Mom knew best I guess

LondonFog214

New member
In our Doctors we trust...At the beginning of this year my 14 y/o son had a series of acute pancreatitis which landed him in the hospital for about 2 months. He missed about the last 3rd of his 8th grade. He has a history of a chronic cough since age 18 mths, relux as an infant until 9 months old(he threw up everything),chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, dx of allergies and asthma. He saw a cf pulmonologist 5 years ago referred by his ped. and he said that our son's chronic cough was a habitual tick and we needed to verbally correct him and tell him to stop coughing. This guy is head of the cf center in our county and supposedly a God in his field!!! He NEVER sweat tested him or brought up CF. No one ever did until his 2nd pancreatic attack this spring. His GI Dr ordered it and came up positive in a non CF center(98) so it was not recognized. Dna was sent out but several mistakes on the way and after 2 months got a definate 2 mutations of CF. Not realizing it was the same pulmonologist from before because my husband took him to the original visit 5 yrs ago we consulted same doc. After meeting him my husband realized he had seen him before,but gave him the benefit of the doubt. He sweat tested him twice at the "CFF" approved lab and he came up borderline-59 and the dr. refused to say he thought he had CF again and would wait for DNA and not treat until. When DNA came back affirmative he said he wold not treat at all because he said he is "asymptomatic" even though he had recurrent pancreatitis and 72% pft. When our son got his ist 2 positive sweat tests at the "non"CF center our 11 y/o daughter was tested, result 79/81. Once again was not recognized because not certified at CF clinic. She came up negative at cf center 36/39. We Then found out her diagnosis of CF through genetics. She is considered asymptomatic except for reflux, low Vit D, and + staff Aureus. Her pancreas is sufficient as our son's is and she has PFTs THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL. Our son is in for a tune-up right now. It is his 1st and we are trying to learn as much as we can. This has been very tough. We all feel that their doctors failed them. They are at CHOP in Philly now and we are very happy so far. They are both on albuterol puffer, previcid, hypertonic saline and vest. Our son is on a Creon and viokase cocktail. He still has had several bouts of pancreatitis since being on the enzymes. I don't know if anyone has gone through this. I just want them to have some faith and confidence in their healthcare professionals and not 2nd guess. I always felt something wasn't right. I guess a mother always knows. Here is the hint that I wish I knew a long time ago. When I used to nurse him he would put his fingers in my mouth and they were very salty. Who knows to mention that to a ped. They never asked me. I think that should be a question on a babies well visit intake or at least if you have a child with reocurring pulmonary problems. I know they all don't have salty skin because our daughter doesn't but it is a huge clue I could have given them a long time ago.

Discouraged but hopeful
Mom of 2 newly dx CF kids 14 and 11.

-------------------------
weknewbest
 

LondonFog214

New member
In our Doctors we trust...At the beginning of this year my 14 y/o son had a series of acute pancreatitis which landed him in the hospital for about 2 months. He missed about the last 3rd of his 8th grade. He has a history of a chronic cough since age 18 mths, relux as an infant until 9 months old(he threw up everything),chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, dx of allergies and asthma. He saw a cf pulmonologist 5 years ago referred by his ped. and he said that our son's chronic cough was a habitual tick and we needed to verbally correct him and tell him to stop coughing. This guy is head of the cf center in our county and supposedly a God in his field!!! He NEVER sweat tested him or brought up CF. No one ever did until his 2nd pancreatic attack this spring. His GI Dr ordered it and came up positive in a non CF center(98) so it was not recognized. Dna was sent out but several mistakes on the way and after 2 months got a definate 2 mutations of CF. Not realizing it was the same pulmonologist from before because my husband took him to the original visit 5 yrs ago we consulted same doc. After meeting him my husband realized he had seen him before,but gave him the benefit of the doubt. He sweat tested him twice at the "CFF" approved lab and he came up borderline-59 and the dr. refused to say he thought he had CF again and would wait for DNA and not treat until. When DNA came back affirmative he said he wold not treat at all because he said he is "asymptomatic" even though he had recurrent pancreatitis and 72% pft. When our son got his ist 2 positive sweat tests at the "non"CF center our 11 y/o daughter was tested, result 79/81. Once again was not recognized because not certified at CF clinic. She came up negative at cf center 36/39. We Then found out her diagnosis of CF through genetics. She is considered asymptomatic except for reflux, low Vit D, and + staff Aureus. Her pancreas is sufficient as our son's is and she has PFTs THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL. Our son is in for a tune-up right now. It is his 1st and we are trying to learn as much as we can. This has been very tough. We all feel that their doctors failed them. They are at CHOP in Philly now and we are very happy so far. They are both on albuterol puffer, previcid, hypertonic saline and vest. Our son is on a Creon and viokase cocktail. He still has had several bouts of pancreatitis since being on the enzymes. I don't know if anyone has gone through this. I just want them to have some faith and confidence in their healthcare professionals and not 2nd guess. I always felt something wasn't right. I guess a mother always knows. Here is the hint that I wish I knew a long time ago. When I used to nurse him he would put his fingers in my mouth and they were very salty. Who knows to mention that to a ped. They never asked me. I think that should be a question on a babies well visit intake or at least if you have a child with reocurring pulmonary problems. I know they all don't have salty skin because our daughter doesn't but it is a huge clue I could have given them a long time ago.

Discouraged but hopeful
Mom of 2 newly dx CF kids 14 and 11.

-------------------------
weknewbest
 

LondonFog214

New member
In our Doctors we trust...At the beginning of this year my 14 y/o son had a series of acute pancreatitis which landed him in the hospital for about 2 months. He missed about the last 3rd of his 8th grade. He has a history of a chronic cough since age 18 mths, relux as an infant until 9 months old(he threw up everything),chronic bronchitis and pneumonia, dx of allergies and asthma. He saw a cf pulmonologist 5 years ago referred by his ped. and he said that our son's chronic cough was a habitual tick and we needed to verbally correct him and tell him to stop coughing. This guy is head of the cf center in our county and supposedly a God in his field!!! He NEVER sweat tested him or brought up CF. No one ever did until his 2nd pancreatic attack this spring. His GI Dr ordered it and came up positive in a non CF center(98) so it was not recognized. Dna was sent out but several mistakes on the way and after 2 months got a definate 2 mutations of CF. Not realizing it was the same pulmonologist from before because my husband took him to the original visit 5 yrs ago we consulted same doc. After meeting him my husband realized he had seen him before,but gave him the benefit of the doubt. He sweat tested him twice at the "CFF" approved lab and he came up borderline-59 and the dr. refused to say he thought he had CF again and would wait for DNA and not treat until. When DNA came back affirmative he said he wold not treat at all because he said he is "asymptomatic" even though he had recurrent pancreatitis and 72% pft. When our son got his ist 2 positive sweat tests at the "non"CF center our 11 y/o daughter was tested, result 79/81. Once again was not recognized because not certified at CF clinic. She came up negative at cf center 36/39. We Then found out her diagnosis of CF through genetics. She is considered asymptomatic except for reflux, low Vit D, and + staff Aureus. Her pancreas is sufficient as our son's is and she has PFTs THAT ARE BEAUTIFUL. Our son is in for a tune-up right now. It is his 1st and we are trying to learn as much as we can. This has been very tough. We all feel that their doctors failed them. They are at CHOP in Philly now and we are very happy so far. They are both on albuterol puffer, previcid, hypertonic saline and vest. Our son is on a Creon and viokase cocktail. He still has had several bouts of pancreatitis since being on the enzymes. I don't know if anyone has gone through this. I just want them to have some faith and confidence in their healthcare professionals and not 2nd guess. I always felt something wasn't right. I guess a mother always knows. Here is the hint that I wish I knew a long time ago. When I used to nurse him he would put his fingers in my mouth and they were very salty. Who knows to mention that to a ped. They never asked me. I think that should be a question on a babies well visit intake or at least if you have a child with reocurring pulmonary problems. I know they all don't have salty skin because our daughter doesn't but it is a huge clue I could have given them a long time ago.
<br />
<br />Discouraged but hopeful
<br />Mom of 2 newly dx CF kids 14 and 11.
<br />
<br />-------------------------
<br />weknewbest
 

auntcob

New member
Wow--that is quite a story. I am glad they are finally being cared for appropriately. I understand your frustration with the medical system. DS was very ill for a long time and I finally had to be the one to ask for CF testing. It wasn't on any of his docs radar, probably because of his age (14 at the time). CHOP did our testing but since he has supposedly benign mutations, wouldn't treat him. We now go to Wash., DC for his care.

Good luck!
 

auntcob

New member
Wow--that is quite a story. I am glad they are finally being cared for appropriately. I understand your frustration with the medical system. DS was very ill for a long time and I finally had to be the one to ask for CF testing. It wasn't on any of his docs radar, probably because of his age (14 at the time). CHOP did our testing but since he has supposedly benign mutations, wouldn't treat him. We now go to Wash., DC for his care.

Good luck!
 

auntcob

New member
Wow--that is quite a story. I am glad they are finally being cared for appropriately. I understand your frustration with the medical system. DS was very ill for a long time and I finally had to be the one to ask for CF testing. It wasn't on any of his docs radar, probably because of his age (14 at the time). CHOP did our testing but since he has supposedly benign mutations, wouldn't treat him. We now go to Wash., DC for his care.
<br />
<br />Good luck!
 

MaeFlower

New member
LondonFog214,
I can so relate to you. My husband and I are experiencing many of the same problems with our daughter who is now 5 months. They have searched for everything anatomically to blame her recurrent pneumonias on, as well as her mucusy stools. She too had a borderline CF test at a "non-accredited" hospital...then one "normal" test at an accredited center. The initial genetics panel was normal, so guess what?! They (the Pulmonologist/CF certified @ that) tell us she doesn't have it...why does my heart & two other very intelligent doctors believe she does...

We finally feel as if we have gotten somewhere...there is a local federal organization that will pay for our daughters full genetic deletions & duplications panel to see if it is in fact CF. I praise God for this.

Why is a diagnosis so difficult?! Thank you for sharing your story, it makes me feel as if I may not be crazy after all & there is hope for a diagnosis (of something, even if not CF). Your family is in my prayers.
 

MaeFlower

New member
LondonFog214,
I can so relate to you. My husband and I are experiencing many of the same problems with our daughter who is now 5 months. They have searched for everything anatomically to blame her recurrent pneumonias on, as well as her mucusy stools. She too had a borderline CF test at a "non-accredited" hospital...then one "normal" test at an accredited center. The initial genetics panel was normal, so guess what?! They (the Pulmonologist/CF certified @ that) tell us she doesn't have it...why does my heart & two other very intelligent doctors believe she does...

We finally feel as if we have gotten somewhere...there is a local federal organization that will pay for our daughters full genetic deletions & duplications panel to see if it is in fact CF. I praise God for this.

Why is a diagnosis so difficult?! Thank you for sharing your story, it makes me feel as if I may not be crazy after all & there is hope for a diagnosis (of something, even if not CF). Your family is in my prayers.
 

MaeFlower

New member
LondonFog214,
<br />I can so relate to you. My husband and I are experiencing many of the same problems with our daughter who is now 5 months. They have searched for everything anatomically to blame her recurrent pneumonias on, as well as her mucusy stools. She too had a borderline CF test at a "non-accredited" hospital...then one "normal" test at an accredited center. The initial genetics panel was normal, so guess what?! They (the Pulmonologist/CF certified @ that) tell us she doesn't have it...why does my heart & two other very intelligent doctors believe she does...
<br />
<br />We finally feel as if we have gotten somewhere...there is a local federal organization that will pay for our daughters full genetic deletions & duplications panel to see if it is in fact CF. I praise God for this.
<br />
<br />Why is a diagnosis so difficult?! Thank you for sharing your story, it makes me feel as if I may not be crazy after all & there is hope for a diagnosis (of something, even if not CF). Your family is in my prayers.
 

ashmomo

New member
Wow...I can't believe doctors just throw kids health around like they do. It is rediculous. A diagnosis should not be so hard to get, esp if they would benefit from treatment. I am so glad that you kept on fighting and finally got a diagnosis...even if it is this ugly CF <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0">( Sorry to hear about them having it, but glad they are being treated correctly now!

Good luck!

Good luck to you too Julie! I hope you can get answers for you precious little girl there too! Hope she is doing well!
 

ashmomo

New member
Wow...I can't believe doctors just throw kids health around like they do. It is rediculous. A diagnosis should not be so hard to get, esp if they would benefit from treatment. I am so glad that you kept on fighting and finally got a diagnosis...even if it is this ugly CF <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0">( Sorry to hear about them having it, but glad they are being treated correctly now!

Good luck!

Good luck to you too Julie! I hope you can get answers for you precious little girl there too! Hope she is doing well!
 

ashmomo

New member
Wow...I can't believe doctors just throw kids health around like they do. It is rediculous. A diagnosis should not be so hard to get, esp if they would benefit from treatment. I am so glad that you kept on fighting and finally got a diagnosis...even if it is this ugly CF <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-blush.gif" border="0">( Sorry to hear about them having it, but glad they are being treated correctly now!
<br />
<br />Good luck!
<br />
<br />Good luck to you too Julie! I hope you can get answers for you precious little girl there too! Hope she is doing well!
 

CFmami

New member
We experienced many of the same problems with our DD. She had so many symptoms and her ped would send me home saying I was overeacting. She had a huge belly, rectal prolapse, voracious apetite, several bowel movements a day, Salty skin. Everything was normal for this doctor. I still get mad when I think about it. You are right. Mom knew best. Hope your kids get the best treatment.
 

CFmami

New member
We experienced many of the same problems with our DD. She had so many symptoms and her ped would send me home saying I was overeacting. She had a huge belly, rectal prolapse, voracious apetite, several bowel movements a day, Salty skin. Everything was normal for this doctor. I still get mad when I think about it. You are right. Mom knew best. Hope your kids get the best treatment.
 

CFmami

New member
We experienced many of the same problems with our DD. She had so many symptoms and her ped would send me home saying I was overeacting. She had a huge belly, rectal prolapse, voracious apetite, several bowel movements a day, Salty skin. Everything was normal for this doctor. I still get mad when I think about it. You are right. Mom knew best. Hope your kids get the best treatment.
 

LondonFog214

New member
Thank you. They are doing somewhat better. My son has been out of the hospital and back at school with some new meds; pulmozyme,more prevacis, and zantac. Our daughter had a near miss with the hospital just as soon as our son got home but phew a close call but she is ok after a lot of cipro, cpt and some prednisone. Trying to get the hang of things. I was laid off from my job though but it is kind of a blessing in disguise. I can focus on them and my family. Our son is experiencing serious knee, ankle and hip pain for 10 days now. He seeing rheumatologist soon and PT tomorrow but I am worried. He needs a break and go and be a teenager for a while. I hope your little one is better now she is being treated right. I like what a doc said at CHOP. He said there is a new sheriff in town.
 

LondonFog214

New member
Thank you. They are doing somewhat better. My son has been out of the hospital and back at school with some new meds; pulmozyme,more prevacis, and zantac. Our daughter had a near miss with the hospital just as soon as our son got home but phew a close call but she is ok after a lot of cipro, cpt and some prednisone. Trying to get the hang of things. I was laid off from my job though but it is kind of a blessing in disguise. I can focus on them and my family. Our son is experiencing serious knee, ankle and hip pain for 10 days now. He seeing rheumatologist soon and PT tomorrow but I am worried. He needs a break and go and be a teenager for a while. I hope your little one is better now she is being treated right. I like what a doc said at CHOP. He said there is a new sheriff in town.
 

LondonFog214

New member
Thank you. They are doing somewhat better. My son has been out of the hospital and back at school with some new meds; pulmozyme,more prevacis, and zantac. Our daughter had a near miss with the hospital just as soon as our son got home but phew a close call but she is ok after a lot of cipro, cpt and some prednisone. Trying to get the hang of things. I was laid off from my job though but it is kind of a blessing in disguise. I can focus on them and my family. Our son is experiencing serious knee, ankle and hip pain for 10 days now. He seeing rheumatologist soon and PT tomorrow but I am worried. He needs a break and go and be a teenager for a while. I hope your little one is better now she is being treated right. I like what a doc said at CHOP. He said there is a new sheriff in town.
 

antonette1279

New member
We went through and continue to go through some of the same things with our little guy. He is now 11months old and has been sick since he was 2 weeks old. He has been in the hospital 7 times with failure to thrive, brochiolitis, pneumonia, RSV and numerous other times with "lung disorders" he has and always had an appitite of a horse but doesn't gain weight...his stools are mucusy and greenish in color and goes about 5 times a day. He ALWAYS wheezes even on good days...his sweat test came back borderline...and his genetic test came back saying "can not rule out CF" So we are still in this waiting game to get him the right treatment. It can be frustrating just hang in there!
 

antonette1279

New member
We went through and continue to go through some of the same things with our little guy. He is now 11months old and has been sick since he was 2 weeks old. He has been in the hospital 7 times with failure to thrive, brochiolitis, pneumonia, RSV and numerous other times with "lung disorders" he has and always had an appitite of a horse but doesn't gain weight...his stools are mucusy and greenish in color and goes about 5 times a day. He ALWAYS wheezes even on good days...his sweat test came back borderline...and his genetic test came back saying "can not rule out CF" So we are still in this waiting game to get him the right treatment. It can be frustrating just hang in there!
 
Top