Pennsylvania Babies

Feeling very frustrated

I feel like I've spent so much of my maternity leave examining Ethan's bowel movements!  We STILL haven't figured out the exact issue.  It's heartbreaking to see him have diarrhea, especially after all the changes I've made to my diet. 
Overall things have improved ... he's not as gassy, fussy, his congestion has pretty much cleared up, his diaper rash is nearly gone (thanks to LClaire since she sent me the magical solution!), the rash on his chest has cleared, but he still has diarrhea.  I didn't know it was diarrhea until freaking out after it started to look l like shaken up orange juice.

I completely cut dairy from my diet 3 weeks ago.  I cut all soy except soy oil and soy lecithin 3 weeks ago as well.  Studies show that most soy allergic individuals can tolerate those 2 types of soy.  After another flare up of diarrhea and diaper rash, I cut out those 2 types of soy a week ago.  This has been difficult because soy is in nearly everything (even my prenatal vitamin and cooking spray) but not impossible.  I've just learned to read every label.  Today for example,  I went to chew a piece of Double Mint gum but read the label first ... yup, soy lecithin is in that too!

It seemed like things were getting better on Tues but then Wed he had more diarrhea.  I feel like time is passing since I've consumed things with dairy/soy in them so we should be seeing improvements not set backs.  I called the pedi again.  I had to take stool samples in.  That was interesting to say the least.  We may have to take more in b/c the sample that I brought it might not be enough.  UGH!  They tested it to see if there was any blood and there may have been a small amount but they're waiting for the doctor to look at it.

I really want to get this figured out so that Ethan will feel better and then I'll feel better too.  Sorry for my long vent.  It's incredibly frustrating to be making so many changes/trying so hard and not have this cleared up!  I am grateful that his other symptoms have been improving but wish he was 100% better already. 

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Re: Feeling very frustrated

  • Hang in there girl. I am sure it has been so hard to see your little one upset. Many mothers would have thrown in the towel a long time ago and switched to formula. Just know that if you do switch over, it is totally fine. I do not know what you are thinking about the whole situation so dont take this as me pushing formula unto you. I breastfeed as well and Im sure it would be hard to decide what to do.

    Anyways-time is really flying by with our boys. Jude is already weighing 11lbs 10oz (5 week check up). I looked at your blog and loved the pics of Ethan.

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  • Formula has been discussed but he'd have to be on a hypoallergenic kind that is double to cost of regular.  If we have to, we'd switch ... whatever is best for him ... but I'd really like to continue breastfeeding if we can.

    So glad to hear how well Jude is doing!  You're right, time is flying by!  I cannot believe how quickly the weeks go by.  Ethan is gaining well too... 11lbs 14oz on Tues.  I love that pic of Jude and your dog.  Looks like the transition went well for your dog :)

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  • Awww, Christina that must be so frustrating!!  I'm sorry that you are still dealing with these issues.  Of course I don't have any advice for you but I'm thinking of you and baby Ethan and hope something gets figured out real soon. 
  • I remember reading a similar story on the 0-6 board.  It ended up that the baby was getting too much foremilik and not enough hindmilk (I might have that backwards).  It might be worth looking into.  Savannah has a milk protein allergy so I understand how overwelming things can be.

     

    Good luck.

  • Aw Christina! I'm so sorry you're having a hard time. I'm glad things have improved a little, but it does sound really frustrating. I am really proud of you for hanging in there this long. I'm not sure I'd be able to do the same. You've sacrificed a lot for your baby...what a good mom you are! Ethan is very lucky to have you as his Mommy.

    Sorry I don't have any advice. I really hope things get better soon!

  • While I don't have any experience, hang in there. You've done an amazing job changing your diet, trying to make things better for Ethan. I really hope this is figured out soon for both of you!
  • A friend of mine went through something similar, though nowhere near as much as you have, with one of her twins recently. With time, the issues just went away. The doctor said that sometimes their digestive systems just need to mature and sometimes that can make the problems go away. Not what you want to hear, but there might be a light at the end of the tunnel.
  • I'm sorry Christina :(  I wish I had any advice to give to help you out!  All I can say is that you are being an awesome mommy.  Hang in there!
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  • I give you all the credit in the world for trying. I think my husband's cousin might have had the same issue with her son. I remember her saying that all she good eat was nuts, berries and vegetables. She ended up switching to formula, but her insurance covered part of the cost. Perhaps you should check with your insurance?

  • Thanks ladies.  His stool sample tested mildly positive for blood.  They didn't seem too concerned since it seems that it was a small amount.  I'm hoping that his gut is healing.  They sent another sample away to be tested for infection, just in case.  I've done some more reading this weekend and it can take a month to see all the symptoms clear so I guess I just need to be more patient.
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