Diagnosis: Eosinophilic Esophagitis, celiac disease, and food allergies
Age at Diagnosis: 3 years old
Current Age: 12 years old
Hayden's story, as told by his mother, Susan:
Hayden was born premature and was working to catch up. At his 3 year appointment, he still had not caught up to the "normal" growth chart for children. At that point, our pediatrician recommended additional testing. The results of this testing indicated that Hayden had celiac disease at which point we were referred to gastroenterology at CHKD.
Hayden had to have an endoscopy. At that time his celiac disease was confirmed and he was also diagnosed with Eosinophilic Esophagitis (EE). With the EE diagnosis, we were also referred to an allergist at CHKD. Hayden had allergy testing to try and determine the cause of the EE. He has had allergy skin testing where they prick your skin with allergens to determine the reaction. He has had patch testing where they apply patches filled with allergens and determine the reaction. He has had blood tests for allergies. Hayden has had bone density tests. He has been tested for cystic fibrosis.
Hayden has to have regular endoscopies to monitor both the celiac disease and the EE. Allergies are adjusted based on the results of the endoscopy. Our gastroenterologist is Dr. Lauren Willis and our allergist is Dr. Angela Hogan. These two doctors have given Hayden great care and have worked hard to make Hayden feel comfortable despite all the poking and prodding that comes with these procedures. We are thankful for CHKD and hope that his EE will eventually be under control and eventually in remission.
The above link will take you to our CrowdRise site. To donate in honor of Hayden, please write Hayden M. Genzler or Mile 18 in the comments section of your donation.