tummy troubles (reflux, mspi, and constipation) please help

[Emms mom]

I was wondering if anyone out there might have some advice.  My lo is 3 1/2 months old.  she has reflux and is taking zantac twice a day.  she has a milk protein intolerance and is eating Nutramigen formula.  and now she has some terrible bowel issues.  She will not poo sometimes for over 48 hours.....she is in obvious pain and discomfort when she needs to go but isn't.  But when she finally goes.....it's loose enough (kinda like peanut butter) and i doesn't hurt her to actually go.  we have tried sugar in the formula, extra water, diluted pear juice, warm baths, warm towels across her belly....and still she is in so much pain.  Our doctor won't offer us any other solution than the sugar.....

Does anyone have any tips? or find their little one going through similar things?

Desperate to find comfort for my lo....Please help

Corrine

[Mom to M&M]

Have you spoken with your doctor about Neocate formula instead of Nutramigen? Nutramigen still contains milk proteins (albeit broken down ones) and some babies cannot tolerate it.

[Emms mom]

No I didn't know such a formula existed.  Can you get it in Canada?....is it expensive.  the nutramigen costs 20 for 400g...ouch!

thanks for the tip

[Emms mom]

If I may add another question to my previous ones.....last night Emma woke up screaming like she was in terrible pain.  Tonight I couldn't put her to bed for the same reason.  She normally sleeps on her side and isn't picky about which one...but tonight when I put her down on her left side she screamed and then I switched her to her right and she drifted off quickly.  Could that just be a coincidence or is there a reason for it?

Corrine

[Mom to M&M]

It is quite expensive, BUT it can be covered by insurance with a fight. Not sure about Cananda, but I believe so. Also not sure about the side issue - maybe she had gas pains? Also, sometimes reflux issues are mistaken for gas issues - I know you said she's on Zantac but that's not always the most effective medicine for reflux - have you taken her to see a GI doctor?

[Emms mom]

No....I think we need a referral from our pedeatrician before we can see a specialist.  I took her on Fri. and the doctor's response was to increase the zantac and maybe just chalk it up to colic.  I was so angry with her because emma is 3 1/2 months and if she wasn't collicky before.... I don't think she developed it over night.  She doesn't seem to think that there is anything serious going on....and sent us home.  I just know that having gone through the reflux screaming, and the mspi screaming that this cry is completely different and Emma sounds like she is in real pain....I don't know what to do to help her feel better and it breaks my heart to hear her cry out like that.

[Mom to M&M]

Oh I'm so sorry. Have you been to the Neocate website? http://www.neocate.com

It's tough in Canada, I know - with referrals and all. Another great resource or MSPI and reflux is http://www.infantreflux.org - great message boards there too and some other moms in Canada who have been through this.