Worried about 9 week old DS, any advice or experience??

[JoandMax]

Hi all,

I'm hoping someone can help as I am really worried about my 9 week old DS.

Will give you all the background!

He was born by elective c-section, weighing 10lbs 15oz, pregnancy was fine, no complications. for the first 6 weeks everything was good, feed well (bottle fed), slept well, generally an easy baby. At 6 weeks he developed a bad UTI and was in hospital for 4 days on IV antibiotics. He is now on a low does of antibiotics daily while we wait for further tests to see if any underlying kidney problems.

Since around this time feeding started to get trickier, refusing bottle, fussing etc but if we persevered got feeds into him. Last 10 days it has gor progressively worse with screaming, hardly feeding at all. Have seen GP who at first prescribed gaviscon (did nothing) and now just started on Ranitadine. He is also quite irritable and hard to settle. GP also expressed concern he has poor muscle tone and has no head control and seems 'floppy'. His urine has been tested and is clear for infection, no temperature etc. She is trying to speak to consultant who we saw in hospital to get him to investigate as we are due to see him in a few weeks as a followup to the UTI.

I'm just really worried there is something not quite right with him, GP says it's just coincidence and all these things aren't connected but I can't help but feel he has a health problme which is causing them. Could it be some kind of muscular disorder? The potential problem with his kidneys is a reflux so could tie in with the gastro reflux and floppiness?

Does anyone have any experience or advice on what I should ask them to test for or questions to ask?

I'm finding it hard having to watch him like this and not knowing what's wrong, he's a gorgeous baby and I just want him to be healthy and happy and do my best for him

[sunshineandshowers]

I have no advie, but was worried because you seem so worries. One thought...could you afford to see the Consultant privately? Just ring up his secretary and ask where/if he practises privately? So you can get seen quicker.

It reeally annoys me when GP's make offhand comments, that send you into a tailspin, without any explanation. For all we know low muscle tone, could be really common in big CS babies (for example). x

[saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Is he gaining weight OK? A good colour? Is the Ranitadine having any effect?

I'm sorry that you're worried. I too get annoyed when a GP 'expresses concern' and then does bugger all. Either it is a concern and he should refer you or it isn't and he should allay your fears. Grr on your behalf. I think you should trust your instincts and if you feel something's not right then push for a paed referral.

[JoandMax]

Thanks for your messages.

He is gaining weight, not much but one good thing of him being so big is he has some reserves while they investigate! He's been happy and giving me lots of big smiles this morning which is lovely and reassures me. He does look pale sometimes and I worry then brightens up and makes cooing noises and kicks around on his mat and all is ok again.

Only started rantadine yesterday so hoping to see some improvement over next few days.

I know what you mean about GPs, worry you but offer no idea of what it could be so your mind goes round and round in circles and you imagine the worst....

Might see about going private sooner, we aren't exactly rolling in it but have a few things we can cut back on if needs be.

[Pancakeflipper]

oh you poor thing, little ones and health issues cause many grey hairs.

Firstly he is thriving which is a great sign.
Coincidence that his feeding issues have coincided with the UTI infection? Well I think I'd be like you - wouldn't be so dismissive.
UTI's are nasty. They make everything in your body feel yuck. As a grown up you often lose your appetite. And anti-b's can often leave people off food and not feeling great. So it could be making your DS feel pants too?

Maybe a change of anti-b? Some make you feel worse than others and your poor DS can't give you any verbal feedback.

Glad they are checking out his kidneys.

Have you spoken to your HV? We have been having a merry-go-round with our Drs lately and the HV actually stepped in and demanded we got a referral to the hospital. Keep asking them. Ask when the letter was sent, what department, then phone the department and ask about waiting lists cancellations etc... Sadly you have to keep on top of it.

It could be colic which can be awful and unfortunately it's trial and error to what helps your child. But you have to keep thinking it's not forever.

Although this is a horrible worrying place to be currently in - it's a moment of time and you and your DS won't be stuck in it forever. Things change and progress. Day by day and keep nagging. Your instincts are probably right.

Keep us updated and feel free to rant and weep when it's too much xxxx

[JoandMax]

That was a lovely message Pancakeflipper, thank you! It's nice to have empathy rather than the usual dismissive doctor talk.

I keep repeating to myself 'it's just a phase, it will pass' - my technique in dealing with my DS1 nighttime antics (22 months and still not sleeping through, whole other can of worms!)

I will give the HV a call on Monday and get them to step in too.

Will let you know x

[saggarmakersbottomknocker]

Good that there's some weight gain. And I agree with pancake about the HV - I was in a similar situation with my dd and it was her that pushed on and got us referred when the GP was a bit useless. I also agree about the UTI - they can make them feel really rubbish, combined with the anti-bs (is it Trimethoprim?) can certainly put them off their food.

Can I just say about the weight thing - I hesitate to post because I really, really don't want to land you with a load of worry particularly over a weekend but my dd was big, gained little weight and they weren't initially concerned. But the 'settling down the centiles' stuff masked a true issue with her so I'm always a bit about it. Please don't worry about it right now but don't let having reserves of weight put you off nagging to be seen if you continue to have worries.

[JoandMax]

It is Trimethoprim he's on, certainly the feed after he's had it is the worst. Might try giving it to him late at night so he can sleep it off.

Since my first post he's actually taken 2 good feeds, about 130ml each with no screaming! Bit fussy but I can deal with that, am hoping it's the ranitadine kicking in. Also, my older son has a bit of a dodgy tummy today and slightly grumpy so they could both have a virus or something which wouldn't help either....... If only newborns could talk!

saggasmakersbottomknocker - will definitely keep pushing on the feeding thing if he doesn't pick up, it is frustrating when they've big that it gets dismissed a bit. Hope your dd is ok though and its nothing too serious xx