Thank you and Update w/Pics
Thanks all for the thoughts and prayers during this rough patch in Everett's health. Today is the first day where we're really seeing improvement, but we still don't know what caused all of this. There's speculation that the antibiotic for his double ear infection wiped out everything and that he needs time to build up the good bacteria again. In the meantime, I'm in search of a reputable baby probiotic, but our local pharmacists have no clue where to get it or what manufacturer. The diarrhea continues, but he's been fever-free for 2 days now and is smiling more. Thankfully the worst-case-scenarios have been ruled out.
The official diagnosis is "Chronic Non-Specific Infantile Diarrhea" aka Irritable Colon Syndrome. We're trying a different formula to see if there's any improvement, supplementing with Pedialyte, logging every BM, feeding, vomiting episode and amounts to search for a pattern. The reflux/GERD just complicates everything, but he'll continue with Zantac as it provides *some* relief. He is lactose intolerant and has a slight case of thrush (tongue only). Not worth treating with another antibiotic as it isn't symptomatic yet. Wiping the tongue with gauze helps some.
Despite all of this, Everett's weight gain is great and there is no apparent protein-calorie malabsorption despite the loss of fluids from both ends. YEAH! We went ahead with the first of our delayed vaccines yesterday and completed his 2 month check up. Our 7.4 lb boy is now 11.15, he was 19.5 inches and is now 23.5. I'll try to include a few pictures.
I really appreciate your concern and hope to get back to reading and responding to individual posts soon. I think of you all often even if I don't have time to post. Selfishly, I'm enjoying the extra cuddle time as Everett has been sleeping on me and wanting to be held a lot more than usual.
Hugs,
At the Doctor's Office
The one place he always feels better - the bathtub
Jo
DS:9 yrs old / DD:5 yrs old / DS: 1 yr old
Big Hugs,
Angie
Too bad he's too little for yogurt....some people who are lactose intolerant can tolerate yogurt. You could sneak the probiotics in that way. Can you buy probiotics at a health food store and put a little in his formula?
I like Angie's suggestion re the vinegar for the thrush...at least it's not more antibiotics, if there's a chance antibiotics caused all of this. At least the vinegar shouldn't upset his tummy any more.
Go snuggle your little man and get your rest too.
BTW...I love the picture of your older son talking to Everett at the dr's office. Everett seems enthralled listening to whatever he's telling him.
Holly
January 2008,
July 2008
December 2008
July 2009
September 2010
July 2011
Mom to Khaled