Hello mums,
I am typing this whilst crying.. I feel so fed up, exhausted and just down right annoyed at the situation. My poor baby is suffering daily and I feel that we are not getting anywhere.
Henry Reynolds History
Born: 15th August 2017
Weight: 4lb 15oz
Gestation: 36 + 5
Delivery: Planned C section after poor growth within the womb
Henry was born healthy however; feeding has always been an issue since birth. In the hospital, we had difficulty in getting him to feed.
Once home, the feeding became worse in the terms of the below symptoms:
• Being sick after feeds
• Wriggling during feeds
• Pulling away
• Arching back
• Red faced
• Screaming during feeds- wanting more then repeating process
• Screaming when placed on his back
• Liquid coming out of his mouth up to two hours post feed
• Feeding for comfort
• Swollen abdomen
• Extreme discomfort
31st August- GPs whom diagnosed possible reflux and gave Gaviscon
1st September- Henry had a very bad reaction to the Gaviscon and things were so bad we went to the hospital. The hospital diagnosed him with reflux and or silent reflux. Given Ranitidine and told to give him 0.2 dose wise.
We also switched his milk from Aptamil to SMA as a nurse told us that Aptamil could be too rich for him.
Things seemed to slightly improve but we found it difficult to keep up with the dose for the ranitidine. The lower dose seemed to not even touch the symptoms. We upped the dose to 0.5 and things dramatically improved in terms of the reflux. However, the below side effects started to occur:
• Restlessness
• Difficulty sleeping
• Irritable
•
7th September- We were told that Henry could have lactose intolerance and were recommended Hipp Organic formula and Colief. Things improved again with reflux but the side effects of the Ranitidine were getting to the severe point. Henry would not sleep at all.
14th September- Went back to the Drs to discuss the above. Was described Omeprazole. However, once home we researched the drug and decided that we were not sure if we wanted him on such a serious drug if he did not need it. We were not sure if the reflux was the problem or if it were the milk.
15th September- After stopping the Ranitidine, things deteriorated in terms of the reflux. He started showing the same symptoms. We decided to put him back on the Ranitidine but again tried 0.3 and things were still bad until we hit the 0.5 mark.
Over the next week things began to deteriorate with Henry. He started taking on more milk and no longer feeding every 2 hours- now feeding every 3 hours. However, his temperament changed. He seemed to cry all day and would not settle. He displayed the following symptoms:
• Crying constantly
• Only being held would sooth him
• Swollen abdomen
• Waking up to pass wind and screaming in pain
• Pulling legs up
• Trapped wind
• Irritable
• Screaming when pooping
• Classic colic symptoms
• Lime green poop
• Constipated
25th September- Went to the hospital after a particularly bad night. They suggested that along with the reflux, Henry could have a cow’s milk protein allergy. Went to the GP and was prescribed Nutrimigen. However, Henry went from taking between 100-120ml every two hours to 30-50ml.
26th September- Drs prescribed Althera formula to try and Henry seems to be taking this milk better up to 90-100ml average.
27th September- Since starting the new Hydro formula- Henry is showing more reflux symptoms like being sick, wriggling during feeds, pulling away, arching back, red faced, screaming during feeds, swollen abdomen and still seems very unsettled.
We are currently giving Henry 0.5 Ranitidine but still the symptoms are persisting.
The formula is very thin and have been told to use Carobel (can’t use Gaviscon due to what happened last time). However, the only bottles that work for Henry are the Dr Brown anti colic bottles and the 1 teat clogs with Carobel and he can not take the 2 or 3 teats as he is sick on them. The only larger teat he gets on with is the Vari Flow Tommee Tippee but those bottles give him VERY bad colic type symptoms.
Henry seems to have problems being placed on his back, screams whilst passing wind and pooping as well as a swollen tummy. He settles in the late evening but other than that, never seems to settle.
He still is displaying bad colic type symptoms but also the reflux seems to be worse. Also, the side effects of the Ranitidine are also there.
We went to see a private paediatrician last Friday as we were not getting anywhere on the NHS and he told us to start the Omemprazole and put him on Puramino (previously Nutrigram AA) and said Henry has reflux as well as a cows milk protein allergy that is serious.
Well this week the reflux has improved dramatically but his tummy is still swollen, he is still screaming most of the day, he still screams when pooping and when passing wind.
Anyone else is the same boat?
I am just so fed up..
Sorry for the long essay but I needed to get it all out.......