(((Hugs))), Robin. The first few weeks with M were great and then around week 3 the reflux set in. I think that that happens a lot. I remember I kept saying that I was waiting for the other shoe to drop because he was such a peaceful baby. And did it drop!
We switched to Similac Alimentum first and it seemed to help and then he had blood in his stool (again) so we went to Puramino (old Nutramigen AA) which we get an Rx for since it is so expensive and our insurance will pay for it. TBH, for us, it didn't really help with his reflux, but it resolved the blood in his stool and he stopped straining all night long, sometimes all day long on and off to have a bowel movement.
DS1 was on the highest dose of Zantac for his weight and that did the trick. Once he got medicated, things totally turned around and he was a great sleeper. This didn't happen until 3 months old, but I didn't know what we were dealing with until about then. You are ahead of where I was with him. With DS2, things have been different. He's on the amino acid based formula and Prilosec yet things still haven't been good. I believe he needs a higher dose of the Prilosec, but his Ped GI is unwilling and says it's colic (we're almost at 6 months old). In any case, I would advise you keep at it with your doctor until you are satisfied. I keep pushing but am getting no where, but I've tried. I *think* the reflux is starting to settle a bit. (((HUgs))), it is so so hard. I have totally been there with the frustrating feeds, no sleep, and excessive crying. I also have felt like I never know what it is that is making him cry - gas, reflux, etc. I think it's the nature of the beast.
Please try to get a little Y time somehow because this can drive you mad!
