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Chronic diahrrea + blocked transverse colon

My son has had bowel difficulties since birth (food sensitivities, diahrrea).  His growth has been slow (he is 13 and weighs 76 pounds).  He couldn't tolerate dairy until @ age 4 (cheese only).  At age 11 he lost 15 pounds and developed OCD.  He had a significant Vit. D deficiency.  His Ige bloodwork tested positive for celiac disease.  On a gluten-free diet he had less pain but continued to have diahrrea, mucus, a high white count in stool and blood, blood in stools, elevated inflammatory indicators, etc.  At 12 years, 4 months he had scopes which indicated Crohn's disease (lesions and granulomas).  A few months later an MRI was conducted.  Despite being "cleaned out" by the oral laxatives, they said his transverse colon was full of stool and could not be read.  No further investigation was done and we were sent home.  The MRI revealed a small lypoma in the rectum that they felt was not impeding elimination).  It is an 8 month wait to get in to see another gastroenterologist for a second opinion.  We have tried the Specific Carbohydrate Diet with only marginal success.  We are wondering if a) he has an "anatomical" blockage of his transverse colon that is only allowing liquid and undigested food through, which is causing the lesions and granulomas or 2)is it possible that his transverse colon is not functioning properly, in terms of peristalsis? He has only had 2 formed bowel movements in the last year (yes, we count them).  As an aside, he was diagnosed with autism at 5 years of age.  Could it be that a blockage is slowly releasing toxins that are affecting his brain function (we did not start to see a decline in his functioning until he was 2 1/2)?  Also, Dr. Andrew Wakefield of England believes that these children have not Crohn's but Autistic Gastroenteritis.  I have also read that many people with Crohn's have the measles virus living in their intestines (I've read similarly of autistic people).  Our son reacted poorly to his immunizations (esp. DPT) and his deterioration was observed shortly after his MMR (which he received twice, in error).  We are at a loss as to what to do. Colonic cleansing does not seem to be an option.  anti-inflammatories will not address the cause.  What other diagnostic tools are there?  Would a CT or PET scan reveal anything different than an MRI?  His stomach is not particularly distended.  He occasionally regurgitates his food but the endoscopy results were normal.  Anything you can suggest would be appreciated. He also has the symptoms of leaky gut. Thanks
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Avatar universal
A related discussion, Blocked colon was started.
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Avatar universal
i am so sorry to hear of your little ones illness.check him for a dna celiac test to rule it out completely.also check his blood type and see if he is blood type o.if he is try "the blood type diet."by peter d' adamo at your nearest book store or health food store.blood type o's respond better to a hi protein-fat diet and low carb peter d'adamo claims.it may also be good for add and autism.you may also want to try a product called IBS from renew life from your healthfood store or call 1-866-450-1787.this may help to correct his digestive blockage.the product line also carries digestive products for children.the IBS is formulated to help repair and help soothe the digestive system.it is formulated for adults so you may want to call and find out any recomened dosage for him.as for blood type.blood type o cannot tolerate grains very well as peter d'adamo claims and this is probabbly why he has a blockage in his colon.if all else fails please try this above suggestion.  
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233190 tn?1278549801
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Difficult case, and it seems like a comprehensive workup has been done.  It would be unlikely that I can come up with something new over the internet that hasn't already been thought of by your GI specialist.

Yes, motility disorders can lead to constipation, and certainly can be ruled out or evaluated with the appropriate motility studies.  A colonoscopy should be repeated to exclude anatomical stricture or masses.

It would be unlikely that a PET scan would reveal anything beyond what an MRI would show.

Regarding autistic gastroenteroitis - I am not aware of that phenomenon, nor is it common in consensus medical literature.

Obtaining another pediatric GI opinion at an academic medical center would be the next step.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com
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