I know - Sam's birthday came and went without my usual post talking about the emotional stress leading up to his birthday and the joy of the actual celebration. I wish I had a better reason for not writing, but I don't. i just didn't. What can I say. I was sad and emotional up until his birthday, and joyous and happy on his birthday, and then just a little emotional after. Even with all of that - it was a great party and celebration.

Now, on to the real reason i have finally gotten back on to writing.

Poop.

Oh yes. Poop. How may posts have I written about Sam and his poop issues? Lots and lots.
(Here are a two of my favorites: Of Lice and Poop and Of Milk, Poop and Diaper Rashs)

It is no secret that Sam has had trouble pooping from the beginning. We have been seeing a gastroenterologist since Sam was less than a year old. He was on Miralax for over two years, until I discontinued it because I felt we were not doing him any favors by keeping him on a medicine that wasn't really working for such an extended time.

Being a good Bay Area parent, Sam has been going to an acupuncturist and herbalist for two years. He gets a treatment once a week, and takes a number of Chinese herbs and supplements to help with his poop.

All of this has helped, but it hasn't really resolved his poop problems.

So, now, we are taking things to the next level and having Sam's insides examined closely. This coming Tuesday, Sam will be having an endoscopy, colonoscopy, and biopsies of his colon and rectum.

Of course, to do all of this, Sam will need to be cleaned out the day before, which should be oodles of fun. It also means that Sam and I will be checked into Children's Hospital on Monday and spending the night there while Sam is cleaned out. His procedure is in the morning on Tuesday, and depending on how it goes and how Sam does with the general anesthesia... we should be home by the end of the day on Tuesday.

At the end of this, I hope we will have some real answers as to why Sam has so much trouble pooping, if he in fact has a gluten and dairy sensitivity, if he has any underlying undiagnosed diseases, etc.

In the meantime - think good thoughts for us. I have a feeling Monday is going to be unpleasant... for me and for Sam!