gastroenterology specialist appointment

foreverapartofme

After trying everything from changing my diet, gas drops, zantac, and prilosec, my poor DS is always throwing up and crying non-stop.  My doctor wants me to take my DS to a gastroenterology specialist because he is so uncomfortable.  Honestly, my heartbreaks for my little man, because he is always going stiff like a board and just crying! Has anyone else taken their almost 8 week old to a specialist like this before?  I wasn't sure what to expect!  Also, I am just wondering if my LO is just colicky? 

ashiscute

DS has reflux.  He started on Zantac at 2 weeks old.  When it didn't help we were referred to a GI specialist.  He started DS on liquid Prevacid in the morning and Zantac in the evening.  I also made some changes to my diet.  We also did the X-ray with barium fluid so they could see if there was a reason for the reflux and an upper endoscopy.  Things did improve for DS with the Prevacid.  However, we were told most LOs outgrow reflux by their first birthday and DS just turned 2 and is still taking medication.  We have tried to wean him off twice and both times the symptoms came back.

I find the specialists are more pro-active (since they are more familiar with the area) and I was so relieved when DS saw his.  I'm not quite sure what you mean by "just colicky".  If your DS is spitting up a lot, crying, and arching his back that is reflux and not colic.  How is his weight?  Hopefully you can get in with a GI specialist and get some answers.  Good luck.  

foreverapartofme

Thanks for your response.  My DS is spitting up a lot, arching his back and going stiff like a board crying non-stop a lot of the day.  Luckily he is gaining weight, so at least we don't have to be concerned about his weight gain. However, I do feel bad that he is so uncomfortable.  I was told by a few moms in the area that fussy babies who do not have reflux are colicky and there's nothing you can do. I hope there is something we can do to help him!

Thank you for sharing your story.  I'm glad that the specialist was able to help your LO.  That's too bad he hasn't outgrown it yet.   I hope he will outgrow it soon!  Does he have to take prevacid and zantac together still or is it different medicines at this point?

ashiscute

That sounds like my DS.  He was gaining weight fine so they weren't too concerned but he cried so much.  It took like 30 minutes to rock him to sleep after each feeding which was rough.  He is still on Prevacid (a much higher dose) but we were able to wean him off the Zantac.  We also had him sleep in his swing for nap time and at night until 7 months.  He slept much better there than flat in his crib.  If he's arching his back and goes stiff it's definitely reflux.  I hope you're able to get him on a medicine that is more effective.  And try to remember that it may take awhile for a medicine to really help because his throat is already damaged and even if he is no longer refluxing he is still experiencing discomfort.  Once that heals he will feel better.  Good luck.