Our sweat test is next week

February 12, 2004

Hi

I am , mom to A.J (3) and (1). I am taking my

daughter, , to have a sweat test done next week. She is 18

months old and I coming here to get some input and advice, if

possible.

has had chronic cough her whole life and has had two wheezing

episodes this year. Currently on nebs with xeopenex and pulmicort.

She has a history of very frequent ear infections.

In her first year, she had exteme bouts of constipation followed by

bloody and mucousy bowels which resolved on their own. This was then

followed by intermittent bouts of prolonged diahhrea which also

resolved on its own. She is now currently experiencing extended

bouts of foul smelling stools, up to 7 times a day. While this has

happened before for weeks at a time, it goes away on its on and then

reappears later. Not watery or mucousy.

has a large appetite but has plenty of energy and is 25th for

weight and 60th for height (has stayed steady on those curves).

Based on this information, her ped agreed that we need to r/o Cystic

Fibrosis. We both feel it is unlikely but I was hoping to get some

honest input here. What experiences have you all had? From what I

have gathered, the symptoms can be so varied and there are really no

absolutes with CF. Does it matter that I have never tasted salty

skin on her? What are the chances she may get a negative sweat test

but still have CF? Does anyone think her symptons truly sound like a

CF pattern? Do the stools always have to be mucousy? And does it

matter that she has stayed on her curve for growth?

I was also hoping I could some input regarding the sweat test? What

do I need to know and what should I do if the test is negative? We

still have these symptoms to deal with.

Thanks again, and I appreciate any help.

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