Beside myself

[Exhaustedkate]

My six month old is my third reflux baby and I thought I'd seen it all. She is on Losec and zantac...and has been my first child that actually gained weight normally (although always reasonably difficult feeder)
We started solids 4-5 weeks ago and this week she has decided not to take any fluids any more. Will still take solids...but that is also not easy and I have the feeling she will start to refuse that too soon!!! Have you ever heard of this? I have tried different formulas....she's on neocate....different teats/bottles everything!!!

She was vaccinated last friday...could this be the issue? She was sleeping thru but now (I think because she is thirsty) she wakes every hour....seems thirsty but refuses to drink!!!

[RISA]

Hi,
Reflux can present differently in every child, and unfortunately yes, vaccinations can cause reflux to flare in some children. Other things that parents notice flaring reflux are things like teething, illness, being overtired, a change in routine, crawling or learning to crawl, and also constipation. given her age, there may be a few factors there.

Also, with her just recently starting solids, I wonder if that has impacted on her too. Have you spoken with a dietitian who specialises in food sensitivities? If not, then they may be worth considering, especially as she is on Neocate.
Could she be constipated too?

Sometimes when reflux flares, medication may need to be increased, at least temporarily. I presume you are seeing a paediatric gastroenterologist, but if not, then you may like to talk to your doctor about that option too. No matter who you are seeing, please keep in contact with them. Are they aware that things are so difficult for you once again?

Speech pathologists can help with feeding issues as well, so if you find the refusal continues, they may be an option for you too. Not all speech pathologists are experienced in feeding issues, so if you do see one, clarify that they have experience in that area.

I hope you can find some way of controlling her reflux soon. I hope too that you are able to look after yourself- with 3 refluxers, I'm sure it can't be easy, whether the older 2 have grown out of their reflux or not. Do you have some way of getting a break? Are you getting support from family and friends?

I hope that helps. I know how difficult it can be to have 3 refluxers, but please hang in there. It does get better.

Glenda

[Exhaustedkate]

Thanks for your response. I hadn't thought to see a dietician...am on the search for one today. We are seeing a paediatrician...our first was seen by a paed gastro...but the others haven't. Our paed knows our history and just automatically put us on the formulas/meds.

My gut feel is that since she has doubled in size since birth....(in weight and length!)...the meds have not increased at all. How could they still be effective? We are seeing the paed today and I hope he has some good suggestions. I really would rather not have a tube fed 6 month old if I can avoid it....but she's certainly heading there....nappies are getting quite dry....although she poos heaps.

We have great support - the doctor has recommended some terrific help and this gives me the chance to look after all three kids. The older two are 3 and 6 and fine (both grew out of it ) but still need quite a bit of attention....as do all of us I guess!

thanks again for the response
:)

[RISA]

I hope the appt with the paed goes well. Sounds like it might be worth talking about medications too.

For dietitians, probably the best place is to go to the dietitians assoc of australia at www.daa.asn.au


I hope you get some answers and I'm so pleased to hear you are getting so much support, (can I ask what the doctor recommended? maybe it can help someone else- you can always email it to us at info @ reflux.org.au (no spaces) if you'd prefer)

Glenda