We got Riverson’s test results from his Stool Analysis last week.
It’s taken me several days to get this written out, for several reasons.
- Fear- I’m afraid of people’s reactions. I don’t want him to be treated differently, or avoided all together.
- Researching- I’ve been trying to get my hands on as much information as possible. I want to know everything! I just want him to feel better.
- Debating with myself- Do I even want people to know? I could just keep it to ourselves.
The truth is, I know we have people who care about us and want to know. I’ve already had several friends ask me about the results and I know it’s just because they are concerned for him.
I appreciate that concern more than you will ever know!
I also know the whole reason I keep this blog is to document our lives. It’s for us and this is part of our story.
Who knows? We might be able to help someone else with our experience.
We had to go in to the doctor’s office on Langston’s birthday, for Riverson. I felt bad about that, but I NEEDED this information. I NEEDED to know what was wrong.
Well, I got an earful.
There were three main things found in his analysis.
He is missing a good bacteria called lactobacilli.
It wasn’t just found in low levels. There was NONE.
Our doctor asked if he had ever been on any antibiotics. He hasn’t.
He asked if I had any antibiotics when I was pregnant. I didn’t.
We don’t know why he doesn’t have any of that specific beneficial bacteria.
We do know that people not having that bacteria can have irritable bowel syndrome, bloating, gas, chronic fatigue, headaches, and sensitivities to food. We have experienced several of these!
Our doctor prescribed a special probiotic for us we had to order from a lab in Reno, NV. I’m hoping that probiotic will be delivered to us today and we can get started.
They found high amounts of yeast.
Yeast is normally found in small amounts in a healthy intestinal tract. To have higher amounts is considered abnormal.
The higher amounts are probably because he’s missing that specific good bacteria his body should have.
Symptoms from yeast overgrowth include brain fog, fatigue, recurring vaginal or bladder infections, sensitivity to smells, mood swings/depression, sugar and carb cravings, gas/bloating, and constipation or loose stools. Obviously I don’t know if he’s experienced all of these, but I do know this is probably why he gets HORRIBLE diaper rashes sometimes. It’s like whatever is coming out of him is toxic to his skin.
Our doctor sent us to a compound pharmacy to get a special diaper cream for him. It’s amazing stuff, but at $35/jar, DANG!
We also picked up a liquid anti-fungal medicine at our local pharmacy and the pharmacist there told us it’s pretty strong stuff.
And this is where I debated in giving out the rest of the results.
He has a parasite.
It’s not uncommon and can be picked up from dirt or even water. Most importantly, it’s not contagious. So many people could have a parasite and never even know it.
Nevertheless, it breaks my heart to even think about. I hate knowing there is something in him causing him so much pain and there is so little I can do about it.
This particular parasite is known to cause diarrhea (he’s had that), fever, nausea, and abdominal pain. {Breaks my heart!}
It’s also known to cause weight loss, but we haven’t had to deal with that. He’s a stocky little 19 month old and is weighing in at 29 lbs. It’s not huge, but it IS only 3 pounds less than his three year old big brother.
We have a medicine we will be taking for the next 30 days to hopefully get rid of it. If his diapers are still not better by then, we will be taking a different route. After 9 months, we’ll do the stool analysis again.
That’s a LONG time to wait for more answers.
A part of me feels like I failed him. God gave me this beautiful gift and it’s my job to protect him. I feel like I didn’t do that.
I know it could be worse and many parents deal with much worse. Fortunately, our situation can be fixed.
It just seems that no matter how small the situation, it’s so easy to let it consume you and bring on the mommy guilt.
My deepest fear is people will avoid us like the plague and fear for their kids to be around him.
No one wants that for their child.
As a mother of a child with special needs I can totally understand the mommy guilt, but let me tell you, you did nothing wrong.
I can also relate to the fear of telling people a prognosis. At one point a doctor told my husband and I that they were looking at the possibility of one of my sons having schizophrenia. My first thought wasn’t “oh my poor son” it was “how will people treat him if they know?” It is a shame that it is this way, and I just pray that one day people will understand that no matter what a sickness is, if it is a cold, lack of bacteria, a parasite, or schizophrenia, it is a medical issue, and not based on anything anyone did.
I wish you the best!
Ange´s last [type] ..Maybe I’m not ready….
Twitter: giggleglitzglam
says:
Hope the medicine will get him feeling better soon!
YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOMMY!!!!
Jana´s last [type] ..The Final Features
Twitter: ASassyRedhead
says:
How interesting. I’ve never heard of that before.
But really. If anyone steps away from your family because of this…GOOD RIDDANCE.
Ya’ll are a fab little family and only about to add more fab-ness to it in August! Keep your chin up, sister. You got lots more of us loving ya’ll than turning away.
Carrie´s last [type] ..A little ink and a little attitude goes a loooong way.
Sweet Riverson. So thankful you have answers, no matter the outcome! I think probiotics and some medicine to clear up the parasite will leave him feeling like a new person. Can’t wait to give him a big hug (and his momma!).
You’re a great mother, don’t let the mommy guilt monster attack. Chin up love!
katie
Oh Jamie it is not your fault!!
I’m just glad y’all are gonna be able to get him better!
Life As Wife´s last [type] ..Sledding
Twitter: AmyLNorton
says:
This is NOT your fault. Jamie, Kristi and I can’t mention your name without talking about what a great mom you are. I hope the probiotics, cream, and meds will work quickly and get Riverson fixed up good as new! Keeping you all in my prayers! <3
Amy´s last [type] ..Easy, Creamy Oatmeal Recipe
That’s one of the hardest parts of being a mom, no matter what happens to our children we find a way to blame ourselves. It sounds like you did everything right, and the reason for this is just unknown. He’s a lucky little guy to have such a caring mother to see him through this!
Patricia P´s last [type] ..When is the Schoolyear Done?
Twitter: Adashofdomestic
says:
Poor baby.
I understand the “Mom guilt” but it sounds like you did the best thing you could. You took him to the doctor. Things like this happen. I had a stomach infection a few years ago that just seemed like a bug for over a week. It’s hard to guess what’s going on inside our bodies sometimes.
JamieAnne´s last [type] ..Trippin’
Jamie,
I’m sorry you are dealing with this. I went through all of this with Cole so I know how you feel. Please call me if you want to talk – I have a lot of insight on this – been battling for a long time.
Oh sweet mother, you are doing a great job. You are seeking help, getting the meds he needs and bearing all the burden. It is hard to watch them suffer but life will continue to throw things at them each year whether they medical trials, friendship trials or other stuff, and for now you can be his protector. Saying a prayer for you to find peace.
Laura´s last [type] ..Parenting is better together
Twitter: mrsbonnbonn
says:
He is such a cutie! It is heart breaking, but like you said it least it is something that can be fixed. Don’t have mommy guilt. you can’t help the fact that he has the stomach issues that he does. You are being a good mommy and finding answers for him!
bonnie ferrell´s last [type] ..5 minute Friday ~ Don’t you know what causes that?
Twitter: AlisonSWLee
says:
It’s in no way your fault! These things happen. The important thing is, you now know what the issue is and you’re doing everything you can to help him get better. And he will get better. You’re a good mom!
Stopping by from SITS.
Alison@Mama Wants This´s last [type] ..Of Courage and Things I’m Afraid To Tell You
Oh, girl. Sounds like you’ll be doing all you can to help him. And he’s not contagious! I think people will be understanding.
You did NOT fail. We cannot keep bad things from happening to our kids, unfortunately. We can just deal with them when they do happen.
Shell´s last [type] ..With Just One Child
Poor little guy!
Jaime you are an excellent mommy and are doing everything in your power to care for him! I hope he starts to feel better soon!
If we were there, we wouldn’t shy away from you guys
)
Sarah´s last [type] ..Tubes…Again