Lost & Looking for help -Laurel's Story

[laurelhedden]

To start I have a beautiful family, I have 2 beautiful kids... Landon who is 3.. Calianna who is 2... and they are both diagnosed with mild-moderate Autism Spectrum Disorder.. We are headed to Seattle, Washington Children's Hospital for more testing and to find out if it's genetic or not. (okay, I know a little off topic). But, yes I live a very stressful life, a full time mom, photographer, and a full time student pursuing a nursing degree. For the past 3 years my health has plunged. Right now I'm 14 years old.. and when I was 18 my father died from brain and lung cancer and specifically his intestines became septic from problems associated with the chemotherapy. I always thought that he just had really bad IBS (Which the doctors have told me is what I've had for the past years (no testing just theory). Yesterday, my mother finally came out and told me that he had crohn's disease was diagnosed in his 20's and had to have a major surgery his mid 20's and my half sister also suffer's with the same problems so apparently it's genetic on my father's side. So after doing some research which I'm very good at because I had to be a huge advocate for my children in getting their diagnosis of autism. I've had a past history of random sores inside my mouth, random joint and muscle pain that even the doctors can't even explain, FOR YEARS NOW i've had blood on my toilet paper after going number 2 but never really thought of anything of it. I just thought that I had wiped too hard or something. And now for the worst part of it.. I've had Fecal Incontinence for 6 DAYS now with green and bright yellow diarrhea and everything I eat or drink goes straight out of me. I've lost 7lbs in 5 days. I'm so exhausted, tired, dehydrated. I went to the doctor on base (my husband is in the airforce) and my doctor did 2 blood works on me one testing my sodium levels in my blood to make sure my electrolytes are ok and the other was for a white blood count to make sure I didn't have any kind of infection. She also did a urine count. After making me walk throughout the hospital to labs, pharmacy, refferals, and back with out any help being completely fatigued making me wait in a super uncomfortable chair she tells me im completely fine and ok to go im thinking in my head what the hell?! I than go to ask her "Well what about my diarrhea, and keeping fluids down?" She than goes and tells me to go eat whatever I want it's not going to hurt anything and to just stay close to the toilet until the viral bug goes away. She knows that I wanted a referral to go see a gastroenterologist. WTH?!?!?:hallo3:
What do you guy's think I should do? My appt should be this this Thursday at sacred heart? Should I go to the hospital and have them admit me so I can atleast get some fluids? I don't even have the strength to barely pick my own children up or take care of them..

any advice would be great... thank you god for whoever created this forum.. and for all of the people who participate in this forum... and all of the people currently fighting for their lives..and answers.. god bless you all.

 

[Clash]

I don't have any advice, just wanted to welcome you to the forum. You will find a lot of compassionate, caring people here and tons of info. You might want to check out our Undiagnosed Club. If you aren't satisfied with what your GP has said I would absolutely keep pushing for answers especially with the family history. Hope you get answers soon!

 

[Trysha]

Hi Laurelhedden
Is it at all possible for you to see another doctor on the base or are you tied down with this one?
It could be important for you to see a GI specialist and I would continue to push for this or do whatever is necessary to get the appropriate attention.
With your family history and your symptoms a gastroenterologist should be involved.
Have you had a CRP, ESR, Vit B12 iron levels Electrolytes done? These should have been ordered.Also you need a colonoscopy among other things..
When you are feeling so ill it might be the best idea to go to emergency----it is essential for you to have the proper fluid balance as well as appropriate investigations.This is what I would choose to do.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha

 

[laurelhedden]

I'm stuck with this one until we get out of the military unfortunately. But I am going to see a gastro as soon as they get my referral in.. I'm thinking about heading to the ER as soon as I leave chem class tommorow ( i can't miss these labs or I'll start failing) ugh. She tested my sodium levels and they were fine.. My diarrheahh is also BRIGHT yellow and green very odd and today i had sharp pains in my stomach. I feel like my doctors think im just crazy.

 

[David]

Hi there and welcome. I'm so sorry you're having trouble right now

*hugs*

I agree with Trysha. Push to see the GI as soon as possible. You need to be seen by a specialist. Until then, if you feel you need to go to the ER or urgent care, do exactly that.

We're here for you.

 

[Trysha]

hi laurelhedden,
That is a good idea you have about going to the ER, please do that since your symptoms
have remained acute. If it continues you will likely get into an electrolyte imbalance among other things.Did this doctor order microbiological studies on the stool specimens?
Rather remiss not to do this. The ER will give you much better evaluations and investigations.
Feel better soon
Hugs and best wishes
Trysha