Teenager gastro problems, private referral?

[MWestie]

Wondering if anyone can advise.

My DS 15 has been suffering with abdominal pain with on and off diarrhea since January.

He's been seen by our GP and following apparently very high Calprotectin levels, has been referred to see a paediatric gastroenterologist.

She warned us there could be a long wait to get an appointment but I'm getting so worried about him, he's losing weight and it's affecting him at school, that I want to try to get him seen privately rather than carry on waiting for who knows how long.

Is there any way of finding out who best to see him and where and how to go about doing this?

I've looked up various consultants locally but have no way of knowing which would be best to try and see.

Many thanks for any advice.

It sounds very much like Crohns. I would get him seen as fast as possible. There are a lot of good treatments out there.

As far as who to see - gastroenterologist. Does it have to be pediatric?

Thanks for replying. His nhs referral is to see a paediatric gastroenterologist so that's what I thought best to aim for if going for private consultation but hard to know where to start.

My son has crohns, so I know the importance of getting a diagnosis as quick as possible. It took me over two years to get my son diagnosed.
If you can afford it, then I would go private to at least get your son seen as soon as possible.
Can you speak to your GP for a private referral? Also check out UK Parents of Kids with IBD (Ulcerative Colitis and Crohns) on facebook. They are great at advice and someone may be able to help you find a private specialist. Good luck.

Thank you so much @Londonnight, I've joined that Facebook group and will post tomorrow in case anyone can offer any advice.