Almost 7 Months and Regressing! HELP!

[ZacsMumme]

that for the Nexium to have full effect can take up to 6 weeks

wow!

On a brighter note, we had 2 consecutive nights of 10 hours without waking.

Its so hard when they are up and down. Unfortunately that is the nature of reflux I do think if you can hold out those 6 weeks then, and make sure the Nexium dose is right things will improve. WHat are you giving solids wise? Have you considered Probiotics?

[ceilidhf]

We are just giving simple purees for solids - sweet potato, pears, squash, etc...I did ask about probiotics but the paed advised just to hold off anything new right now and see where we are in a few weeks - at that point if no huge difference we will look at other options (including the possibility of food intolerances...) I have noticed this week that LO seems to be constantly trying to swallow (maybe excess saliva) - is that a reflux thing or a teething thing? Still no teeth but the rash on the cheeks comes and goes constantly, as does the gnawing and drooling...

[ZacsMumme]

constantly trying to swallow (maybe excess saliva) - is that a reflux thing or a teething thing?

could be both
Sounds like those solids should be fine too One food that didnt agree with Z and his reflux was Banana along with the rice cereals.

[ceilidhf]

Yeah, banana is a definite no-no. Rice and oat cereal seem fine, but the mixed cereal with wheat triggers a flare up! Apple sauce and any of the citrusy fruits cause some upset, too, so steering clear of those right now. I have tried moving onto lumpier foods or thicker consistencies, but he just gags constantly and I don't want to put him off solids, so staying on the purees for now!

[ZacsMumme]

I found Z couldnt handle big lumps for a while...I would just let him take the lead and not worry to much about lumps. I think I jsut kept trying every few weeks.

Have you tried any BLW/finger foods?

[*Kara*]

Don't worry about lumps at all!  My DD never took to lumpy purees but she eats just fine and devours mostly anything put in front of her

[ceilidhf]

I give him finger foods and also let him put his fingers in the pureed foods. While he is really interested and loves playing with the food, he makes no attempt to put it to his mouth or put his fingers to his mouth when they have food on them. Kind of ironic, considering every toy goes immediately to his mouth!

Last night was another night of every 2 hours waking up...is this just something I will need to endure? I guess I was hoping that the meds would be the magic "cure" - that under control reflux meant sleeping through every night.....?

[ZacsMumme]

I guess I was hoping that the meds would be the magic "cure" - that under control reflux meant sleeping through every night.....?

mmm well my refluxer only STTN on and off really at that age, there was always something causing discomfort/needing tweaking ie teeth, solids upsetting tummy, viruses, needing routine change.

Every 2 hrs does sound like discomfort still though. How is he behaving at the NW now and how are you dealing with them?

[ceilidhf]

He no longer screams or seems in huge pain during the NW...he just wakes (seems like 2 hours exactly each time) and starts moaning and groaning. I don't go in until he escalates to a cry (usually after about 10 minutes). If DH goes in, he will settle in the crib with a few pats (used to work for me, too). If I go in, he seems to get worse and starts crying really hard until I pick him up. He will calm down once picked up, but then freak out again if I put him down - I usually have to hold him until he goes back to sleep and then put him down asleep. Needless to say, DH deals with most of the wakings now!

[ZacsMumme]

Needless to say, DH deals with most of the wakings now!

Around this age I think we had a similar thing. Z would respond to shh/pat for DH but not me.
Does he have a paci or a lovey? It could be worth introducing a lovey as a comfort item so he develops an attachment to something in his cot and can use it to help settle himself.

[ceilidhf]

I have been almost scared to post for fear of jinxing things, but after 2 and a half weeks on the Nexium, it feels like we have finally turned a corner and seeing dramatic results. We have had several nights with 5 hour blocks of sleep and just one or two short wakings. The past 2 nights he has STTN!!! Even when he does wake, it is brief and controlled and he settles easily with a back rub - way nicer than the the 2 hours of screaming and writhing that we used to go through! DH pointed out today that he no longer arches his back (hadn't even noticed that one...) and he rarely has gas/tummy troubles now unless we give him certain foods that we are finding triggers it! I am also amazed at the change in him - he has always been a dream/angel baby during the day - but I think the real reason for his mellow behaviour was that we was too exhasuted for anything else! He is now developing and showing a real personality and takes great delight in playing, trying to crawl, and making himself heard!! I just want to thank you ladies for the amazing support and advice - without it I would never have thought there could be a medical reason behaind the constant wakings. I honestly believed everyone who told me my baby was manipulating me and just woke and cried so I would go in and pick him up. I came so close to leaving him to cry it out, as so many people told me that was what I HAD to do to get him out of the habit...and all the time the poor little thing was in pain and genuinely needed love and hugs! Thank you, thank you, for helping me to listen to my baby and believe that I could get through this!!

ps Today, for the first time ever, he had food that wasn't totally pureed and didn't gag!! Progress!

[ZacsMumme]

This is an amazing post! Thank you for sharing your success, I am so happy reading this Fingers crossed things continue to improve Hun.

It is hard to see the wood from the trees when you are tired and your baby is unsettled,this site is so wonderful for support and thoughtful advice, hence why I keep coming back

[Erin M]

What wonderful news!  Well done for trying all that you could! 

[*Kara*]

So great to see this update hun!!

You have been down a tough road and come out shining!