DD has been suffering with extreme stomach pain since she was about a month old. It waxes and wanes. The last three nights have been terrible. She is not sleeping, she is not napping, and she is visibly uncomfortable. She goes through periods where she is totally happy and then sad face followed by happy face. She is our refluxer but I do not think this is related and I have never thought this was related.
I am at my wits end. I am dead tired. DH and I have had about 4 hours of sleep in two nights. Children's has been less than helpful. Her GI specialist is getting ready to go out on vacation and "they are trying to fit her in" but the first available is Aug 16th. I will not wait for that. And I guess you cannot be seen by another GI doc. So frustrating.
I am reaching out hoping someone has been through this. We have tried tylenol, ibuprofen, maalox, increase in Prevacid, more frequent feedings of less volume, and not varying solids as much. nothing is working. Our pedi suggested we take her to the ER during clinic hours to force them to see us. But I hate to be an ER flyer like that. Did I mention she is waking her brother with all the crying....yea...............HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Re: Extreme Stomach Pain
How old is she? I would probably start by taking her off of solids completely (I didn't even start solids with my DS until he was 15 months old.)
Have you tried mint tea? (Dried mint strained in warm water)? It does wonders for me...I apparently always have stomach problems.
Have they ruled out blocks in the intestine?
Oh no!!! I'm so sorry for ALL of you! I think your pedi is right I think you should go the ER route to get her seen. Its not fair for any of you most of all her to be dealing with this kind of pain. I'm assuming that they have ruled out appendix or something like that? Its so hard to know with these little ones who can't tell us what is wrong or what makes it worse and you have really been through the ringer already!
I know that with baby Chase they have told them that she will just have to outgrow the reflux/stomach issues and they have had a horrid time with Chase not sleeping. To the point that the only way she would sleep longer than 45 min at a time and not scream was to put her in the car and drive. They drove all the way to Leavenworth and back one night just to have Chase wake up the second they turned the car off. I know that isn't any help but I'm wondering if maybe it could be related?
It's admirable that you don't want to be an ER flyer, L, but if your LO is in that much discomfort and they're not being helpful - go. There's no reason she should have to continue to suffer.
I am so, SO sorry you're going through this.
This. For her AND for yourself, she needs some relief. If they will not help you see her GI sooner than August, then you have to do what you have to do. I'm sorry for all of you. It must be just awful to have to see your little girl so uncomfortable. I hope you find something that helps her, and soon.
I totally agree with this. I would definitely go the ER. I'm so sorry that you guys are going through this!
I think the others might be right about the ER visit. What about trying Mary Bridge? I was at my limit with Seattle Children's and was ready to go to Mary Bridge for a second opinion for K. Luckily we were able to get switched to a different surgeon so at this point we're staying at Children's. If we start getting put through the wringer again [brace adjusted wrong, bumping out appointments for weeks, etc] I'm ready to check out MB.
I'm so sorry you are going through this. I agree -- if you need to do the ER route to get it figured out, then do it. You aren't going there indiscriminately, but to get treatment (that isn't available elsewhere) of a real need for your child's health.
I am so sorry, how incredibly hard for all of you. I agree, this is a situation where it's totally appropriate to go to the ER. Also, I second the probiotics, I have known a couple people who swear by these for baby stomach issues.
I really hope you find a solution soon!
FWIW, I had Will at TG and saw a bit of Mary Bridge. I also have a lot of family in the dirty, dirty south that have gone there with their children. I've been very impressed with them.
Ditto PPs... I would take her to the ER. This does not sound like a reflux issue. I think you should trust your instincts that she needs to be seen, and much sooner than August.
Other than that, I have no solid suggestions. Could it be something other than her stomach, e.g., did they rule out aspirating into her lungs? Could all the meds be irritating her stomach?
Good luck.
I'm going to make an AWESOME big brother.