To Jan, Re: GERD and Torticollis

07/25/08

Cindy Gannon

Hi Jan,

Well, we saw a second allergist today. I didn't think she would be very helpful in the beginning as she started to dismiss a link between Matthew's head tilting and reflux. However, in the end I think she got it. We are going to do further blood work re: allergies and we are also going to follow up with another gastroenterologist and neurologist. She also mentioned the endoscopy with biopsies today and we are going to discuss this as an option with the GI. At least maybe it will give us an idea if we are heading in the right direction. The GI we are going to see is the one that recommended a probe when Matthew was 2 months old, so I'm not sure if he is going to recommend one again or not. But, we shall see. His treating doctor just added 2cc of pepcid at night in addition to his 30 mg of prevacid in the morning. If he doesn't respond, the option she gave us was to up his prevacid to 45 mg. I just feel like we are trying to cover up a problem instead of treating it. Hopefully we will have some further tests done and be able to come up with some real answers. He has been tilting now for almost 2 months again. It is INCREDIBLY frustrating. He is so cranky and his sleep schedule is off....it is just not a good time for either of us. :(

I will keep you updated....thanks for your help, and your ear!!

Cindy :)

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Answers (1)

Friday, August 01, 2008

Jan Gambino

Hi Cindy,

Sorry for the late reply. I was on vacation for a few days and missed your message.

Thanks so much for the update. I am glad you were able to have a good discussion with the allergist about the head tilting. I know it is frustrating not to have instant answers and solutions. It can take a while to sort out all of the symptoms and determine the root cause. While it might seem like the doctor is just adding more acid reducers to the situation, using medication to diagnose reflux is fairly standard. If a baby responds to the treatment, it gives the doctor an indication that reflux is the cause. It can even avoid the need for testing in some cases. There is some evidence that babies and young children metabolize the PPI medications faster than adults and may need a higher dose. This method of testing via medication certainly takes more time and effort but it often gives important information.

I am glad you have a secondary plan to consult with the GI specialist and neurologist. So let me know what the blood test results are and what happens on the higher dose of medication.

Hang on for the roller coaster ride to a diagnosis! Lots of ups and downs...

I am here for you when you need to chat.

Jan

The Reflux Mom