Wednesday, June 27, 2012

This means WAR.

On reflux.
It's a bastard, this thing that has her chucking up whole feeds and then screaming as though she's just lost her stomach lining as well (which is probably exactly how it feels).

Yesterday's classy visit to the paediatrician concluded with a possible diagnosis of pyloric stentosis and a referral for an ultrasound. So after screaming through two cold-handed examinations and then peeing on her suit (the only day I have EVER left the house without a spare set of clothes for her) we made a quick trip to our local Savers (she wore a couple of blankets over her mercifully dry singlet and new nappy) to buy a replacement $0.99 wondersuit for Audrey... then it was off to fight for a parking space at our local hospital.

Quick digression: at my standard prenatal check (37wks 5 days) the need for an ultrasound was declared with the ominous words, "You're measuring very small." Two days and two ultrasounds later I was being induced into labor, up there in the all-time top hmmm... ONE Most Unpleasant Experiences of My Life. Hence my lack of "Oh, GOODY!"

However, sitting and waiting for the ultrasound tech to wave us through with a growing sense of doom, I realised even the worst-case scenario was not, actually, all that godawful. Like another mom-and-baby  feeding/stabbing iPhone combo (in my defence, she was sleeping), who'd clearly been here before and would clearly be here again, and who'd probably come to regard a waiting room as their second home. I realise, of course, that at five weeks old I can hardly state that we will never be that family, but I'm so grateful we're not starting out that way. (As the second ultrasound showed,) She doesn't need surgery. This is not life-threatening. It may distress me more than it hurts her - seeing a young baby squalling in pain and confusion and general Oh god make it stop is a horrible thing - but it's reflux.

Not even the really bad kind (as far as we can tell, and let's all hope it stays that way). So far 1mL of Mylanta seems to take the edge off and break up the wind, and suddenly our baby can sleep peacefully again. I may need something stronger.

9 comments:

  1. I just tripped across your blog after reading something equally offensive and delightful by The Bloggess. However, as a momma of a former refluxer and silent aspiration(er), get thyself over to http://www.infantreflux.org/forum/ and let those amazing mommas make you feel better! Cheers!

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    1. THank you! THat is a GREAT forum and I will be back :(Sux to be you though...

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  2. My little boy had pyloric stenosis and it was the worst thing! I hated those days/nights when we would feed him, only to find it shooting out of his mouth, like we were perfoming an exorcism. It was scary but the surgery was quick and he is 100% better. I am sorry that you are going through this. It's hard enough trying to keep up with a baby as it is, adding reflux just makes you more stressed out than needed. I wish you the best!

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    1. mmm... nothing like exorcist vomit - the best part is that it can cover SEVERAL fabric surfaces, why just stop at one?!

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  3. oh... reflux! On the bright side, not silent reflux, which is much harder to diagnose! It is *sometimes* possible to damp down reflux with a change in maternal diet (was for us). Sometimes not. If you want to try, call me! And hang in there. This too shall pass. my parenting mantra. :)

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  4. and another thing... why, why, WHY don't doctors use warm water to wash their hands?? And something warm to dry them (like a nice clean hot air blower)? I know it's a small thing, but let's face it, you're at the doctor because there is a source of stress in your life. Why add more by torturing bubs with frosty paws???

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    1. It IS the little things, isn't it? I'm not sure what she found more upsetting, the coffee breath or the icy-death hands (well, I have those most days of the week).

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  5. I so completely feel your pain. Been there. It was a loooong five months.

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    1. Yah. Oh well. When things aren't being chucked on, they're very, very clean :S

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Am I just talking to myself?