Elemental formula questions

abs05

Can anyone tell me their experiences with this?  We have been on the formula merry-go-around trying to find the right one.  LO was finally diagnosed with a milk protein allergy along with reflux and we have been on alimentum for the last 8 weeks.  Her rashes are coming back on her cheeks though, and she has had some digestive issues as well that have made her super cranky.  Our pedi wants us to try nutramigen to see if the helps, and if not then we will need to do an elemental formula.  After doing research I am all in favor of just skipping the nutramigen as I think we'll have the same issues after awhile.  Thoughts?  Is anyone using one?  Did it help? 

Thanks!

BC&MM

We started on Nutramigen, switched to alimentium sinceH still arched. He still arches now, we are 4 weeks in. I see his GI on Thursday for a follow up.

JoannaJes

If I were you, I'd probably want to do the same. I think there is a slim chance that your LO would improve on Nutramigen but not on Alimentum. Usually babies have to switch between the two due to taste or gas issues.

Personally, I would go straight to Neocate/EleCare right away, because I'd just rather my LO start feeling better sooner than later.

LCB34

I would try an over the counter hypoallergenic formula first.  No matter how many formula changes you have made at this point, everything you have tried has been milk based.  Nutramigen or Alimentum could work wonderfully for your LO.

Elemental formulas are very expensive ($40 for a small can) and inconvenient (you have to order them).  As someone who has a LO that can only eat Neocate, I would avoid it at all costs. 

You'll know within a 7-10 days if Alimentum/ Nutramigen will work - it's not like it takes months to know.  So, I say try it and see how it goes then move on to elemantals if absolutely necessary.

 

CarenOE

JoannaJes:

If I were you, I'd probably want to do the same. I think there is a slim chance that your LO would improve on Nutramigen but not on Alimentum. Usually babies have to switch between the two due to taste or gas issues.

Personally, I would go straight to Neocate/EleCare right away, because I'd just rather my LO start feeling better sooner than later.

 this...... i swear by elecare...wish i tried it sooner 

faith194

LCB34:

I would try an over the counter hypoallergenic formula first.  No matter how many formula changes you have made at this point, everything you have tried has been milk based.  Nutramigen or Alimentum could work wonderfully for your LO.

Elemental formulas are very expensive ($40 for a small can) and inconvenient (you have to order them).  As someone who has a LO that can only eat Neocate, I would avoid it at all costs. 

You'll know within a 7-10 days if Alimentum/ Nutramigen will work - it's not like it takes months to know.  So, I say try it and see how it goes then move on to elemantals if absolutely necessary.

 

 

This is exactly what I was going to write, except DS is on Elecare.  Thankfully insurance is covering it, BUT we had to fight tooth and nail. It isn't even guaranteed that insurance will cover it as he gets older, even if he needs it(he has a soy/dairy allergy).  We tried Nutramigen, before the Pedi GI had him on Elecare.

abs05

faith194:

LCB34:

I would try an over the counter hypoallergenic formula first.  No matter how many formula changes you have made at this point, everything you have tried has been milk based.  Nutramigen or Alimentum could work wonderfully for your LO.

Elemental formulas are very expensive ($40 for a small can) and inconvenient (you have to order them).  As someone who has a LO that can only eat Neocate, I would avoid it at all costs. 

You'll know within a 7-10 days if Alimentum/ Nutramigen will work - it's not like it takes months to know.  So, I say try it and see how it goes then move on to elemantals if absolutely necessary.

 

 

This is exactly what I was going to write, except DS is on Elecare.  Thankfully insurance is covering it, BUT we had to fight tooth and nail. It isn't even guaranteed that insurance will cover it as he gets older, even if he needs it(he has a soy/dairy allergy).  We tried Nutramigen, before the Pedi GI had him on Elecare.

Thanks for the replies.  My question though isn't whether or not Alimentum or Nutramigen can help...my question is that Alimentum is no longer working very well (though this weekend was better) so would Nutramigen really do anything?  If it will I'll do it, but isn't Nutramgien the same thing as Alimentum?  I thought I made it clear in my OP that we have already tried one of them--maybe I didn't.

Trust me, I am NOT looking forward to going to an even more expensive formula...I just want my daughter to not scream in my pain while eating.  I don't think that is asking for too much.    So, for those using elecare and neocate, did it help?

 

faith194

abs1978:

faith194:

LCB34:

I would try an over the counter hypoallergenic formula first.  No matter how many formula changes you have made at this point, everything you have tried has been milk based.  Nutramigen or Alimentum could work wonderfully for your LO.

Elemental formulas are very expensive ($40 for a small can) and inconvenient (you have to order them).  As someone who has a LO that can only eat Neocate, I would avoid it at all costs. 

You'll know within a 7-10 days if Alimentum/ Nutramigen will work - it's not like it takes months to know.  So, I say try it and see how it goes then move on to elemantals if absolutely necessary.

 

 

This is exactly what I was going to write, except DS is on Elecare.  Thankfully insurance is covering it, BUT we had to fight tooth and nail. It isn't even guaranteed that insurance will cover it as he gets older, even if he needs it(he has a soy/dairy allergy).  We tried Nutramigen, before the Pedi GI had him on Elecare.

Thanks for the replies.  My question though isn't whether or not Alimentum or Nutramigen can help...my question is that Alimentum is no longer working very well (though this weekend was better) so would Nutramigen really do anything?  If it will I'll do it, but isn't Nutramgien the same thing as Alimentum?  I thought I made it clear in my OP that we have already tried one of them--maybe I didn't.

Trust me, I am NOT looking forward to going to an even more expensive formula...I just want my daughter to not scream in my pain while eating.  I don't think that is asking for too much.    So, for those using elecare and neocate, did it help?

 

 

I would still try the Nutramigen before moving onto Elecare or Neocate.  I only started Elecare at the advice our of Pedi GI.  It has helped tremendously, only because DS has a dairy and soy allergy, not just dairy.  I'm not sure if that is your case, if Alimentum worked initially. I'd follow your pedi's advice.