Reflux Baby
Aug 15th 2005, 1:45 am
#1
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Reflux Baby
Wish I could say it has been plain sailing with the littlun but he is showing all the signs of reflux. As I said before he was a chucky baby however we have been finding out he much too chucky. 10 to 30 vomits a day isn't right. The first sign was when the childhood nurse told us his weight gain was too little. She ignored the fact he was puking and put us on a misleading course regarding feeding. This exacerbated the situation which made us go to the doctor.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
Aug 15th 2005, 1:56 am
#2
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Joined: Jun 2004
Location: The Gold Coast
Posts: 3,069
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by bondipom
Wish I could say it has been plain sailing with the littlun but he is showing all the signs of reflux. As I said before he was a chucky baby however we have been finding out he much too chucky. 10 to 30 vomits a day isn't right. The first sign was when the childhood nurse told us his weight gain was too little. She ignored the fact he was puking and put us on a misleading course regarding feeding. This exacerbated the situation which made us go to the doctor.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
. Reflux is not uncommon in babies. There is a few more things that can be tried but you are doing all the right things for him. Elevating his cot and sitting him in an upright position after feeding all help. If the Losec isn't doing the trick I would suggest taking him back to the doctor to see if they can prescribe something else. I work on the neonatal unit and our docs are really good. I am back at work at the weekend (sorry I know that's a long time) and I will have a word with one of them and see if they can suggest any interventions which may ease the discomfort for him.
In the meantime I hope he's not feeling too bad and that you and your wife are managing to get a bit of a break
Tracey
Aug 15th 2005, 1:57 am
#3
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Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Near Duloc
Posts: 4,638
Re: Reflux Baby
Hi BP
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
Aug 15th 2005, 2:00 am
#4
Absinthe Minded
Joined: Jan 2005
Location: At the football
Posts: 668
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by bondipom
Wish I could say it has been plain sailing with the littlun but he is showing all the signs of reflux. As I said before he was a chucky baby however we have been finding out he much too chucky. 10 to 30 vomits a day isn't right. The first sign was when the childhood nurse told us his weight gain was too little. She ignored the fact he was puking and put us on a misleading course regarding feeding. This exacerbated the situation which made us go to the doctor.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
The doctor thought it may be a thickening of the lower stomach muscle which blocks all food and gave us a referral to Sydney Children's hospital at Randwick. We were assessed immediately by a triage nurse and seen to within 20 minutes. The paediatrician explained that the symptoms indicated reflux and not the stenosis and prescribed losec to quell the stomach acid.
A few days later we had an appointment with another paed at Prince of Wales Private to check out something else (very fortunate to find out that was nothing). She saw that it was probably severe reflux but wanted to rule out stenosis so fitted us in for an ultrasound the next day. The public ultrasound was not available for a week. She upped the losec prescription. The weight gain is below average but not worrying.
The ultrasound showed no signs of stenosis so we are lucky that no surgery is needed.
Next stop is the gastroenterologists to see what else can be done to help the little man. We are struggling to get him to keep any medicine down and the acid in the stomach is now starting to cause him pain so he is no longer a happy chucker.
I was hoping mum would be a help however all she wants to do is play with her grandson and talk to him. She thinks he won't sleep because he is not tired enough! After 8 hours awake screaming of course he is tired enough. This all makes for awkward situations of us booting them out of the house so we can settle chucky. The only way to settle him is no stimulation.
To manage the situation we have to have him at an angle to do anything. The cot is tilted and to settle him we often have to hold him. Without that the acid bubble up and hurts and wakes him. There is no cure other than time (a few weeks to a 2 years). There are other drugs that can help the situation. My biggest worry is the acid putting him at risk of ear, nose and throat infections as well as possible pneumonia and a high chance of asthma.
In the mean time trying to maintain a sense of humour and sanity is all we can do. Life isn't easy at the moment however we feel fortunate about the treatment he is getting so far.
It seems that allergies were making the reflux and colic worse, so his mum spent ages refining her diet in an attempt to minimise the problem.
It was a great relief when the situation eased as he reached 2 1/2 years. He's now in year 11 and spends his weekends catching up on all that sleep he lost !
Chin up and best wishes !!
Aug 15th 2005, 2:02 am
#5
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by Larissa
Hi BP
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
Aug 15th 2005, 2:05 am
#6
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Joined: May 2004
Location: Sunshine Coast
Posts: 535
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by Larissa
Hi BP
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
I really feel for you, our first child (nearly 8 now) had bad reflux and nothing could be done either. It was so frustrating breast feeding, having all the milk chucked up and having to feed her all over again... not to mention the washing! We also tried tilting the mattress etc but she grew out of it within a couple of months. She also had a prolonged labour and then CS, I remember reading that the prolonged pressure on the head can affect the nerves running into the stomach, explaining why some babies with difficult births get reflex, tho' someone will probably tell me that's rubbish!
Hope things improve for you all
Larissa
With hind-site my first baby had reflux. At the time I was told it was normal and accepted it. Since having another baby and being a midwife - I now know it was not. He would projectile vomit after every feed until he was about 1 and a half. He still gained weight, so no-one was interested.
Hope you get your little one sorted soon Bondipom.
Rachel
Aug 15th 2005, 2:13 am
#7
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Joined: May 2004
Location: Termite Country (Tanah Merah)
Posts: 1,372
Re: Reflux Baby
Have you tried a different formula - or try one anyway if you are breastfeeding. Maybe even try a lactose free one. Lactose intolerance is growing rapidly in the population.
Can't stand seeing littl'uns distressed - we tried everything to placate ours when they had problems.
Andrew
Can't stand seeing littl'uns distressed - we tried everything to placate ours when they had problems.
Andrew
Aug 15th 2005, 2:14 am
#8
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by Del Boy
My sympathies to you both. My first lad developed this at 6 months and we got no sleep to speak of for the next 2 years. its very distressing to see the little one in such distress. The only way we could get him to calm down and drop off was to jog him round the lounge room against our chests and shoulders to keep him upright then sit in an armchair so he at least got some sleep. He would wake shortly, screaming after being put in his sloping cot.
It seems that allergies were making the reflux and colic worse, so his mum spent ages refining her diet in an attempt to minimise the problem.
It was a great relief when the situation eased as he reached 2 1/2 years. He's now in year 11 and spends his weekends catching up on all that sleep he lost !
Chin up and best wishes !!
It seems that allergies were making the reflux and colic worse, so his mum spent ages refining her diet in an attempt to minimise the problem.
It was a great relief when the situation eased as he reached 2 1/2 years. He's now in year 11 and spends his weekends catching up on all that sleep he lost !
Chin up and best wishes !!
One suggested drug is erythomycin which has a side affect of stomach cramps that work the food in the right direction. I am now asking if I can give him infant gaviscon for some more immediate relief.
It is very hard seeing him is distress and especially upsetting for mum.
2 and half years must have been hell for you both.
Aug 15th 2005, 2:18 am
#9
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Joined: May 2004
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Posts: 535
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by andrew63
Have you tried a different formula - or try one anyway if you are breastfeeding. Maybe even try a lactose free one. Lactose intolerance is growing rapidly in the population.
Can't stand seeing littl'uns distressed - we tried everything to placate ours when they had problems.
Andrew
Can't stand seeing littl'uns distressed - we tried everything to placate ours when they had problems.
Andrew
But, if you are formula feeding, you could try another make.
Rachel
Aug 15th 2005, 2:24 am
#10
Cup of tea, Father?
Joined: Oct 2004
Location: Underground, overground, wombling free
Posts: 6,895
Re: Reflux Baby
Hi BP,
Really sorry to hear of Bub's poorly tummy. It sounds awful for you all.
I just wondered whether you meant Erythromycin? If so, that's quite an old antibiotic; although stomach cramps are a common side affect, so is vomiting and diarrhea, which you obviously don't want more of.
I expect I'm probably trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs.
But I do hope you find something that works soon. Good luck.
Nichola
Really sorry to hear of Bub's poorly tummy. It sounds awful for you all.
I just wondered whether you meant Erythromycin? If so, that's quite an old antibiotic; although stomach cramps are a common side affect, so is vomiting and diarrhea, which you obviously don't want more of.
I expect I'm probably trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs.
But I do hope you find something that works soon. Good luck.
Nichola
Originally Posted by bondipom
Yesterday I just wrapped him and walked around the block multiple times just so he could catch up on the sleep. He likes the walking motion. I am getting one of those slings as the baby bjorn compresses his tummy too much and there is only so long one can hold a baby.
One suggested drug is erythomycin which has a side affect of stomach cramps that work the food in the right direction. I am now asking if I can give him infant gaviscon for some more immediate relief.
It is very hard seeing him is distress and especially upsetting for mum.
2 and half years must have been hell for you both.
One suggested drug is erythomycin which has a side affect of stomach cramps that work the food in the right direction. I am now asking if I can give him infant gaviscon for some more immediate relief.
It is very hard seeing him is distress and especially upsetting for mum.
2 and half years must have been hell for you both.
Aug 15th 2005, 2:30 am
#11
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by Geordie George
Hi BP,
Really sorry to hear of Bub's poorly tummy. It sounds awful for you all.
I just wondered whether you meant Erythromycin? If so, that's quite an old antibiotic; although stomach cramps are a common side affect, so is vomiting and diarrhea, which you obviously don't want more of.
I expect I'm probably trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs.
But I do hope you find something that works soon. Good luck.
Nichola
Really sorry to hear of Bub's poorly tummy. It sounds awful for you all.
I just wondered whether you meant Erythromycin? If so, that's quite an old antibiotic; although stomach cramps are a common side affect, so is vomiting and diarrhea, which you obviously don't want more of.
I expect I'm probably trying to teach my grandmother to suck eggs.
But I do hope you find something that works soon. Good luck.
Nichola
Aug 15th 2005, 2:31 am
#12
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by RReed
Bondipom - if you are breastfeeding please don't switch to formula. Formula is much more difficult to digest and will create even more problems. Formula also increases the risks of gastroenteritis
But, if you are formula feeding, you could try another make.
Rachel
But, if you are formula feeding, you could try another make.
Rachel
Aug 15th 2005, 2:33 am
#13
Rocket Scientist
Joined: Aug 2003
Location: Dreamland AKA Brisbane which is a different country to the UK
Posts: 6,911
Re: Reflux Baby
BP, sympathies to you & MrsBP, I know how awful it can be especially when you are getting no respite from it all. Little Dagboy 2 had particularly bad colic, he couldnt sleep for more than an hour or 2 at a time until he was about 6 months old & would wake screaming in pain. His brother luckily wasnt quite as bad, but it was still a very difficult period.
Larissa, co-incidentally, the one who had colic had a difficult birth as well & I ended up having an emergency C-section for him.
Larissa, co-incidentally, the one who had colic had a difficult birth as well & I ended up having an emergency C-section for him.
Aug 15th 2005, 2:38 am
#14
Thread Starter
Joined: Aug 2003
Posts: 11,149
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by RReed
Larissa, I have heard this too. Physically this makes sense re. the fetal skull in labour. Bondipom - why don't to take your baby to a specialist (I'm not sure what there official name is crani-osteopathy, or something like that). Worth a try.
With hind-site my first baby had reflux. At the time I was told it was normal and accepted it. Since having another baby and being a midwife - I now know it was not. He would projectile vomit after every feed until he was about 1 and a half. He still gained weight, so no-one was interested.
Hope you get your little one sorted soon Bondipom.
Rachel
With hind-site my first baby had reflux. At the time I was told it was normal and accepted it. Since having another baby and being a midwife - I now know it was not. He would projectile vomit after every feed until he was about 1 and a half. He still gained weight, so no-one was interested.
Hope you get your little one sorted soon Bondipom.
Rachel
There are a lot of people who I have now spoken to who have had your experience of being told it is normal. We feel lucky that we are on to this early. I heard of one person whose baby was consistently projectile vomitting and losing weight. The doctors said it was normal. Out of hopelessness she went to A&E where they told her off! The baby did have a stenosis and was fine after an operation.
Aug 15th 2005, 3:23 am
#15
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Posts: 535
Re: Reflux Baby
Originally Posted by bondipom
I am now researching the cranial-osteopathy. Doesn't seem like there is anything to lose through it. We are seeing a consultant paediatrician who is refering to gastro specialists. It strikes me as more of a neurological issue without any standard medical treatment.
There are a lot of people who I have now spoken to who have had your experience of being told it is normal. We feel lucky that we are on to this early. I heard of one person whose baby was consistently projectile vomitting and losing weight. The doctors said it was normal. Out of hopelessness she went to A&E where they told her off! The baby did have a stenosis and was fine after an operation.
There are a lot of people who I have now spoken to who have had your experience of being told it is normal. We feel lucky that we are on to this early. I heard of one person whose baby was consistently projectile vomitting and losing weight. The doctors said it was normal. Out of hopelessness she went to A&E where they told her off! The baby did have a stenosis and was fine after an operation.
Rachel
