Tuesday, April 7, 2009

It's Always Something It Seems...

It has been another interesting week with Zane.

He had a doctor's appointment last Tuesday to discuss his weight and his reflux. The doctor that we saw said that Zane needed to space out the feedings more to help decrease the amount he spit up. We also needed to make sure he was getting two ounces (no more-no less) at each feeding--which is impossible to know when you are breast feeding. So that meant pumping--and becoming closer to my inner dairy cow.

By Thursday I was alarmed at how much he really was spitting up. Especially with the bottles. I called the office Thursday night and Friday was sent to Phoenix Children's Hospital for an ultrasound. Zane's fourth hospital in his four weeks of life. The ultrasound came back normal.

We went back to the doc on Monday. His reflux had NOT improved and he had gained only one ounce. Now Zane is almost 5 weeks old and has not even gotten back to his birth weight. So, we were sent to see a gastroenterologist today.

The specialist we saw today was awesome. Very calm, understanding, supportive and knowledgeable. Everything you want in a doctor that is caring for your child. He said that the reflux is a problem and gave us medication for that. He said that there could be something going on with the anatomy of Zane's GI tract so he is ordering an upper GI. He also said that he suspects there is a milk protein allergy. That would explain all of Zane's symptoms. So, he ordered blood work and a new formula to try that is not milk based like the others.

Unfortunately for me, that means if I want to continue to breast feed I have to eliminate dairy products from my diet. Most of you know that I avoid milk like the plague (like Josh does green beans) but think about all the dairy products consumed other than milk. Ice cream, cheese, ice cream, yogurt, ICE CREAM, Starbucks lattes, ICE CREAM! DID I MENTION ICE CREAM? I guess to put it mildly this might be the end of breast feeding. Which does then open up my ability to drink caffeine and alcohol. There has to be an upside to this.

The biggest downside is the formula is super expensive and smells disgusting. But if it helps...

3 comments:

Blade said...

You need to be able to drink in 3 weeks when I get there anyway! :P

Hope all goes well with the new tests Sis and that things finally settle down for you guys.

Love to everyone.

K said...

Thank goodness someone is finally giving you some solutions. When he's better and you can actually relax, we're gonna have one of those drinks (or four).

I miss you like crazy!

The Peterson's said...

You guys have been through sooooo much - and without having alcohol or diet coke to cope! Now you have to lose ice cream!!!! I hope you figure out what's wrong with the little guy, and life starts getting a little easier. Love ya & miss ya!

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About Me

A wife and mother of one sweet boy who I affectionately refer to as my little monkey shine...