Tabby's GI doctor visit

Tabby finally had her appointment this morning, with Dr. K, the Pediatric Gastroenterology specialist.  We were both encouraged as he seemed very knowledgeable and spent a lot of time asking questions and listening.  (As a funny aside, he had a bit of an Indian accent, which Tabby said made him a little hard for her to understand at some points.  Hunter said he understood him just fine because he has watched a lot of videos on YouTube where a man with a heavy Indian accent explains all about H-bridges for motors and has learned the accent.)  

Tabby has had her stomach pain since Wednesday evening so we were actually sort of glad she still had it today.  Dr. K. was able to feel her abdominal area and note exactly where she hurt so much.
 

turkey & hummus sandwich with cheese wedge ... just what the Tabby ordered (she is still usually hungry, even when her stomach hurts!)

Dr. K. said her nerves in her GI were certainly "hyperactive."  I asked if it could have been caused by the blast of antibiotics she had in January when she was hospitalized for pneumonia.  (Since she has had health issues ever since then.)  He said "yes."  (Of course we will probably never know for sure.)


As we expected, Dr. K. wants to do some further testing.  He wants to thoroughly check Tabby's gall bladder, as she can not tolerate greasy foods and because her pain almost always starts on the right side of her stomach and she gets nauseous.  She's already had an ultrasound of her gall bladder so he's going up to a more detailed test - a HIDA.  (The hospital is to call us to schedule that.)

She'll also have the "super fun" endoscopy and colonoscopy tests in just under 2 weeks, also at the hospital.  She'll be tested for celiacs, gluten issues, etc.

While we search for answers, the doctor prescribed some medications to help Tabby in the meantime.  These are things she can take as certain symptoms come on.  Different ones for nausea, acid control, and a spasm medication.  We also got a bunch of sample packets of IBgard which is for people with IBS and is a capsule containing peppermint oil, fiber, and protein.  (I gave her one of those on the way home and she feels like it is working well already.)  Finally, he suggested we pick up some Antivert for when she has dizzy spells.

Say "cheese!" Literally!  That's a cheese wedge she's holding up.  :)

Dr. K. said he does not think it sounds like she has any food allergies, so we will not pursue that right now.  But because her stomach nerves are "hyperactive" we're going to try and keep her diet really clean.  (I told her to stay away from the snack machine at school and when her friends offer her junky treats to "just say no!")

So, the saga of Tabby's mystery pain will be continued ....