Upper GI test

We also had an upper GI test today.   Thank goodness Gabriel was starving by the time our appointment arrived or there would have been no way to get him to drink the barium.  As it was we could only get two ounces down him.  Gabriel was wrapped in a blanket and strapped in.  That did not go over very well but they did decide to allow him to have his hands free after seeing that he was so upset.  That helped make the process more livable. 


We knew there was a problem pretty quickly.  As the barium began to flow the tech started to push on Gabriel's abdomen.  From what he explained, the pushes to see if Gabriel's muscles were strong enough to hold things into the proper places.  As he pushed everything shifted.  He quickly asked me if I minded if we stayed longer than originally expected or if we wanted to schedule another appointment because he needed to see more of the process to see the extent of the movement.  We of course stayed the entire time.


While waiting for the barium to work its way farther though we waited in the waiting room.  I was admiring a little boy who had down syndrome.  He looked so stinking cute.  Come to find out his is Tyce, a little guy who's mother I have been in contact with through Down Syndrome Association of West Michigan (DSAWM) and Facebook.  It was VERY nice to meet him and his mother in person!


When called back again I took a deep breath and off we went.  The tech was able to push the duodenum and all completely across Gabriel's center line into the other side of his abdomen.   Gabriel also had extra loops of stuff in there I believe the duodenum.  Either way things are not where they need to be. 

What does this mean?  First and foremost, it means that Gabriel is at great risk of having things "knot" up in there.  It also means a referral to a surgeon.  The tech said that some surgeons want to operate to tighten the muscles and hold things in place right away while others are on a wait and see basis.  We need to be on the look out for any vomiting (green) and/or a distended abdomen.  If these happen it is off to Devos we go for emergency surgery.  Other than that we will just take things one day at a time. 

Gabriel helped Gabe with the fall yard work today!