Saturday, May 26, 2012

I'm a new Gerd Mom

By Abby'sMom Thursday, October 23, 2008

My 6 moth old daughter was diagnosed with gerd at 6 weeks old. It is horrible. I'm so stressed out and I don't have a babysitter. I'm depressed. It is very comforting to know that there is more people out there going thru this also. I crave adult conversation. I just want to talk to anybody who's willing to.

Jan Gambino, Health Guide
10/23/08 6:43am

Hello Abby's Mom!

I am sorry you have to join our "club" but welcome! You are not alone! Caring for a child with reflux is the most stressful parenting experience. I have talked to parents with all kinds of credentials and training such as doctors, lawyers, police officers and even pediatricians. They all say the same thing-there is nothing to prepare you for reflux.

 

Finding an on line community of support is a great way to find other parents who have similar concerns and questions. So ask your questions and share your stories. Let us know what a typical day is like for you.

 

I found that I had to "wear" my refluxer for over a year. She spent much time in a front carrier and when she was older in a back carrier. I did laundry, cooked, shopped, etc with her attached to me. I think this cut down on her fussiness.

 

It is hard to ask for help but this job is too big for one mommy. Most people don't "get" reflux so family and friends might not understand that you need help. Ask Grandma or a friend to come by and watch you in action.

 

It is hard to remember that you are a good mom when your baby needs so much and you are so tired. If your baby could talk she would say-Mom, you are wonderful. Thank you for taking such good care of me. Love, Abby.

Take care,

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

 

10/23/08 11:11am

I can relate, for sure. I know how stressful every day can be. We just hit the 2 month mark and while time has flown, in some ways I don't feel we've made any progress at all. Of course we have good days and bad days. Hopefully more good than bad, but nonetheless it is trying time for us. I find myself angry at the doctors (who are only trying to help) and at myself (did I do something to cause this?). I'm frustrated and I try to remain optimistic that one day this will be better, but it's hard. I agree with Jan, that's why this forum is so awesome. You know that people are dealing with something similiar to you and that people make it through this, they theirs lives move on and their children are doing well.

 

If you ever need to chat, feel free to mail me. Another Mom here said it best, "We reflux Moms need to stay together!"

 

Take care and remember, just take it one day at a time.

 

 

Anonymous
Concerned Mom- Go with Your Heart...
10/24/08 3:42pm

Please don't rule out other possible causes. It took me 7 months to find a solution to my son's so called reflux. I was told he will grow out of it. In fact, he had a fungal overgrowth caused by the fungus CANDIDA, aka as YEAST. We don't know where he got it from but on a course of NYSTATIN, within 2 days he stopped vomiting. It was the light at the end of the tunnel!!

I have done much research on reflux and how it is directly related to the imbalace in gut flora and probiotics help tremendously.

Please feel free to email me directly at ilbacio0626@yahoo.com for some advice. I have tons of paperwork from researching. I have even become friends with another mom who's son at 1 year was still refluxing. Now he is 15 months and is no longer vomiting.
The best part of all this is that it is natural and does not cost money!!

Good luck and God Bless.

I hope to hear from you ,

Lisa

 

Anonymous
Ruthetta
10/26/08 11:41am
Hello. My son is 7 weeks old and recently underwent an Upper GI and an admoinal ultrasound. He was prescribed Zantac and we were told to wait 2 weeks and the medicine would start to heal his reflux. After 2 weeks my son was hospitalized for an upper respiratory infection and the doctors as well as nurses could see what I go through each day with constant crying and pain. I was referred to a GI specialist at the local children's hospital and told it was colic and reflux that I need to wait until my child grows out of it. They prescribed Prevacid and told me to wait until two weeks and it would heal the reflux. I am so concerned about hearing the same things and I worry that my child will endure more damage. After hearing your stories I know that I am not alone as well. Any advice or discussion is welcomed by me as well.
Jan Gambino, Health Guide
10/26/08 7:20pm

Hello! My daughter had respiratory problems and GERD too. I can certainly relate to what you are going through. I am glad you have a Pediatric Gastroenterologist to help you and the pediatrician figure out the best treatment plan.

I am glad the hospital staff got to see what reflux really looks like 24/7. Sometimes I wish that I had a video camera to take to the doctors office. The baby always behaves nicely in the doctors office and then screams all night!

There is much support and information here. Please let us know your questions or concerns. I find that it helps to write about my frustrations and concerns. We are here to listen!

Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

Anonymous
Ruthetta
10/28/08 5:01pm

This week has been a rough week with my son.  He has cried continually when he eats and for about an hour afterward.  I am so glad to have a place to turn to in this time.  It is good to know that others have found ways to cope and in some cases things do get better. 

Anonymous
Concerned Mom - Go with Your Heart
10/30/08 2:37pm

Please see my comments above. Especially if you son has been put on antibiotics.

Jan Gambino, Health Guide
10/31/08 8:48pm

Hello! I know the doctor said it would take a few weeks for the medication to fully work. While you are waiting, do not hesitate to call the doctor and give him/her an update.

Are you aware of the other home care treatments that are often suggested such as positioning and frequent burping?

It is also important for you to take a break. I am sure you want to stay nearby while your son isn't feeling well. Maybe a friend, neighbor or relative could come sit with you or hold the baby while you take a shower or walk to the mailbox by yourself. It can make a difference. When my baby cried and cried, I still put her in the front carrier and took a walk outside. I know the neighbors wondered why I could not stop my baby from crying. Often she would fall asleep and then I would enjoy the sun and the cool air.

 

Keep in touch. Jan Gambino

The Reflux Mom

Anonymous
Momof2
11/11/08 6:15pm

Hi,

My son had a very BAD case of reflux.  He vomited almost his entire bottle after nearly every feeding.  The best solution for us was thick oatmeal bottles, prevacid AND reglan.  He is still under weight today, but he is a happy healthy little boy at 2.  He really didn't improve until about 1 year - that was the magic mark for us.  Getting him to eat is still a struggle today.  Now, I have a 4 month old baby girl on Prevacid.  She isn't nearly as severe as my son, but it is still a stuggle and an art!  Has anyone experienced a decrease in appetite since starting Prevacid?  This was always the case with my little boy, but my little girl has always been a good eater.  Now she is eating 2 ounce bottles with cereal - this is down from 5 to 6 ounces prior to Prevacid.  The doctor said it could be gas, but I'm not sure.  We tried oatmeal but she refused it.  I give her mylecon everyday.  Any suggestions?  Thanks!

11/21/08 6:23pm

hi Abby, i also have a 6 mo old baby with gerd, every day is different, some better, some bad.  my heart goes out to you.  hope things will get better for you.  God bless.

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By Abby'sMom— Last Modified: 10/26/11, First Published: 10/23/08