Follow-up with the Witch Doctor

; )  I use the term "Witch Doctor" with only the kindest intentions.  We LOVE Dr. Morgan!!!  We had a follow-up with him on December 17th.  He had many of the test results back and boy, is there a lot going on with Logan.
     First, we tested Logan's stool for lactoferrin and calprotectin.  Both are markers for bowel inflammation.  Both came back very high.  Lactoferrin = 304.68 ug/ml (0.00-7.24)    Calprotectin = 156 ug/g (<=120)
     Second, we cultured Logan's tummy bugs to see what was growing in his gut.  The results are not good at all:
Beneficial Bacteria:
     Lactobacillus = No Growth
     Escherichia coli = 4+
     Bifidobacterium = 4+
Additional Bacteria
     alpha haemolytic Streptococcus = 4+
     gamma haemolytic Streptococcus = 4+
     Bacillus species = 1+
Potential Pathogens
     Citrobacter amalonaticus = 4+
     Citrobacter freundii = 4+
     Klebsiella oxytoca = 4+
     Citrobacter farmeri = 4+
Mycology (fungus/yeast)
     Rhodotorula species = 1+

     The absence or excessive growth of the good bacteria and the over abundance of the pathogens is very concerning.  Without the right balance of bacteria flora, Logan's ability to produce and absorb various vitamins and lipids is severely diminished.

     It is apparent that Logan's bowel is still very much inflamed.  This could be the cause of the bacteria imbalance or the imbalance could be the cause of the inflammation.  It is difficult to tease these two apart.  We are still awaiting the results of his IgG blood test that will show allergies to various foods and environmental agents.  If he does (and we are assuming he does) have allergies, this would cause the inflammation which would upset his gut flora.  

As we wait for his IgG results, Dr. Morgan recommended the following treatment plan:

• Continue the slippery elm tea as needed to help calm acid reflux
• Increase the Aloe Vera juice to 1 tsp 2 x day.  We will reassess the affects and possibly increase to 3 x day if this does not cause diarrhea.
• Continue the cod liver oil
• Increase the probiotic, Therbiotic Infant, to 1/4 tsp 2 x day
• Modify his herbal tincture to include plant tannins, uva-ursi, and undecylenic acid which have all inhibitory effect on the pathogens and yeast.

After 4 weeks of this treatment, we will re-culture the stool and re-test the inflammation markers to see if we are making any headway.