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. 

[hrk]

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. 

Mel, sorry to hijack the thread for a moment, but I found what Wendy said very interesting.  On Heath's birthday, he had regular cake for the first time.  40 min later, he was SCREAMING and crying and off the rest of the day.  I felt bad his bday kinda seemed like poo.  At his birthday party, he just picked at it, as he seemed full.  I was relieved, since I didn't want a repeat with all the relatives there.  I know it is a one time thing, I think, as I can't think of much he has eaten with table sugar.  Wonder if that may be a factor for us. 

[Spectra]

Yeah, you never know.  Something that can seem completely safe may, in fact, be a trigger.  When Wendy told us of her allergy to potatoes I was like, "POTATOES?!"  I had no idea people can be allergic to potatoes.  Now I know any food is a possibility.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Jean:

Is he on regular milk now?  If not it could more likely been the milk that caused his gas and pain or just the overall sugar overload.

Hard to say.  I am sure other things you give him have sugar in them though, snacks, etc.

I researched gas and sucrose (carbohydrate malabsorption) when I was trying to figure out what was causing Tyler's problem.  Granted since we have found out he cannot have potato's either, his gas has stopped 100% (unless he eats dairy), BUT before that he was SO gassy with Alimentum Ready to feed and barely any with Nutramigen.

If you google it, you can read a lot of info. 

It just made perfect since to me and explained why he was so gassy with that formula.  BUT, so many other's have had great success with it. 

[hrk]

Hi Wendy!
He is having half milk/half alimentum in his bottle.  So far so good.  His snacks are pretty much cherrios and cheese.  Cherrios has some sugar, I imagine.  It was about 1/4 the cupcake, so not an extreme amt.  He has mostly straight fruits/veg or something I prepare/control the ingredients.  We have off and on done the wheat free thing b/c of that crazy kp.  Something to keep an eye on, I suppose.  Thanks for the info as always!
Jean :-) 

Hijack over ;-)

[Mel55]

Okay, I got the Alimentum today---and DS won't drink it!!!!!   I put the bottle to his mouth, he takes about 2 gulps, coughs and chokes  and then screams.

Am I just going to have to wait until he's desperate enough to drink it, or should I mix it with his soy formula?  Any ideas?

[Spectra]

Mix it gradually.  Like if he usually drinks 8oz do 1oz of Alimentum and 7oz of soy formula.  Then the next day do 2oz of Alimentum and 6oz of soy.

[Mydreamcametrue]

If you are deciding to use it, then do exactly what Mel said.  He will get used to the taste in time.

Oh and it is a little thicker than the other formula. 

Are you doing the ready to feed?

[Mel55]

Yes, that's what they ordered for me (ready to feed).  Will try the gradual approach and hopefully his poor digestive system will thank me 

[hrk]

Any sign of it being just a bug as others mentioned?  Is he any better?  Hope it all goes well!

[Mel55]

Well, he's only had 4 BM's today (which is way better than the previous days) although they're still diarrhea and his rash is now bleeding.  I'm easing him in with the Alimentum, 50/50 and he seems to be okay with that, just not taking in as much as usual. 

I don't think it's a bug....only because he's not miserable (except when he poops or has his diaper changed) and is not feverish or showing any other signs of a bug.  I am trying the Alimentum approach to see if he clears up, and then will go from there.  DD went through the same thing as an infant, but responded this way to her milk intolerance and then the soy intolerance came later (same as this). 

[Mydreamcametrue]

Oh so your dd's soy intolerance came later.  Makes sense then and can see why you may think it is the soy milk.

I really hope it clears up.  If all else fells you can take him to the doctor and they can do a stool sample. 

Hugs, Wendy

[Spectra]

Ahh yeah, does make sense.  I know when my son was on Alimentum, full Alimentum no more old formula mixed in, it took about 2 days until the diarrhea went completely away. 

I hope things are going better for you.

[Mel55]

We're still giving him Alimentum mixed with a little soy, and diarrhea has not stopped.  His bum rash is terrible, he's in agony.  I will give him full Alimentum today and see what happens.  Ugh.

[hrk]

Sorry it hasn't given any relief.  Hope it works soon.

[Mydreamcametrue]

I would personally take him to the doctor since it did come on so sudden.  Just really sounds like a virus to me.

If it is the formula, then it can take up to 2 weeks to completely be out of his system, but once you are on full Alimentum, you should see improvement if it is the formula.

[Mel55]

Dr's appt with Ped is on Friday.

I'm still wary that it's viral....only reason being--there's no fever involved, and his appetite is as big as usual.  I'm curious to see what the Dr. will say, I'm stumped anyway.

Also, DD had milk and soy intolerances as a baby so I've been through this once before and his symptoms are pretty similar.  But you never know.  Hopefully we see some sort of improvement or else the Ped can shed some light on this. 

[Mydreamcametrue]

Could you stop all formula for a day or so and just offer Pedialyte so he does not get dehydrated?

Just a thought.

I would see if the doctor could do a stool sample or take his blood to see what his blood count is, etc. 

Please keep us posted and always go with your gut!!!

[Spectra]

Ah, poor baby.  Bum rashes are terrible.   I hope he feels better soon.

[Mel55]

Well we're on day 3 of full Alimentum, his BM's are now dark brown and pasty--is this normal?!  It's definately much better than before, and he's only having 1-2 BM's/day which is more like his "normal" schedule.  Bum rash is almost gone.

We see the Ped this aft so we'll see what she has to say.  Thanks!

[Mydreamcametrue]

Sounds normal to me.  I am glad he is now taking full Alimentum. 

Post after you see the Ped.

Wendy

[Spectra]

Yay!  So glad to hear he's doing better.

[Mel55]

Am on my way, will post when I get back.  Thanks for caring, Wendy and Mel. 

[Mel55]

Okay!

Ped's first reaction was that it was a stomach bug and wants to remain optimistic that that's all it was.  She suggested I keep DS on the Alimentum for another week and then introduce the Enfamil Soy (which he was previously on) again and see if there is reaction, then go from there.  He's lost a bit of weight, is only in the 25th percentile for weight for his age which kindof concerns me but he's also very active, she said it wasn't anything to worry about.

So, for now we'll use up the Alimentum, and give the soy a try again next week.

I feel better...I just hope he doesn't have the allergy and that it was a bug.

:-)

[hrk]

Hope it was a bug, too.  Glad he is feeling better, and you are relieved. 
Hugs and have a good night!
Jean

[Spectra]

Sounds like a good plan!  I hope it was just a bug too.  Let us know how it goes.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Great!  So he poops are back to normal now, right?  So then when you re-introduce the Soy formula, you will know if it was that or not.

[Mydreamcametrue]

Just checking in.  How are things going?

Wendy

[Mel55]

Thanks for checking

Well we're back on the Enfamil Soy, have been for about a week and he's doing alright. The bum rash is gone, but his BM's still aren't completely "normal" but are definately much improved.  Overall I'm not as concerned as I was. 

I'm going to wait another few weeks, and see how he does, and will take him in if this starts up again or if something goes wierd again.

TTYS!
Mel

[Mydreamcametrue]

I really hope it goes okay!!!  Wendy