Silent reflux

[SusanAust]

Could someone tell me what the signs of silent reflux in a 7 month old might be? How would a doctor confirm it? Thank you.

Hi Elibumbum and Lilolady, it is such a relief to hear we are not alone with all this reflux. It has honestly been the most awful year for DH and I to see our little one in so much pain and now with a feeding aversion. I would be interested in any practical hints you could give us. DS is 11 months and seems to eat a little better if we give finger foods, but even so most of it is chucked on the floor or rejected. We see the dietician tomorrow, but it is more a case of how to get him to enjoy his food. He usually just cries and turns away. It is so distressing for us to see, more so because he is so pale and small. The blood and urine tests are not back, and we still do not have his 'urgent' barium swallow appointment. Elibumbum, how old is your DS now? Lilolady, any hints on getting Infatrini in? DS takes the breast, but not much and a few sips of water only. His nappies are often dry. I am beside myself with worry. DS has been ih hospital 4 times now for feeding observation, and each time they just say it will get better in time. But they said that in November. If I sound desperate, it is because I am.

Hi Lisasally. I know that feeling very well! I wish I had some tips for getting them to eat more! All I do is keep offering him 3 meals a day and different types of food and hope that this eventually this will build up his confidence for eating solids. He is 14 months now and I think he is gradually getting more confident with swallowing - I found some apple chunks in his nappy yesterday so he hadn't spat it all out like I thought he had!

11/12 months is an age when they delight in throwing food on the floor - this is obviously more than just a cleaning issue if they don't eat much in the first place. I recommend a book called my child won't eat - it offers more in the way of reassurance than actual tips to get them eating though.

Have you tried lots of different teats? We tried loads of teats when DS was fussing at the bottle. He preferred the tommee tippee nuby teats to avent. Mind you he only really improved when his reflux was under control.

Hope you get the test results etc soon. It might be worth constant pestering to get that urgent appointment.

Hi Elibumbum, we have an appointment for the barium next Tuesday. He needs to drink milk for it (which he won't), so they will have to put a naso-gastric tube down but DH will be there so that will make it a little easier. I will try and find that book. Do you have an ISBN number for it? We are offering lots of different foods, and as you say most goes on the floor, but I put a sheet down (he can throw quite far!!) and recycle it! Thanks again.

Lisasally - really sorry for not coming back - been away. Is is just Infatrini he won't drink or any milk - ie is it a taste thing? If it is a taste issue I think there are other brands of higher calorie milk. If not a taste thing then I think all you can do is give it in really small amounts. It used to take us age and sometimes not very much at all was taken which really gets you down. Keep him as upright as possible to reduce the asset rising and for say 20 mins after the feed. Is he on medication. If not really push for it. Once we were on the big doses it made a big difference. Where are you based - London? Re feeding, was he ok on the smooth purees and its only since you have gone lumpy that it is an issue? If that is the case don't rush the lumps and get tastes he likes established and then move on from there. he timing will be slower than the books suggest but it is ok - again with perseverece you will get there. Make food time as enjoyable as possible. we would mix it up - a favourite cd and sing along and I also bought some really small plastic toys - I think they were from sainsbury (bird, rattle, butterfly - the type of thing that you would get in a party bag) and let him hold them, or make up a story and when a little distracted slip a spoonful in. It was trying to remove the fear and focus of the sppon he did't want and it did work. You don't want to turn food time into a crcus but at the same time i needs to be relaxing and fun. Our dietrician group had a food pamphlet that progressed you from totaly smooth, to melt in the mouth to slight texture etc. It wasn't that extensive but quite helpful. It suggested things like quavers and wotsits for melt in th emouth (which made me laugh when I thought of what the breadstick brigade would make of that!) but it does work and actually when you read the back of the pack theya re fine. I don't know if that is of any help whatsoever but I will keep an eye on the thread so do come back if you want more!

ISBN no is 0-912500-99-9. The book is published by La Leche League International.

Hope the barium test went ok.

Hi to you both! Thankyou for your replies. I have to be brief as we are on "leave" from the hospital ward for a couple of hours. Time to get the laundry done and have a shower!! The Barium was normal, but they have had him on the ward since Wednesday and he is being tube fed. They have referred us up to Great Ormond Street to see the feeding team up there in about 3 weeks, which is a big relief. I have found and ordered the book. Thank-you both so much. Will try and get back on line in a day or so. Forgot to say we are based in Surrey. He has been on 20mg of Losec since November. His reflux seems to be under control, but he has a very severe feeding aversion and just won't! They were concerned about his weight and poor food intake, hence the NG tube. We are relieved to see him start to have wet and dirty nappies again, and a tiny bit of colour into a very pale little face.

Have memories of those few hours of "leave" -not a fun experience but glad to hear that barium test has been done and fine and at least now he is getting what he needs for the moment by tube. Great that you have the referral and I'm sure that will help you move forward. Come back line when you can and let us know how it goes. I am based in London so not that far if you need more help.