Daniel's health issues - trying not to panic

DansMom wrote: Most of you know that Daniel is severely allergic to milk and egg---that's all we know for sure about because of testing we had done and the severity of his reactions. We're following a strict dairy-free diet and I'm an excellent label-reader at this point. DH and I took him to the pediatrician yesterday because things just aren't right. He has had very loose stools for several months now, never solid, and only goes every four days with much straining, talks about his tummy hurting, and although he is growing, almost every child his age is bigger and more robust than him (he's only 25.5 pounds). His energy level is down and he's asking to nurse all the time (he's not getting much milk, just comfort). I took him off soy milk and other soy to see whether that was the problem, but it really hasn't helped. The ped did a rectal exam and tummy exam to check for blockage and found no sign of that. We're to call back on Friday to report any changes.

The ped was reassuring, but it looks like we'll have ongoing monitoring and further testing in the months to come. Like a fool, based on random suggestions from friends and coworkers I've gone on the web to look at Crohn's disease and Celiac disease and think "that's my child!" and have a sinking heart. I know better than to go disease hunting---it's always so scary and a waste of time in most cases. The term "malapsorption" was mentioned at our visit---not that that's what Daniel is experiencing, but that it's something we'll be monitoring to make sure---and I glazed over at that point.

Although I know there are parents who are dealing with much more difficult circumstances with their child's health, I still have this "why my child?" feeling right now and a knot in my heart worrying about his future. Hopefully, it will turn out to be nothing more than a persistent bug or an allergy that we can identify. Thanks for listening. I just need a day or two to get my feelings in balance, since this happened just yesterday.

Josie83 replied: Tracy I'm so sorry you're going through this. I really hope that you find out what the problem is. Please don't assume the worst. Thinking of you xx

jcc64 replied: Wow, Tracy, I'm sorry you're so upset. We're not dealing with any food allergies here, but we do share some commonalities. Corey is only 24lbs. We've been having A LOT of issues around bowel movements- it's getting very traumatic for the whole family. She's terminally constipated, and like Daniel, always complaining about her belly hurting. But her poop is not loose, it's rock solid, and I'm curious as to why he needs to strain so hard if it's loose?
I would, as you said, avoid disease hunting, it will only lead to unnecessary anxiety.
But I would urge you to seek out another dr, maybe a pediatric gastroenterologist, or an allergy specialist. In my experience, most drs don't know much about food allergy or diet in general. Gotta run to basketball, will post again later.

tanner'smom replied: The only think I can say is you are in my prayers. I am so sorry that your child is going thru this. Don't worry about posting something so serious, if you need us let us be there for you.

You will be in my thoughs, but honey please don't borrow trouble. Just don't let your mind play tricks on you. Just give it to God..and Take it one day at a time...

Love you,

Mel

~Roo'sMama~ replied: Oh no, I hope you can figure out what's wrong soon. You're right, searching on the internet for what it might be is probably only going to make you worry way too much. You're in my thoughts and prayers - keep us posted on how he's doing!

aspenblue1 replied: I hope they get it figured out. You all will be in my thoughts and prayers.

atlantamomof2 replied: Oh, I hope they can figure out what it is exactly that he's allergic to. I agree, you should see a specialist just so you're getting the most information as you can.

Vent anytime. Everyone has rough days and tough situations that need an outlet. And please don't get on the internet for medical symptoms, advice, etc.!!! I hate that it's even an option in my house because I want a quick answer and I get one, just the WRONG one.

Take care and you guys are in my prayers.

kit_kats_mom replied: Man o man. I know that not knowing what is bothering your baby is terrible. I've been through it with K's growth issues and it stinks.

K's still on the small side (can't be more than 25 lbs) but she's otherwise healthy. She was having very loose stools but when I cut her apple juice intake waaaay back, they've gotten better.

I sure hope they figure out what is wrong with Daniel and I hope it's something easy to fix.

A&A'smommy replied: awwwww ((((BIG HUGS))) I would be VERY panicked too!!! I'm sure it isn't anything that serious, but I do hope ya'll get it figured out soon for both peace of mind and for Daniel so he can start feeling better!

texasp3 replied: Oh dear, that sounds like a very difficult thing to be going through. And yes, I'm sure there are parents who have kids with "bigger" problems... but you know, when it's your own child, that sort of logic just goes out the window. I'm sure you're very worried, and I hope you get some useful answers soon so that you can start working on solutions.

I know what you mean about disease shopping on the internet! I've done that a couple of times myself and then just want to bash my head against the wall for falling into that trap. There is so much information out there on everything and anything and it's so easy to scare the living daylights out of yourself!

Maddie&EthansMom replied: Tracy I'm so sorry you are having to go thru this. I agree with everyone else about disease hunting online. I've been there. I hope you get some answers soon. You and Daniel are in my thoughts and prayers.

ediep replied: Tracy, I am so sorry that you are going through this. I really hope that the ped finds the cause of all this for poor Daniel. You guys are in my thoughts!!

loveydad replied: Poor guy! I'm so sorry!

MomToMany replied: I'm so sorry you are having a difficult time right now. I hope it all comes out for the best!

gr33n3y3z replied: I hope everyrhing works out for you to the good of things.
I'm allergic to eggs ... thats hard enough

Yeah you are right you shouldnt have looked
But at the same time you want answers

I'm sending you prayers ... keep strong little Daniel

DansMom replied: Thank you, everyone---I'm starting to think there is more than one thing going on. Jeanne, just like Corey, Daniel freaked out the first (only) time he pooped outside his diaper (it was on the bathmat after a bath). His stools were normal at the time. And since then it seems like he might be "withholding", waiting as long as possible... ? The loose stools after four whole days are mystifying---really you would expect the opposite after that long a wait. His allergy issues in general suggest that he's getting something he shouldn't. I think we're working toward a referral to a GI specialist if this persists. I have an HMO and so have to go through my ped for the okay. We did see an allergist in November, but he was very strongly against going off soy, so we went back on and it seems like things worsened. I'm going to keep the soy eliminated another week or two to see if there is some improvement. And I'm staying away from the internet health searches!

I'm much calmer now---I'm home with Daniel today and he's been a ball of energy and had a great appetite. Thanks again---it helps so much to write it out and get feedback.

coasterqueen replied: Hopefully the PED GI will be able to help Tracy. My thoughts are with you during this. I know that I've read that the majority of those allergic to dairy are allergic to soy. I know when we took Kylie to the allergist and had her tested she tested for a mild allergy to soy.

Soy is just as difficult to cut out of the diet as dairy is though. It's in everything.

MommyToAshley replied: ((((Hugs)))) I am sorry you are going through this. I agree that internet can only intensify our fears (I have learned this first hand). I am glad that he is getting in to see the specialist. I think the worst part is not knowing what is going on with him. I am sure once you figure out if there is an allergy or another issue, you will be able to work with it. You have done such an awesome job with his allergies, I really admire you for that. He is so active and bright, you must be doing something right!

Kirstenmumof3 replied: I'm sorry you have to go through all of this! Try not to worry and wait to see what the doctor says and how the rest of the week turns out.

amynicole21 replied: ((hugs)) Tracy. I'm sorry you and Daniel are going through all of this. I am glad you are getting it checked out and trusting your instincts that something is wrong, though. Better to be safe in a situation like this. I hope that they can figure it out and decide on a course of action that isn't too upsetting to Daniel. Poor guy

My2Beauties replied: I am really sorry you are having to deal with this. That sounds really scary and painful. I agree with everyone else, don't disease hunt, I did that when I was pregnant when Hanna had choroid plexus cysts still in the womb and scared myself have to death, she was fine they went away and she was healthy! Sounds like you're doing the right thing by cutting out the soy. Keep us updated and you and Daniel are in my thoughts and prayers!

Daniels Mommy replied: OH I am so sorry!!!!! I hope they figure out what's going on with your little guy (who is SO CUTE, btw). That makes my heart hurt to learn of his troubles.