Wednesday, February 1, 2012

Reflux sux

Well, I discovered RIGHT away that it's no fun having a sick baby!!  Poor Adrian was not home more than one night before he started having awful reflux issues.  We knew he had it, and he came home taking Prilosec to help treat it, but it didn't seem to be enough.  In the middle of the night, Adrian was writhing in pain and making gagging noises and other indescribable sounds from his throat.

I texted Marcy a picture of Adrian on Sunday, and she called me to see how he was doing.  (So nice!!  Talk about above and beyond!)  I mentioned the reflux to her and she gave me some ideas on how to relieve it and encouraged me to call the pediatrician to have the Prilosec dose adjusted.  So I called Sunday afternoon after hours...I give the dose once a day before he goes to bed, and I couldn't bear the thought of calling Monday morning and having to watch him writhe in pain another whole night and day!  The pediatrician's office ended up calling the NICU at the Brigham and talking to Dr. Insoft, one of the doctors we knew, so we got it all squared away.  They also referred Adrian to a GI specialist at Children's so that we can follow up and keep tabs on his condition.

GI actually gave us an appointment yesterday in Waltham (super convenient and parking is free--that's a luxury for us considering we've paid for parking DAILY at the Brigham since October 16...).  We saw a very nice doctor who increased his Prilosec dose and put him on Maalox.  She also suggested adding Zantac if these two things don't make a difference.  We gave him the Maalox last night, and it seemed to help.  He did wake up at around 2AM making noises, but I moved him from the crib to the Nap Nanny and he was much better.  I highly recommend the Nap Nanny!!!
http://www.napnanny.com/

Feeding time is a nightmare with the different formulas, breast feeding a few times a day (for now, at least, per discharge instructions), different vitamins and medications, etc.  I need to start mixing larger batches of formula and buy more Dr. Brown bottles, I think.  Adrian can ONLY use a Dr. Brown nipple for now because of his swallowing issues.  It's the only thing Children's recommended for him because they were able to observe him NOT aspirate using it.  He did aspirate using the cheap nipples from the hospital....goodness!!!!!  I also have to feed him side lying, as if he were breast feeding.  He does extremely well with the bottle now, though.



Last night the boys finally slept a bit better (thanks to Adrian's meds), which meant I finally slept too.  I probably still got no more than 4 or 5 hours and not in a row, but it was way more than I've gotten any other night this past week.  And I feel better having a healthier baby, or at least one where there is a treatment plan in place with follow up by a specialist.  I can rest easier.  I also have a lactation consultation tomorrow since my milk supply went to shit (sorry) having one boy at home and one at the NICU.  I just couldn't breastfeed and pump enough AND go to the NICU.  Hopefully the consultation will help. I've gotten the hang of feeding both at once, but they don't eat enough because of my crappy supply and I have to supplement with bottles.  So it's twice the work right now.  I'm still trying, but if things aren't better when Carlos goes back to work, I'll consider just giving up on the idea of breast feeding and just pump.  It's stressing me out.

Both boys are asleep right now, one in the swing and one in the Nap Nanny.  I've finally come to terms (although I think Carlos just thinks I'm lazy or a bad mother) that if they've eaten and have a clean diaper, I may have to let them cry for a bit.  I can't hold them all the time, especially when I'm alone with them.  They need to learn to self soothe--I know that--and they usually do calm down after a minute or two if I just leave them.  But it's hard to keep Carlos from scooping them up before they settle down.  I think he's also tired, though, and seeing that we are going to have to let them cry sometimes!

And now some random photos...

Trying out the Moby wrap...He LOVED it!

Unfortunately, for whatever reason I haven't been able to duplicate my success tying it since my lucky first attempt!

3 comments:

Jonah and Aja said...

Oh wow. That's a whole lot of work. Reflux sux for real. Glad you are getting it figured out. Hope the pediatricians know what they are doing so you can all get some rest!

I love that Nap Nanny!! I want one for myself! do they make them in my size?

Hope your lactation consultant is helpful too. I'm sure you'll be able to get your supply going. Don't let it stress you too much.

I just read a good book called the Nurse Maid's Tale if you need a good middle-of-the-night read. Totally apropos for your stage in life. :)

You are a total champion! Keep up the good work.

Are you tired of me commenting on your blog? I can't help myself. I can't think of another way to let you know how much we love knowing how everything is going. And you are a great writer.

Amy said...

Are u kidding? I love that you comment--it keeps me writing!!! I adore your blog so you set a good example!!! ;) I have to be better about commenting on yours since I understand now how nice it is to read comments!!! :)

Also meant to tell you your last comment about sleeping was helpful. I got Adrian to sleep yesterday by putting him on stomach and patting his bum...

Jessica Bryan said...

Amy! Love coming to the blog and seeing the updates. The boys are SO cute and getting so big. Please bring them by for a visit soon; we'd love to see them and you! We miss you!!