Harry's stomach as well. These problems begun when Harry was 2 weeks old. We have seen two pediatric gastroenterologists (the first when Harry was an infant) and other specialists and they have simply tossed prescriptions at us. This doctor listened and questioned intently. He is making a plan of a few more tests for Harry and if it is what he thinks it is, there are ways to heal. So we have a feeling of hope. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
As an interesting aside (and I might blog more about this later), the doctor that we are seeing primarily sees children with autism. In fact, our appointment was at a clinic for children on the autism spectrum (Harry is not). However, the stomach issues that Harry has are predominantly seen in children on the Autism Spectrum. The doctor stated that somehow Harry's genes or immune system protected him from developing the symptoms that go along with ASD. I am so thankful for that.
In other GREAT news, Nickie is home from the hospital. She is on bed rest but is making great improvement. Your prayers have been SO appreciated!
Don't forget to enter the contest below. You have until late Thursday night!
I'm so glad to hear that Harry's appointment went well(also that he has such a strong inmune system!).
ReplyDeleteI don't really know what a Matilda Jane is
but here's my email: baby.nolan@gmail.com
Karina
I hope you find some answers. It is so hard to live without answers. My own husband has Crohn's diseas and I am vigilant about our familiy's health. It can be hard because many people do not know the reality of intestinal diseases and do not quite understand! I have a friend whose child suffers from some as yet unkown intestinal and growth issues. So hard! Wishing you all the best and lots of hope, prayers and general positiveness!
ReplyDeleteTamara
i've been praying for your harry and your family, kim. thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you finally found a doctor who is listening! It took us 4 years to get to the right gastro for Ben. Once we did his problem was finally diagnosed and solved.
ReplyDelete~Lynn
I am so glad the appointment went well and he is given you hope. Also great news that your friend Nickie is home. That is amazing. Thanks for the update!
ReplyDeleteI know how exhausted you must feel, but so glad to hear you have found a doctor who is willing to explore more and get to the root of this! If you can't find one here, something must be wrong! It can be so frustrating though to have to go thru so many to find the right one! Hang in there,and keep us posted.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne
So glad that you appointment went well...kids home again today...insanity!! Talk to you this week hopefully~
ReplyDeleteMy heart is filled with joy knowing that you all have Hope and that Harry has found a great doctor. And wonderful news about Nickie... I'll keep all of you in my prayers.
ReplyDeleteGlad the appointment went well, I will keep everyone in my prayers!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear that the appointment went well and hope that you are able to get some answers and some help for him very soon!
ReplyDeleteIt must be so nice to find a doctor who listens and questions! It sounds like you found a wonderful doctor who will help Harry - I'm SO glad. One of my godsons has celiac disease and it was so hard wondering what was going on and a relief to finally know what is going on! Also, it is great to hear good news about your friend - big smiles over here :)
ReplyDeleteThank you for the updates Kim. You have been in my thoughts and prayers for the past few days. It sounds like there is a lot of positive news. I will keep praying that the news continues to be positive and that Harry (and also Nickie) begin to heal. Michelle and Meaghan Grace
ReplyDeleteFascinating! As a teacher, this medical stuff intrigues me. Thank you for sharing as much as you have! I am glad you have good news to share and am hopeful that they are one step closer to helping Harry!
ReplyDeleteSo very glad that things went with with Harry's visit to the doctor - and that Nicki is home from the hospital!
ReplyDeleteBlessings!
Hooray for Harry! It sounds like his dr. appointment went well.
ReplyDeleteI am glad his appt. went well. It is amazing what can be associated with Autsim Spectrum. Very interesting. Our daughter is on the spectrum. She has had some issues but not much with her stomach.
ReplyDelete11 more days until we leave for China!!
: ) Jody
So happy to hear that all went well. I hope you continue to hear good news.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Robin
I hope you get the answers you are seeking. Was the doctor you saw Krigsman? My son had similiar issues he however did develop symptoms of ASD which (thankfully) we were able to address. Good Luck!
ReplyDeleteIt is nice to find a doctor that will actually listen and give you some hope......
ReplyDeleteSo happy it turned out so well:)
Hope you have a wonderful week!!
Lisa
I am so glad to heare all of this good news. How wonderful that Nikki is at home. Thank you Lord.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad he's doing ok! Sounds very scary but good that the doctors seem to be getting a handle on it.
ReplyDeleteThat is good news. It's so nice to find someone who seems as interested as you are in getting to the bottom of the issues. I pray you have some answers soon. **And good luck tomorrow. Great thing to do for Lent, and I'm excited to see how it impacts you.
ReplyDeleteLove,
L
Glad the appt. went well - thanks for the update. I haven't been commenting much- have had a lot going on. But still always checking in on the peanuts each day!!
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for protecting Harry. I hope you'll share more as you find out.
ReplyDeleteAnd Praise the Lord about Nickie! He is so good to us.
We're stating our own Lent 'challange' as I call it with you as my inspiration :)
Jen :)
HOPE is such a wonderful and merciful word! I will continue to keep sweet Harry in my prayers (and his parents;) too)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the update! Glad to hear you found a doctor that is listening. Good luck with the results and healing plan. Blessings to Harry and your family, Wendy
ReplyDeleteWe will certainly still keep Harry in our prayers, and pray that the tests reveal treatable symptoms that can heal. We are also trusting God for his complete healing! And so glad to hear that your friend is out of the hospital...she was in my thoughts a LOT over the past week!
ReplyDeleteBig Hugs,
~Tanya
HI...MY 9 1/2 YR OLD DAUGHTER HAS BEEN SEEING AN ENDOCRINOLOGIST SINCE SHE WAS 3 AND HAS BEEN ON GROWTH HORMONES DUE TO "GROWTH HORMONE DEFIENCY" (SHE WAS NOT GROWING EITHER). WE HAVE HAD A GREAT EXPERIENCE WITH THE HORMONES AND SHE WENT FROM NOT EVEN BEING ON THE GROWTH CHARTS..TO NOW BEING IN THE 50TH PERCENTILE. IF GROWTH HORMONES EVER BECOME AN OPTION...OR TOPIC OF CONVERSATION...I WOULD BE MORE THAN HAPPY TO TALK TO YOU...I WILL BE THINKING ABOUT YOU AND HARRY! MINDY :)
ReplyDeleteP.S. I AM AN EARLY INTERVENTION TEACHER AND WORK WITH CHILDREN WITH AUTISM..SEVERAL KIDS HAVE GASTRO PROBLEMS.
So glad to hear that you found such a great doctor who actually listens! Hope the rest of your week is a good one!
ReplyDeleteJanet
Goodness... how exhausting it is to worry about our children. Glad answers appear to on the horizon. Sumter is on a medication that affects his appetite, and he lost 9 pounds in 3 months. It is hard to find food he will eat that is full of healthy and not empty calories. He has evened out and is not losing any more, but I constantly mix in a little protein whey in everything I fix for him! We just want our kids to be healthy!
ReplyDeleteSo happy to hear about Nickie! Praise God!
So thankful Harry's appt went well and Nicki is home getting better. God is good and blessed us beyond measure.
ReplyDeleteblessings,
sharon
So happy Harry's appt. went well. And that you finally found a Dr. who listens. That matters SO much! I will pray for more answers for you all and healing for Harry.
ReplyDeleteGabi
I am so glad that you heard encouraging news for Harry! Amazing about the ASD!
ReplyDeleteI am also thrilled to hear that Nickie is home from the hospital. She is sure to continue to full health surrounded by those who love her.
Blessings to you...
I am sorry to hear about Harry and I hope you find some answers soon so that things will start getting better! I will keep him in my prayers! I love your valentine post too.. what an awesome time and kates Valentines outfit is soo stinkin cute...love it!
ReplyDeletethanks be to God for answering prayers for Nickie
ReplyDeleteAlso thanks be to GOd that Harry may on the right road to a doctor than can get to the root of the problems
I have prayed for both Harry and your friend as well!
thank you LORD for answering prayers!
Get some rest and keep us up-dated as well
love you!
Cindy
PS! all we do want is for Harry to be HEalthy! and well! HE is so smart and too cute to be sickly,
Kim I will continue to pray for your babies too;))
KIm, also my son at times, as well as my husband goes thru bouts of breaking out on their faces, and the doctor we use reccommended
ReplyDeleteAquaphor Both are adults but it is great for children too:)
It works very well for both of them
It is about 13.00 a little container but last forever made by Euericin, but has to be prescribed ( I think??) not sure maybe not in TX but here it does!
I thought this might be something to try and it is very in-expensive very non-greasy, heals, protects and keeps from itching too:)
very very reccommend healing ointment;)
just thought i would mention it!
again I will pray for all your babies too:)
hugs!
Cindy
When Jenna was young it was used on her as well!
Kim, thank you for the update. Sounds like you have found a wonderful dr...now hope he finds some answers for you all. Findng and Dr. you can trust is tough..so that is absolutely a praise. Please keep us posted as you find more regarding Sweet Harry.
ReplyDeletePraise the Lord for Nickie and her healing! Thank you Father!!
Norah
I am glad that you have found a doctor who you are comfortable with to deal with Harry's stomach issues. I hope he will find a good course of treatment that works.
ReplyDeleteAnd I am also so happy for you friend.
I am so glad to hear that you are happy with your doctor and his hopes for helping Harry. I truly wish that you find some answers and some guidance to best help Harry soon. You are a wonderful family who must never give up...
ReplyDeleteSending you warm and healing wishes...
I am so glad that you have found a wonderful doctor and that Harry's appointment went well.
ReplyDeleteI am so pleased to hear Nickie is out of the hospital.
I'll continue to keep all of you in my payers.
First, I am so glad that Harry IS so healthy despite these challenges. We'll pray for y'all. And second, I find it absolutely fascinating that Will has known sensory issues and Harry has these gastrointestinal issues so prevalent in people with autism. As a momma to a sensory kiddo myself, who used to be mistaken for autistic, I am definitely taking note of that.
ReplyDeleteKim, WOW! Sounds like my house.... So happy to hear that you found a good Dr. That's half the battle. Praying that Harry will soon be healed!
ReplyDeleteI have missed reading about you on your blog but really do FB much of the time now.
I'll try to keep checking in to see how you're all doing!
Hugs,
Natalie
Wonderful news about both Harry and Nickie! Now, it's time to take care of yourself :)
ReplyDeleteWonderful news about both Harry and Nickie! Now, it's time to take care of yourself :)
ReplyDeleteSuch great news! I am glad that you found a Dr. you like.
ReplyDeletehttp://www.eyeballgirl.com
Kim, I really hope that Harry starts to get better. My mother told me that when we were young (less than 2 years old), we were so sick with gastrointestinal issues. My mom tried doctor after doctor and changing our diets drastially - gluten free, dairy free, soy free - she had to make all of our food from sratch - for 4 kids under the age of 5. What a nightmare! With that said, she finally went to a holistic doctor and he put us on acidopholus (spelling?) and it cured us instantly! I am sure you have used or tried this, but I just thought I would pass it along just in case.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys!
It is so refreshing to find a doctor who takes you seriously and can HELP.
ReplyDeleteI am so glad you received hopeful information about sweet Harry. Keep us updated as we hope the best for your family and especially for Harry.
ReplyDeleteCandis
So glad the appointment went so well. Having hope is a good thing and so is having a doctor who listens!!
ReplyDeleteKim, I'm so happy to hear you had a good appointment. Having a doctor who will spend that amount of time just talking, listening and answering questions is a blessing in itself. I'm glad to hear he thinks he may be on the right path to discovering the problem and a cure for Harry. And a big woo hoo on the great news that your friend is home!! Praise the Lord!!
ReplyDeletekim,
ReplyDeleteI'm just catching up on blogs (kind of). I'm so glad the appointment went well and you may get some answers. I hope you get them and Harry can get better.
Rachel
I knew the new MJ line would be tough for you...and the rest of us :). I've told you before, if you can't shop for yourself, you can shop for me anytime. With all this schoolwork and all these kiddos, shopping isn't much of a priority...I have not time..and really shouldn't spend the money anyway, but my house and wardrobe need a makeover!!!
ReplyDeleteSo glad it is all good news. I hope you continue to find ways to help him get better.
ReplyDeleteHappy your friend is home and recovering!!!
Oh my goodness... my little tummy bug certainly pales by comparison. I hope you get to the bottom of this and get some answers soon. The not knowing is always the worst, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteGlad to hear you have a good dr. taking care of your precious son! Hope he is healed soon. I have celiac disease and so I know how hard GI issues are-it took over 10 years for a dr. to finally diagnose me and after that I went on GF diet and feel GREAT now! Hope that will be the case for Harry!
ReplyDeleteWonderful news about your friend being home and recovering...!