C&G Antireflux and Constipation

[sanabash]

Hi there, my DD is 8 weeks old and has now been on antireflux formula for a week We had initially tried infant gaviscon, but this only settled her reflux for a few days. She seems to tolerate the thick formula well and feeds happily with only minor posseting. The problem is she now seems quite constipated. She does move bowels every day, but has to really strain and seems to be in a lot of pain. Poo is quite hard. She is already on Colief for colic and I dread to think what things would be like without this.

Can anyone suggest some tips, not keen on initiating any other pharmacology at this stage.

DD1 had silent reflux. We found the same issues as you. It improved greatly by dumping the Gaviscon and anti-reflux formula, and going back to first milk in conjunction with Ranitidine. We started on 0.3ml x3 daily. What a difference!

Over the first 5 months we increased the Ranitidine dose in line with weight but it's effectiveness wore off. By 5 months, DD1 was utterly refusing to feed. There was some ulceration of her oesophagus from the acid. At that point, Paediatrics took over her care from the GP.

Interestingly, as she now has some food allergies, her consultant feels that it is likely she also had CMPI and he would have trialled an hydrolysed formula had we seen him in those early days.

GP started ranitidine yesterday, so far crying seems worse rather than better. we are still on anti-reflux formula to try and prevent vomiting, but not sure whether this also contributing to the problem as it constipates her.

We are also wondering whether CMPA is a factor in her presentation. Considering a trial of hydrolysed formula if things don't pick up in the next 48 hours. Horrible to have DD so distressed and feel so useless

It is hell for everyone. The ranitidine took 48 hours to work for us but anything up to a week is normal. I would go back if nothing changes in a week. There are higher dosage levels available.

DD1 never really vomited so we didn't have that complication. Domperidome (sp?) can be prescribed for that.

How are things sanabush?

She had a better day today, less fretful. Did have one small vomit in the evening. Trying not to get too hopeful yet... My C&G antireflux will run out soon and just trying to decide whether to replace with the comfort feed