Reflux Update #2

This past week has been a particularly rough week for our family. First, we received back-to-back negative financial news that has had us quite concerned. But yesterday was the worst when we had to take Silas back to the pediatrician about his reflux.

His reflux has not gotten any better since the last update. In fact, it has gotten progressively worse. The medicine he was on was not working and his spitting up had turned into vomiting. When we fed him, we had to start using a bath towel instead of burp cloths because it was so extreme. He would choke on it, it hurt him before and after feedings, and he was constantly hungry. I made an appointment yesterday morning with Dr. Rule again to see what the next step should be.

Again, Dr. Rule is amazing. She not only interacts well with Silas, but also with parents. Being somewhat familiar with doctors and bedside manner, it's a relief to speak with a doctor who is not patronizing, willing to answer questions, and understands the concerns of new parents.

That being said, she talked through his symptoms with me and decided that he needed a change in medicine. But, because he had started vomiting more, she told me she was concerned he may have a condition known as pyloric stenosis. She said that if this new medicine (Prevacid) did not help him, or we at least didn't see a bit of change in 24 hours, she was going to send us to the hospital to get him an ultrasound to see if he has the condition (which would require surgery if he did have it). Needless to say, my heart plummeted as worry, fear, and sadness set in. Dr. Rule was very encouraging though, ensuring me that it might not be the case and she truly felt it was severe reflux--especially considering that in a week in a half, Silas gained a whole pound. At 8 weeks old, he weighs 12lbs 3oz. Wow!

After the appointment, I got the medicine filled (and I thought the last stuff was expensive!). We started it when we got home and saw immediate improvement. While he is still spitting up 3 or 4 times at each feeding, the quantity is not nearly what it was. Also, he has not vomited once since taking the medicine. He still seems to be in pain after feedings, but this is only 2 doses in. The hardest part about this medicine is that we have to give it to him once a day, a half hour before feeding--which is hard because he then cries for a solid half hour because he is hungry :(

We called Dr. Rule back this morning and gave her the update. We do not have to have an ultrasound today, and she said that we just needed to keep an eye on him over the weekend. This is such a positive thing to see improvement in only 2 doses of Prevacid. Please continue to pray with us that he improves and this is the answer to his pain!

We are truly grateful for all of the prayers and messages we've received from you, thus far. Please keep them coming! Through all of this, we are continually reminded of God's grace for us and of our need for His strength during times like these. We will continue to keep you updated!

The picture below is one I've just taken. Silas is sleeping in our bed in what we call his "milk drunk" pose. This demonstrates how much better he already is because usually the reflux hurts too much after a feeding for him to fall asleep.