Test Results

We met with the doctors on Thursday and Friday to hear most of Bryce's test results. To sum up everything, the test results mostly eliminated things that are currently not affecting Bryce. We do still have some unanswered questions. We went to Cinci for their internationally-known Eosinophilic Center and for the most part, we're able to answer that piece comprehensively.

First, the scopes revealed that Bryce's GI tract looks healthy and eosinophils were NOT found in his stomach, intestines or esophagus. That is the GREAT news. Unfortunately, we don't know if his GI tract is clear because he doesn't have an Eosinophilic Disorder or if it's because he's been on an elemental (hypoallergenic) diet for over a year. So, the next step is to start food trials and hope the eosinophils don't show up on future scopes.

Second, due to the past foods that Bryce has failed, the GI doctor thought Bryce might not be able to digest carbohydrates properly. He tested Bryce for a disaccharide intolerance and we should have those results in about a week. Apparently, this isn't the only test for a carbohydrate malapsorbtion issue so even if this comes back negative it won't mean it's not still an issue for Bryce. The best test will be to start giving him carbohydrates and see how he reacts. If he starts reacting to all carbohydrates, then we'll do further testing.

Third, the impedance probe showed that Bryce does not have reflux; neither acidic or non-acidic reflux. The doctors also reviewed that previous impedance probe results and concurred that reflux was also not present during the April test. Unfortunately, the Eosinophilic GI doctor didn't have the expertise to comment on the previous probe results that said Bryce had perceived pain upon swallowing or the possibility of functional esophagatis.

Finally, the only thing that showed up positive with the allergy testing was corn when we did the patch testing. The allergist said allergy testing is only 50% accurate and the best test is to just see how Bryce reacts when he eats something. The purpose of the allergy testing is a starting place when we do food trials. Needless to say, we'll stay away from corn for a while.

After all of the testing, we met with the dietitian to form a food plan. This was one of our main goals in traveling to Cincinnati and are excited to have a GI doctor and dietitian that will help manage food trials with Bryce. As we have learned over time, we have to be very deliberate and systematic when trying new foods. We also left with a specific checklist of things to look for if he starts failing a food and can consult with Cinci when/if he starts to fail. We'll introduce one new food about every two weeks and we'll keep a food diary to track intake and reactions. We are very excited to start feeding Bryce!!!

Although we knew we wouldn't walk away from Cinci with any miracles, it was a bit frustrating to leave without more answers. However, we do have someone to manage food trials and have the possibility to take away diagnosis over time! If Bryce can tolerate foods, we'll be able to remove an eosinophilic disorder from Bryce's medical records and I think we can now rule out reflux as a current problem. The search continues to find out if Bryce is truly having pain upon swallowing or if he has functional esophagitus. In the mean time, we're going to work with an Occupational Therapist to see if we can't lengthen Bryce's sleeping times.

Thank you ALL for your prayers, thoughts and good wishes as we made the journey to Cinci. We really appreciate our family who helped at the hospital and visited with us throughout the week! It was certainly humbling to be at a children's hospital where there are children much more sick then Bryce. We are thankful that he is growing, developing and happy despite some GI challenges.