Glutenpalooza and Biopsy

Starting a few months ago at Spencer's 8-year-old well-check visit with his pediatrician, we've been on a journey to figure out why Spencer isn't growing as he should. Bloodwork results from endocrinology indicated celiac disease. That sent us to gastroenterology and a biopsy for a definitive answer. To keep the results valid, he needed to NOT stop eating gluten before the biopsy. So the night before the endoscopy procedure (while Daddy was at work and Ethan was at baseball practice), Gabi, Spencer, and I went out for Glutenpalooza at Gattitown - a pizza and pasta buffet with arcade games at 50% off that night! Don't mind if we do.





The day of the procedure arrived. Spencer was happy to put on his new hospital pajamas. With David (the dolphin) in hand, he was nervous but still smiling.

Spencer was quickly handed an iPad and was perfectly distracted

Child Life came by and did a great job explaining what was going to happen and helping him know what to expect. They let him choose the scent for his anesthesia mask and paint it on to try for himself.

While we were waiting, Spencer's other favorite adult video called to check in.

After a bit more waiting, nurses came to wheel him away, and he was off to the procedure. Thank goodness for that iPad distraction. The hospital staff texted me throughout the process, letting me know that everything went smoothly, and eventually it was time to reunite with my sleepy kid, still on the iPad.

Then came the popsicle, and it was time to take the patient home.

After some hours in front of the TV, Mommy took the brave boy to a couple of stores where he got to throw anything gluten-free in for purchase. This most exited child shocked himself with how much "regular" junk food was already made without gluten.

Lucky Charms, cheese balls, Fruit By the Foot, Cocoa Puffs, Fritos, Cheetos, potato chips, Smartfood popcorn, Pirate's Booty, OH MY! That cart got heavy (and expensive).

At least we found the fruit section eventually.

Kiddo was very excited and proud to show off his successful adventure to his sibs when they got home from camp and share some of his earnings with them.


We are now on this new celiac journey and will take things one step at a time. But at least there's Pirate's Booty to go along with us.