Ghastly stomach bug

[Babybear6]

My poor 9 month old boy has viral gastronentitus, often referred to as the 'stomach flu'. He is really suffering poor mite, with diarrhoea and all the symptoms of a cold - temperature, irritability, lots of snot and a hacking cough. The whole family have also had it on and off, it's very contagious despite OCD cleaning and disinfecting. Every time we think we are better and no more diarrhoea, it reappears, with stomach cramps and all its nastiness. It's gone on for over a week; I'm beginning to think we will never feel well again.

I've been to the Doctors twice; once because I was so worried my little boy would dehydrate he was loosing so much fluid and not eating, then again 4 days later when there was no change. Now there are less nasty nappies (4 a day) but he is still upset, out of sorts and not eating and when he does 'go' its loads of horrible liquid yellow.

Doctor prescribed Kaolin for the upset stomach and rehydration powders but I can't get my baby to drink the rehydration powder. Any tips? And suggestions for reintroducing basic foods. Tried banana, potatoes and toast but he doesn?t want anything but yoghurt?

Has anyone experienced a virus like this? I week of being ill and looking after your poorly baby is exhausting. I just feel drained and tearful and so want him to be better. Doctor and Health Visitor really have not been that reassuring or helpful. How long will this go on for? Doctor said it?s just got to run its course but we can?t seem to shake it off. On top of this I have to return to work next week after 10 month maternity leave. Arrgh. So miserable.

There is nothing more heartbreaking than a sick baby. Any advice, reassurance appreciated.

[crabby]

It will get better! Ice lollies (the plainer the better) can be good at getting fluid into LOs. Also, there are lots of different flavours of rehydration fluids available - have you had a look in boots etc.?

[Babybear6]

Thanks for this. I will try ice lollies it's a good idea. There is a bit of improvement this afternoon, he is a little brighter. Still has awful nappies though. I got the blackcurrent rehydration powders, he won't touch them so I'll go to Boots tomorrow morning and try some different flavours. This is really the first time he has been ill, he is usually such a happy baby and it's tough seeing him in pain and not being able to help him.

[crabby]

If it is just bad nappies, not vomiting as well, there is a smaller chance of him getting dehydrated as some will be absorbed on the way through. If ongoing or increasing vomiting and ongoing poor fluid intake, I would get him looked at again.

As for how long it may take, it really is how long is a piece of string. Be aware that some kids develop a mild dairy intolerence (very temporary and not to be stressed about) after a nasty tummy bug. os do notice if milk is making it worse.

It won;t go on forever, even if it feels like it now...

[Flightattendant4]

I wonder if actimel might go down well? It is supposed to help with tummy bugs and might help his gut recover a bit. My baby loves it. Otherwise maybe try plain water to drink, avoid dairy (expect for the actimel) and see if that helps.

You poor thing, it must be soul destroying.