When does it get better?

[Jacksmum]

My son is six months old and was diagnosed with reflux at four months.  It took us awhile to get a diagnosis because he was gaining weight, so my doctor kept telling me he was fine, and I was a overwhelmed first time mum.  She finally sent me to a pediatrician who diagnosed him and put him on xantac.  I had read that it could get better when they start eating solids, but he has not improved and is still throwing up constantly.  I was just wondering if anyone could give me some insight into when I could possibly see some improvement.  I understand that every child is different, but I just feel like we're going to both be constantly covered in puke 
Thanks,
Christine

[Reflux Mom]

Hello Christine,
Oh I know what you mean. You set your calendar for the day the reflux will go away and then it goes on and on. Parents are told it will be better when they are older, sit up, eat solids, begin to walk...
I remember feeling kind of depressed when my daughter was a year old and she still wasn't better. I was happy the first difficult year was over but I wanted her better-now.
Keep working with the doctor to find the best treatment plan. Maybe a change of diet or medication would reduce the symptoms somewhat. While many babies outgrow their reflux during the first year, some are on the two year plan or more. It is best to keep searching for ways to help him feel better.
I find that it is also important to find other mums with a baby with reflux so you can share ideas and support each other. This group is perfect for that. My friend Jess saved me so many times just by listening and supporting me when i needed to talk it out.
Take care,
Jan

[Craziimami13]

BobbyJo's got better at 6 months , she started eating table food . She is almost 9 months old and she still dose it a few times a week . Sorry not much help .

[mom2attie]

Hello!!!

My daughter was diagnosed at 4 weeks old with severe reflux.  This is uncommon, apparently, to have a diagnosis so early.  We were lucky because I was persistent and would not take "idiopathic colic" for an answer!  I had to be proactive (pushy) for a diagnosis of my own medical problems (autoimmune) and my mommy radar kept saying her projectile vomit, hunger immediately afterward, screaming, arching back, inability to soothe... those weren't just colic.  We had a gi tract study done on her and she even had inflammation and heavy irritation in her esophagus.  She was not early, born naturally at 39 weeks, and otherwise healthy.  She was put on zantac twice a day and within two days there was a big difference.  Granted, she cried still almost 15 hours a day, but the crying wasn't as severe or deafening.

Also, my friend (medical professional) told me about the negative affects of "CASEIN" proteins in formula and it can cause severe stomach upset in babies.  This is found in EVERY formula except Good Start, so we made the switch at 6 weeks.  Seriously, within two days she was totally different.  The screaming stopped, the poos were getting better, the gas was less, and the projectile vomiting subsided (for the most part).  I would definitely recommend to parents who formula feed (I was not able to for my own medical health, I need daily medications).  Of course, she did inherit my husband's milk and soy protein allergy (ALLERGY, not intolerance) so she has been on Similac Alimentum for a couple months now and she's such a happy girl.  But let me tell you, when she's happy, she's ecstatic... but when she's not, she's a mess.  There's not much in-between with her, and that's okay, as long as she's healthy!

Side note:  baby girl also has eczema, courtesy of me, so she's just genetically not on the up and up.  Poor baby!  Finally have that under control...  We've been giving her BioGaia for months now (before we even found this amazing site!) and that's been awesome for her skin and digestive issues.


Oh, so the point I was making is that the reflux only get's worse before it gets better.    Isn't that how it always is?  Haha, poor babies... the pressure on their abdomen when they start sitting up (mine was by 4 months) causes the regurgitation and the burning to increase.  Sometimes they don't spit up more (mine does) but remember when we were pregnant and our heartburn increased as the baby grew?  Sort of the same thing.  Remember to remind the doc to increase the dosage as their weight also increases.  I try to be a "natural" mommy but I refuse to let my baby suffer when there's medication that can help!

[Hollyadmin]

mom2attie...WOW, good for you for pushing for answers!  I think as moms, we just know when something's not right.  As far as the casein...do you mean milk protein? Is Good Start a hypoallergenic formula? Also, can you help us understand the difference between normal baby spit-up and projectile vomit? I think a lot of us with 'regular' spitters don't really understand the difference, and from what I know it's huge!!

[Jacksmum]

Thanks everyone, it is just nice to know that there are other people dealing with this too. 
Christine