A few weeks ago I had a frantic few days of worry with my 18 week old son. He developed a rash all over his arms, legs and tummy. Small, red and patchy. He began being sick again after each feed (literally pumping out of him). He was very quiet and was just sitting quite dosey and "can't be bothered" type attitude. I ended up taking him to the Dr's again as the infant gaviscon given to him the week before was helping with the projectile vomitting, but the milk was still not staying down. While in the waiting room he had a feed and when we went into the Dr's room he again pumped all his milk back up for the Dr to see. It was quite good for her to see it happen. She checked him thoroughly and said the rash is nothing to worry about, some babies develop a rash when they are frequently upset or in discomfort. She assured me it was reflux symptoms and told me the gaviscon wasn't working enough to tackle his reflux and prescribed him 'Ranitidine'. He had his 1st dose at around 7pm (before his bath) and had 3oz of milk at 8.30pm. He fell asleep on the bottle, even winding him didn't wake him. I put him down into the travel cot at 8.40pm and he woke in the morning at 7.50am! Not stirring once in the night. He has NEVER done this. A good night for him is waking twice (usually around 1am and then 4am). The funny thing is, I woke several times to check on him, the 3rd time I thought "why is he not waking up?" I couldn't get back off to sleep myself until I shone my phone light by his feet to watch his chest going up and down before I could settle! When he did wake up he was babbling and cooing away to himself (rather than his usually screams and legs kicking in pain). He gave me the most gorgeous smile when I peered over to say good morning to him. I ended up having a huge cuddle on the bed with him with tears streaming down my face! Part exhaustion from the 2 hourly wake ups and part relief that I can finally see light at the end of the tunnel!
I had really hoped this new medicine had resolved his reflux problems and he can start to enjoy his feeds and sleeps much more
Sadly, the sleeping patterns have gone back again to 3 hourly wake ups and him being quite sick and in discomfort again. I took him to the Dr's who has increased his dose of ranitidine to 1ml 3 times a day (rather than 0.5ml) He has been on this dose now for 3 days and I am still not seeing any difference in him. The past few months have been a real battle, which is hard as a Mummy when I know that when he is well he is so smiley, shouty and happy - not the unhappy and inconsolable little guy he had started to turn into. Who would have thought reflux would cause so much heartache and discomfort for little ones
Don't get me wrong, when not feeding he is so happy and playful, an absolute pleasure. Feeding is just a nightmare!
The Dr is writing to the hospital for him to see a pediatrician to see whether the reflux is due to a lactose intolerence or too much acid being produced in his stomach. I do not think he has a lactose intolerence - he only started being very sick like this about 5-6 weeks ago. He has always been a windy baby and been in discomfort with bottom wind. When he sicks up it has always been mucusy and gooey.
I guess I just want to tell my story to see if anyone else has or is experiencing the same thing? It's so hard as a Mum to watch your little one be in so much discomfort and being unable to console with the usual cuddles.
I had really hoped this new medicine had resolved his reflux problems and he can start to enjoy his feeds and sleeps much more
Sadly, the sleeping patterns have gone back again to 3 hourly wake ups and him being quite sick and in discomfort again. I took him to the Dr's who has increased his dose of ranitidine to 1ml 3 times a day (rather than 0.5ml) He has been on this dose now for 3 days and I am still not seeing any difference in him. The past few months have been a real battle, which is hard as a Mummy when I know that when he is well he is so smiley, shouty and happy - not the unhappy and inconsolable little guy he had started to turn into. Who would have thought reflux would cause so much heartache and discomfort for little ones Don't get me wrong, when not feeding he is so happy and playful, an absolute pleasure. Feeding is just a nightmare!
The Dr is writing to the hospital for him to see a pediatrician to see whether the reflux is due to a lactose intolerence or too much acid being produced in his stomach. I do not think he has a lactose intolerence - he only started being very sick like this about 5-6 weeks ago. He has always been a windy baby and been in discomfort with bottom wind. When he sicks up it has always been mucusy and gooey.
I guess I just want to tell my story to see if anyone else has or is experiencing the same thing? It's so hard as a Mum to watch your little one be in so much discomfort and being unable to console with the usual cuddles.
