Advice on diagnostic process for teen with suspected IBD

[moggerhanger]

Hi everyone - I'm really looking for a handhold, I think! DS15 has had stomach pain, excess belching and blood in his stools for a couple of months now. He's lost a load of weight too, and is very lethargic. Faecal and blood tests both show inflammation, and we have a referral appointment at the hospital next week. He's Googled (despite me telling him not to) and is rather frightened of the idea of a colonoscopy - he has ASD (what used to be called Aspergers) and finds physical discomfort, and new/unexpected things, very difficult to manage. I've been trying to reassure him, but without much luck!

Please could someone give me a rough idea of what might happen next? Not necessarily so that I can tell him, but so that I'm forewarned and prepared and better able to support him.

Doesn't help that it's all right on top of GCSE mocks... oh well.

He will need to drink some stuff to help clean his bowels out and will be on a clean diet for a couple of days and then a day of fasting. I know some trusts differ slightly with the amount of days, mine is 3 but I know some do 2 of clean eating. The drink isn’t pleasant but needs must.

On the day he should be offered some kind of anaesthesia which can definitely help you feel a little more relaxed, but you are still with it. I’ve had with and without and have no preference as the difference is minimal once you get used to it!

The initial going in is the most uncomfortable but it’s not painful. More dignity to be honest! He will be able to see the camera on the screen too if he wants, I found it pretty amazing being able to see what was causing all my issues.

I do think the worst bit is the build up though!

Thank you @CarolwithoutanE - hopefully the consultant will be able to persuade him if I can't (teens being genetically predisposed to ignore anything their parents say!)

You can add some juice to it which helps, but honestly the good old pinch your nose and drink it is probably best.

I have 2 kids with IBD. The bowel prep for the colonoscopy is horrible but for children the colonoscopy and endoscopy is under a general which really helps as it is either a cannula or mask to go to sleep.
So after seeing a gastro consultant he would need colonoscopy and endoscopy but be prepared that there might be a very long wait for these.
it is really tough but there is good effective treatment but hard as a parent to deal with it too.