My son has been ill for about 8 weeks now.

Posted by KylesMama @KylesMama, Nov 11, 2015

Hi There,

My son has been ill for about 8 weeks now. He is 16 years old. Symptoms started with nausea, diarrhea and vomiting and have progressively gotten worse. These are daily occurrences but very bad in the morning and then tapering off to just nausea and diarrhea for the rest of the day. He has also complained of a mild back ache. He has to date lost 27 pounds. He sleeps about 16 hours a day. He drinks an abundance of fluids but never "a meal," mostly just snacking on yogurt, rice, bananas, occasionally a half a sandwich, etc.

He has seen several doctors and is currently seeing a GI specialist. He has had multiple blood tests, stool tests, a ct scan, colonoscopy and upper gi all results were normal. His doctor recently put him on Flagyl in the event something was missed and my son thinks that makes it worse.

I'm have requested an appointment through Mayo Clinic. I am beyond frustrated. My son cries daily (he has never been an emotional young man) and has recently stated that he thinks he is dying. Of course this is just awful to hear from anyone let alone your child. Prior to this he was never sick a day in his life, when I brought him to the doctor at 14 for immunizations they actually had to look in the archives for his records. He has always been very healthy.

I am just consumed with trying to help him to the point where I am having a difficult time sleeping.

I don't know if anyone can offer advise or can relate to his issues? I guess just venting on this forum is helpful.

Kindly, Shawna

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Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Nov 11, 2015

Hi @KylesMom.
The only thing worse than suffering from pain or illness ourselves is watching our children suffer. I can't imagine what you are going through. I hope you get an appointment at the Mayo Clinic soon. 8 weeks must feel like an eternity for both you and your son.

Venting does help to a point. At least to write things down and know you're not alone. While I can't speak to your son's medical situation, the one piece of "advice" I would offer is to try to keep up with your sleep. The better rested you are, the better you will be able to take care of him. Sleep while he sleeps. Maybe give him a bell or something to wake you, so that you can be confident in letting yourself go into a deep sleep.

It's good that he is able to snack at least and drink plenty of fluids. Have the doctors told you about the loss of electrolytes because of diarrhea? Is he able to drink fluids such as fruit juices, sports drinks and broth to correct electrolyte imbalances?

Sue | @sue_in_delaware | Nov 11, 2015

Hi Shawna, I'm so sorry for the situation you and your son are in. I know how awful nausea and diarrhea can be (because of the chemo infusions I had been getting. I too, thought I was dying and they stopped my chemo.) I don't have much to offer about your son's condition, except to your comment about Flagyl. I looked it up and it could be causing some nasty side effects. Did you tell the doctor as they may want to discontinue it right away? and yes, venting is helpful.