Scope #4

      Jordan’s scope on April 25th did not go quite as planned! After completing the scope and biopsies, the GI doctor came to talk with us in recovery. Unfortunately, she told us that his scope looked much worse than the scope he had in December when he was first diagnosed with EoE. Of course, we had to wait until Thursday afternoon to get the results of his biopsies. His highest eosinophil count in December was 65. After 13 weeks on steroids, Jordan scoped clear (no eosinophils) on January 24th. Now, by April 25th, his highest count was up to 70. To be diagnosed with EoE, the count only has to be 15. We were dreading the options...food elimination diet or back to steroids. Because the steroids caused so many problems with his cortisol level before, and it is only a temporary fix, we opted to go with the food elimination diet. Out goes all dairy and all soy! Yes, that means Jordan can no longer have his beloved Ritz Crackers, Vanilla Wafers, and M & Ms! (We are working on finding some allergy free candy for him! )

Jordan getting a little wagon ride by the anesthesiologist. (This was after a little Versed!)

      We met with a dietician at UNC on the following Friday who gave us lots of good information and really calmed our fears. However, she also felt like Jordan should avoid nuts and wheat as much as possible, along with the no dairy and no soy. We were able to find a few snack items at Whole Foods that are allergy-free and Jordan approved! While we were at Chapel Hill, the dietician very graciously gave us several cans of Elecare (special Amino Acid based formula) to sample. She also gave us some boxes of a special juice box called EO28 Splash that has lots of nutrients packed in it! Jordan will supplement his diet with the Elecare and Splash to help him get calories, protein, and fat. We are awaiting insurance approval to help cover the cost of some of the formula. It is considered “medically necessary food” for Jordan, so we are praying that the insurance will cover most of the cost.
    Along with all of our family and friends, Jordan’s daycare (Sandhills Children’s Center) has been absolutely wonderful in working with us and Jordan on his new special diet. Because Jordan was really refusing to eat anything at first, they have gone over and beyond to make sure Jordan is drinking the necessary amount of his “special milk” everyday. Jordan now takes his own food to church and to other events/outings where there will be food. Talk about a lot of changes for a little 4 year old! However, Jordan never ceases to amaze us with his positive attitude. Praise God that he is such an outgoing, high energy child...even through all he has to endure. We go back to Chapel Hill for a joint appointment with the GI doctor and allergist on May 23rd to find out the next step in the game plan! Please continue to pray for our family as we strive to find out ways to best meet Jordan’s physical and emotional needs.