I just found this post. I hope that the diagnosis is made soon and correctly - I truly do.
This summer, I went though a ordeal that sounds similar.
I had the most debilitating pain I had ever had in my life - I could not eat for the pain and the fear that it would come again. If I could eat, i would become so nausiated I couldnt move, and the food would run right though me. I was taking phenogren as often as possible. For the most part, I was in bed constantly - I did not even get to take part in the building of the new coop for my girls.
I had had these dibilitating symptoms for over two years, although not constantly; It was always written off as IBS.
All in all, i lost over 20 pounds in a month - not as bad as your friends, but it was enough to scare both me and my family. Since I am only 15, No doctors around me would see me for gastrointestinal problems since I was neither child or adult; Finally Vanderbuilts Childrens hospital would. I was schedualed for a upper and lower endoscopy ASAP. The results came back as IBD - they have yet to diagnose me with either Chrons or UC. But the good news is that I am very well on my way to remission fromt he crisis. I feel so much better, that I have gained almost all of the weight I lost back!
Blood tests are not a good way of showing IBD - the only foolproof way is to have a endoscopy/colonoscopy, if i am correct.
I know my spelling is probably very bad, but oh well....Im so tired im not sure who I am right now
Let Roger know he is in my thoughts - and that I truly hope that he gets a diagnosis soon. There is a light at the end of this tunnel - even if it is just a diagnosis. I know that it is definately a near spirit-breaking experience for most to be very ill and have no diagnosis.
I truely hope that this gets better for him, his family, and his friends soon!
Lots of Hugs,
Adrian