Test results, but no definite answers

September 29, 2005

Max's endoscopy is over, and the GI did find some things that are

wrong, but there are no definite answers as to whether or not they

are causing the hiccups. It's all theory, but it brings us a step

closer, I hope.

There were quite a number of ulcers in Max's duodenum, or small

intestine. He also has an irritated esophagus from reflux, most

likelly, and a distended stomach, from delayed emptying for sure.

At first the GI said that these conditions did not explain the

hiccups and then he stopped himself and came up with a theory. Oh -

before I go on, he thinks Max has that awufl H-Pylori infection

again. So... it is possible that the infection has caused the

ulcers and reflux. With that, they have further delayed his gastric

emptying, thus the distended stomach. The irritation and distention

could be putting pressure on the diaphragm and irritating it to the

point where it contracts and spasms. That's where the hiccups come

in.

For now, we are giving him Protonix, the proton pump inhibitor,

twice a day. We have to wait a week for the biopsy to come back to

see if he has the infection for sure. He would not put Max on an

antibiotic just in case, which I found rather strange, but he has

his reasons, I guess. Meanwhile, I have to be tested because I aske

the doctor why Max keeps getting this and he said one of us must

have it, too, and we just keep passing it back and forth to each

other. Since I frequently complain of nausea and heartburn, it is

assumed that I am the one. ly, I think we all should just go

through a course of antibiotics and be done with it, but what do I

know?

The hospital part of this was really easy. The nurses in the day

hospital all knew Max and they came from all over to say hello. He

was even invited to be on the teen advisory board to help make the

patient floor more teen friendly. What a great opportunity! There

was not a problem getting D10 for his IV, either. They knew to go

by what I said because they know me and Max. What a reassuring

feeling that was!

Now I am wiped out and resting. Max is trying, but hiccuping away.

Poor guy.

Jodi Z

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