We had an appointment with the pediatric gastroenterologist today. The doctor and his nurse took a full history of Tyler's spitting up and gagging problems while Tyler ran circles around the exam room.
The doctor seems inclined to believe Tyler's problems are behavioral and that the occupational therapy will help. He mentioned putting Tyler on medicine for reflux. However, once we clarified that Tyler does not throw up or spit up if we avoid the foods that we know cause him to gag, he said that reflux is probably not the problem.
Just to rule out the possibility of some physical problem, such as a narrow esophagus, the doctor wants us to set up appointments for two tests:
The first one will involve X-rays of Tyler's upper GI tract. We should be able to schedule this one within a few weeks.
The second is called an OPMS (or Oropharyngeal Motility Study or Barium Swallow Study). For more information on this test, click here and here. This test is done by a radiologist and a therapist who specializes in feeding issues. This test may take months to schedule. Sigh. Maybe the therapy will solve all of Tyler's problems before we even schedule this test.
Depending on the results of these two tests, Tyler may have to undergo an endoscopy, where they put a camera down his throat. However, the doctor does not seem to think this test will be necessary.
Home Stretch
6 years ago
1 comment:
Found your site through jodi. I will be praying as you wait for those tests. My youngest son had some swallowing problems and we had the barium test done. Sometimes it is hard to wait and frustrating just to get those appointments! Good luck!
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