Intolerance to Regular and Soy formula? Now what?!

[Mel55]

I think DS has an intolerance to his formula, he's currently taking Enfamil Soy as he reacted to regular formula (full body rash, diarrhea, diaper rash) exactly the same way his sister did and the Soy formula has worked perfectly.

The past few days, DS has had gross, foul smelling (not the normal smell) diarrhea, mucousy, and his diaper rash is awful.  He's having a BM probably 4 or 5 times a day.  Normally his BM's are almost solid and dark.  I remember the smell (sorry, tmi) from DD's diapers that prompted us to put her on soy, and it worked great for her.  Problem is, DS is on soy, now what do I offer him as a formula?  He's not 8 months old yet.

He is eating lots of solids, but this is not the type of diarrhea he gets from a reaction to solids--that's usually runny, watery type.  I do not suspect it's a food allergy, but a possible intolerance to his formula.

I'm in Canada.  Can anyone recommend a different type of formula I can try?  Or should I just take him to the pediatrician.....I don't know what to do.

Thanks.

[Spectra]

Hi, I'm in Canada too.  You can go to Shoppers Drugmart and try Alimentum, it is by Similac.  If they do not have it in stock you can get them to order it in, takes about a week.  First though I would call your doctor.   That much diarrhea is not good, he can get really dehydrated.  I eventually got a prescription for Alimentum, and now on Neocate prescription, gov't pays for it mostly, depending where in Canada.  But call the doctor right away first, perhaps they can get you in right away.

[Mel55]

Thanks, Melanie (that's my name too! ).

Will check out Shoppers for the formula.  DS has a routine appt. next Wed with the Ped.  I'm thinking I'll keep a good eye on him, try the new formula and see how he does for the next few days. Obviously if he gets worse I'll take him in.  He didn't want much breakfast today, had a few bites of oatmeal and about an ounce of formula (he had about 12 oz through the night so I'm not yet worried about him being dehydrated). 

Hopefully Shoppers has that formula.

Thanks!
Mel

[Mel55]

Ped has no appts today....will have to call first thing tomorrow a.m.....

[Spectra]

That sucks.  I hope you find the formula.  It is meant for babies who are Milk/Soy Protein Intolerant.  It is a bit on the pricey side though, but it's worth a shot.

[Spectra]

Oh, you might try looking for Enfamil Nutrimigen Hypoallergenic formula too.  They might have it in Alberta, not sure.  Same idea as Alimentum.  Other stores may offer it too, like Walmart  or something like that.  I live in a small city, so the stuff is hard to come by.

[Mel55]

OK thanks.  I found Alimentum at Save On Foods, only it's a special order and the minimum order is 24 cans (~$50).  DS has had two more BM's this a.m., it's noon and that would be 4 already today.  Poor bub, his bum is so red.

I think I'm going to have them order in the Alimentum anyway, I have to try something?!?! 

[Spectra]

Yeah, it's the same price here too.  I hope it comes in soon for you.  If you can at least try it to see if it works then you know what to tell your doctor right?  It's ready to feed too so it's easy to use.  It may take a day or two to get the other formula out of his system.  I really hope it works for you.

[hrk]

Hi!  After trying the rainbow of similac varieties, the dr had us try Alimentum.  It is covered by some insurances.  Not sure if that would apply to you.  I am in the US, but a lot closer to Canada than much of the US, haha, but at Babies R Us it is about $22.  Target also has it at $27ish dollars.  It was the only formula that worked for us; our lo has reflux, too.  Allergy testing was done, and not allergic to milk or soy, but this worked a lot better.

[Mel55]

I've always wondered if he's had reflux, he's a very pukey baby and has always been.  I've often remarked that I wonder if the puking will ever go away...  He's definately lactose/milk intolerant, cannot handle dairy at all and instantly is vomiting and gets a rash, sore bum and diarrhea follows. 

I have ordered a case of Alimentum, my SIL's mom is a pharmacist and got me a case for about $30 so we'll try that out and see if there's a diff.  Oh and we've had 2 more BM's today, LOVELY.

If all else fails, we have an appt Nov 12 so we'll see how we are by then.

[Spectra]

Depends on the province here.  In New Brunswick I get it for free as long as I have a prescription for it.  It may be different in other provinces though, not sure.

I'm so glad you got it for a cheaper price!  That's awesome!  Hopefully you won't have to wait too long for it.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Hi there:

My first question is how long has he been on Soy Formula?

Just from personal experience, I would not jump the gun and assume it is his formula.  I always have done that.

If he has been taking soy for a month or so and has done great up until now, I would think it was more of a virus than anything.

There is so much going around right now.  Me and my kids both have recently gotten over stomach viruses.

How is his mood or how was it up until now?  Does he seem like he is in pain or cries a lot? 

Just trying to look at other possibilities than just being his formula.  I would hate for you to have him on something else if it was not that.

With all the being said, if you do decide to try Alimentum it does work great for lo's that cannot handle dairy or soy.  My 2nd son actually did better on Soy Formula and my first son did better on Nutramigen.

HUGS TO YOU

[Mel55]

He's been on Soy since 5 weeks old (he's almost 8 months old now).  He's never had an issue with it.

He is in good spirits, no fever, regular appetite.  Just lots and lots of yucky BM's and a really really raw bum.  Nobody around us has had the flu/viruses so I'm doubtful it's that but you're right, you can never really know until you try.

Alimentum comes in tomorrow....will see how he does tonight and thru the weekend.  I don't know what else it could be.

[Mydreamcametrue]

It does not make since it is his formula.  If he has done that great.

He could have picked up a virus anywhere and regardless if you have it now or not.

If it was me, I would first take him to the doctor than switch formula.  I would not open the case because if you see it is a virus, you can return it.

Keep in mind that Alimentum is milk based, but it is so broken down it rarely causes an allergic reaction.  It also contains Sucrose for the carbohydrate, where Enfamil Soy contains Corn Syrup Solids.  Some little ones react to Sucrose (table sugar) like they do with Lactose.  My son did.  He had terrible gas with Alimentum, but barely any with Nutramigen. 

I am not trying to confuse things, but I just really think after 7 months he would be reactting to his formula now.  It is either a virus or something he has ate.

[Spectra]

Oh yeah, for some reason I was thinking you just switched to soy.  Has he had ANY new food over the last few weeks?  Before when my son was on regular formula he had normal type poops, but then he played with a piece of wheat bread, maybe swallowed a crumb, and 5 hours later he had nasty BM's with mucus in it.  Then eczema started to cover his face, hands, arms, legs, and feet.