518-2

It has been an eventful and overwelming week for us. The MRI didn't take as long as we thought it would. We also learned that the machine itself cost $6,000,000. That's right....6 million! No wonder it costs us $2200!

Friday was Adam's scope. K was able to get up into his small intestine and see that there was inflammation. She also was able to get 5 biopsies, inluding a polip. While taking the 5th biopsy she said the tissue just flaked right off. She was afraid she perforrated the colon wall, so she immediately clamped it and pulled out. She said his colon was in bad shape, one of the worst she's ever seen. She admitted him into the hospital so she could run more tests, and monitor him in case it was perforrated. He had to remain on an all liquid diet for the next 48 hours. He had a lot of pain from the biopsys and a lot of gas discomfort. He also complained of a bad headache. He vomited when they gave him some morphine, and also when he tried to swallow a potassium pill. She also put him on Flagyl and Cypro...two antibiotics. Adam was in room 518-2...2 meaning bed #2. He had a roommate. Not the ideal situation, but it wasn't so bad. All-in-all we had a good experience with the Dr.'s and nurses.

It was kind of a whirlwind for me, arranging babysitting for the boys, and wanting to be with Adam at the hospital(UofU). Luckily we had family that was able to help!

We also got to meet with a few members of the colo-rectal surgical team. They were great and answered many of our question.

So here is where we stand today:
Several labs were taken to figure out if it is for sure UC or possibly Chrones Disease.
We are waiting for biopsy results to make sure there's no displasia or cancer cells
If there is any displasia the colon comes out!
There is also the issue from the MRI..Adam's pituitary glands are small, which is why he is not producing prolactic or testosterone. This could be a by-product of the inflammation in his colon.

K called today and said one of the stool samples she ran was positive for C.diff...a kind of bacteria bug. She put him on a strong regimen of Flagyl for 30 days. We are still researching C.diff, but apparantly it can cause mild diaharrea and lead to UC. If not treated early on it can become almost uncurable.
Could it be that Adam has had C.diff all along? We're not sure. Adam has been tested for C.diff before, but K said she's not sure she's ever done this specific ultra-sensitive test...it's new.