Marian

Thank you very much, menloparkmom, but I think we can find solutions that don't involve direct help from CC members. I appreciate your offer and the others, though. You are very generous. But I would feel more comfortable flying to California myself (if we have to resort to that) than accepting any of the offers -- and so would my son. That's just the way our family does things. It is no reflection whatsoever on the wonderful people at CC. But this is a situation that we would prefer to keep private except for professionals and any people my son chooses to share it with. I have been violating his privacy with this thread, but I felt it was necessary because I needed information. I don't want to go so far as to make personal contacts with people who are not part of my son's life. Your willingness to help is much appreciated, though.

I have a personal contact in California who is a whiz at research and who knows my son. If my son finds it necessary to make use of a home health care agency or some other professional service but cannot find one on his own or with the help of his doctor or the university health center, she should be able to help him locate one. He would not be uncomfortable sharing his situation with her.

Thank you again to everyone for all your ideas and suggestions. I expect to be talking to my son tomorrow, before he makes an appointment with the gastroenterologist (where he is likely to be referred for the test I've been discussing and other tests as well). I now have several excellent ideas to suggest to him, thanks to all of you.

I may be offline now for a couple of days. If anyone posts anything after this, you may not get an acknowledgment from me. I apologize for that in advance.