I need my PC friends. - Up-chuck update

PrairieMom wrote: I just really need my PC family. It seems like no one around here "gets it"they all think that I am a little nuts.
So basically, I am devastated. The Doc, who is now our 4th doc seen for this throwing up stuff, a pediatric GI specialist who comes highly recommended by people on the inside who is also a woman, seems to think that there is something in my milk that is causing a allergic reaction in Charlie, even tho i did the dairy free thing.
So we have that potentially going on on top of his obvious reflux.
So, because we have already exhausted so many other options, and because he is continuing to not grow, (only 5 ounces last month instead of the at least 20 ounces they want him to gain) he is nearly off the growth charts now after starting off in the 50%, she is asking us to to a 2 week trial of hypo allergenic formula, thickened with oatmeal.
So, here we are , right where I was fighting to stay away from.


I am not responding to my pump really well at all, I rented a hospital grade pump in hopes that I will be able to maintain my supply for this 2 weeks and go back to nursing after, but knowing my history, I don't think that is going to happen. I am going to fight fight fight tho.

So, as of right now he has refused one bottle, and taken one, but puked it right back up on me. Super awesome.
Getting puked on was annoying when it was breastmilk that I get for free, but when it is $40 a can formula, that is a whole nother level of annoying.

Anyway, I am having a little pitty party.

boyohboyohboy replied: Tara, I really just have to say, that regardless of the lack of support you have around you, you need to do what your gutt instinct tells you to do. Have you seen a pediatric allergist? Has C under gone allergy testing too?

The hospital grade pump is what we used and it was great. I just kept at it. I think mind set is half the battle, so pump somewhere you can be comfortable and maybe sit near C when he is sleeping...

Also if it is an allergy, I dont think two weeks is going to show a difference. Most of the proteins stay in the system longer then that. The hypo allergenic formulas are awful and they do smell bad. None of my kids would accept them. Not to mention the high cost of them.

Our ped. GI dr never agreed with our ped allergist, we kept at it and saw many dr's..you will find the one that is right for you and agrees with your way of thinking..you cant give up..
I know you feel beaten down and all alone in your corner right now, but have your pitty party and then stand and fight like only you can. You are a great mom that a lot of us strive to be like, feeding your kids better foods, helping the environment (who else makes cloth maxi pads?!?! )

really, its a struggle..but we were also in the failure to thrive catagory but he wont stay there.....He looks good. How about a test that checks his vitamin and minerals and see if he is getting what he needs....its a lab test..

and how about the gastric emptying test had you done that one? I know we talked about it just a little bit.

Hang in there Tara, I still believe you will make the best choice for C, whether you cont to BF or go a different route..do what you feel is best.

A&A'smommy replied: I COMPLETELY understand (minus the throwing up thing) what you are going through BEEN there!! I'm SO SO SO SORRY!! Are they telling you to quit breastfeeding?
The formula thing.. he will get use to it make take a few days or maybe even a week but that's pretty normal for most breastfed babies.. to puke with a bottle. Autumn did it also to the point where I also wondered what could it would do... such a pain!! But I can't imagine that is the only option.. there has GOT to be something else you can do.... have you talked to La leche group?

coasterqueen replied: I have so been there and still am. You have to remember it might not be dairy. While we found out that Megan was born lactase deficient and I even took dairy out of my diet completely for over 6 months, we later found out she was severely allergic to yellow dye, cotton seed, sesame seed, and chocolate. Once we took all those things out of her diet, plus the dairy she gained 8 pounds after not gaining anything for 2 years. Now, that being said, we now have not gained any weight for over 11 months now, and have actually lost 2 pounds AFTER we have found out the issues and have dealt with them.

You have to do what your gut tells you no matter what. I am confident you will.

And I agree, two weeks is no where NEAR enough time and I can't believe a specialist would even have the gaul to suggest that. Some allergies build up in a child before showing symptoms and can take even that long to get out of the system. Especially RARE allergies - they don't show their true color immediately like dairy, nuts, eggs, soy, etc.

luvbug00 replied: This must be so hard and frustrating! i'm saddened that the medical community that you are using have been so unsupportable to what you as a parent want for your child.
Hopefully your pumping will keep your supply going and you can get him off the formula asap. many hugs and thoughts hun!

CantWait replied:

Tara sweetie I have no advice for you. Just know that no matter whatever you do, whatever you decide; whatever, you have us behind you 100%. We know you're doing everything in your will and power to do what's best for Chuck uhhhhh I mean Charlie.

~Roo'sMama~ replied: I'm sorry Tara! I don't have any advice, but I'll be thinking of you and praying for you! I can't imagine how frustrating this all is for you.

PrairieMom replied: Thanks guys. I had a huge ugly Oprah cry last night about it, and have been a bit teary about it today, but I am putting my head down, and pushing though this, doing what needs to be done to get to the next thing.
He is still puking the formula up, although, I haven't been able to make it as thick as they want it to be , he just won't drink it that way. We are slowly working up to it tho. He stinks so bad.

to top it off, i have tendinitis in both my thumbs, so i am in thumb stabilizing braces. this is not making things very easy. what next. I''m falling apart.

kit_kats_mom replied: I'm sorry Tara. I know that can be hard. Hugs and Support from me

amymom replied: The stress is breaking your body down. First the thumbs then what? Take care of you so you can take care of the kiddos.

Mary Beth was on Alimentum for a long time. It was the only thing that she gained wgt on. I nursed and supplemented with the alimentum. I understand your frustration. Because I have celiac disease in my family I declined to go with cereal until after she was a year old. The docs didn't like it, but I gave no solids until she was 6 or 7 months old.

You have my total and complete empathy, I wish there was something I could do for you, but know that I can't. You can know that Mary Beth and I came out ok, so will you and Charlie. I continue to pray that all the feeding difficulties end for you all.

holley79 replied: You are entitled to your pity parties honey. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

jcc64 replied: I know how scary it is with digestive/growing problems with the little ones. I know in the end, you'll get to the bottom of it all, but that doesn't make you feel any better in the short term. Big hugs, Tara.