Niece's symptoms

[LynneS]

My niece was diagnosed at age 2 with kidney reflux and sudemonis infection, both of which resolved. At age 12 she started experiencing abdominal pain and had little appetite. It always hurt when she ate.  She had many tests and several trips to Children's Hospital. Finally, at age 13, she was diagnosed with 100 gallstones.  They were removed and six months later she had her appendix out. She has been fine for three years. Now, at age 17, has been hospitalized for three days because of abdominal pain, nausea, and a "lump" in her throat when she swallows.  She was treated for three infections in the hospital:  yeast, lactobacillus in her urinary tract (and perhaps kidneys) and bacterial vaginosis.  She was discharged from the hospital with a diagnosis of gastritis.  She feels better but still has discomfort and can only eat small meals. She gets full very easily and still feels that it's hard to swallow.  We have another trip to Children's Hospital planned, but feel we need to tell them what to look for!  Any similar experiences would be helpful  to hear about.  Thanks. Diane


This discussion is related to extreme fullness and inability to eat.

[CalGal]

Both acid reflux or conditions that include gastroparesis or continuing issues with her biliary system might be a cause of the symptoms she's experiencing. The throat sensation - a lump in the throat feeling (and I'm assuming that's what it is? - is called globus and it's experienced by many with GERD.

Was the gallbladder removed? If so, has she had any change in her bowel habits lately?

Just tell the docs what you've told us. In general it sounds like GERD, but you may also want to have her evaluated for continuing biliary issues as well.

In the meantime, take a look at both a GERD diet and a diet for gastroparesis. See what makes sense to help her with getting enough nutrition. There are several suggestions at gicare.com under the diet section. Fat is typically the most difficult for the stomach to 'empty,' liquids are easier. Cut way back on anything dairy, if possible.

Considering she was probably treated with a variety of antibiotics and antimicrobials for the infections, you may want to consider supplementing with probiotics. They're the good bacteria we should have in our GI systems and may not due to illness, or taking medications - especially antibiotics. There are several decent brands on the market including Culturelle, Digestive Advantage-IBS and FloraQ. Unless she's immunodepressed she should have no problems with them.

[LynneS]

Thank you ever so much for your thoughtful suggestions. Yes, she did have her gallbladder remove after they removed the 100 gallstones (which she has for years, but no doctor did an ultrasound and they did not find the stone for years!). Diane