The Complicated Infant August 2, 2007
We took Adam to see an allergist last week since he’s dealing with all of this food sensitivity stuff. Yesterday I got the report that he sent to Adam’s pediatrician in the mail. It had various sections, history, meds, etc, and towards the end there was an assessment section. The allergist’s first sentence in that portion of the report started with “Adam is a very complicated infant.” I have to admit that the way that sounded to me made me chuckle a bit. That’s my boy, the complicated infant.
I do get discouraged with Adam’s issues from time to time. It’s hard when he’s dealing with multiple issues at once, and it’s frustrating when there is only so much I can do about it. Even though I know I shouldn’t, I feel guilty, too. I feel like I’m to blame. I mean, why does he have plagiocephaly? Because he has torticollis. Why does he have torticollis? Because he was cramped up in my little uterus. And I’m pretty sure he got the food sensitivity genes through me. My dad had the same type of issues when he was a kid. Plus, he reacts to things I eat, things I choose to put in my mouth. Obviously I would never intentionally eat something that I know he’ll react to, but the guilt is still there.
I just wish so much that he didn’t have to go through all of this. I hate that we have to give him medicine for his reflux six times a day. I hate that we have to do those neck stretches which make him scream multiple times a day. I hate that he’s going to have to wear a helmet for his plagiocephaly. I hate that his poor little GI system gets so upset so easily.
Thank goodness all of those things should be temporary. At least I hope they will be. This won’t last forever.
I guess I should look at the progress we’re making and the steps we’re taking to move us forward. Adam is getting his STARband helmet this afternoon. I’m very nervous about the whole thing, but the sooner he starts treatment the sooner he’ll be done with it.
The GI stuff is a little less straightforward. It’s more of a one step forward, two steps back type of a situation. He had a definite reaction a couple of weeks ago that we traced back to turkey in my diet. I would never have thought turkey would cause a reaction, but what do I know. We’ve also been trying to start solids with him when he’s been free of reaction from my diet, and that’s going slowly. We’ve had to stop and start a couple of times due to reactions.
The allergist recommended that I stay on the elimination diet (no dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, nuts, fish, seafood, or beef and now turkey) until Adam is 12 months old. He did support the slow introduction of solids to his diet making sure not to give him foods that are typically allergenic. So, that’s the plan for now. Adam really is doing so much better now that I’m on this elimination diet. It’s tough, but it’s so worth it to see him doing better.
So, I guess things are a bit complicated. That’s ok, though. Normal is boring anyway.
- Posted in : our main man
- Author : amanda
Comments»
Poor little guy! And poor you! I admire you for sticking with the diet. Hopefully this will pass soon.
You are such a good mother! Adam is a lucky boy!
One of my girls had torticollis. We had her in PT 1x a week (we still do actually) and the PT did exercises with her beyond the stretches that were regular infant mobility learning type things that straightened her out in a few months with alot less torture stretches. She has no problems now, I think Cams stopped needing the stretches at 9-10 months old. She had a severe curved neck/shoulder and major muscle tension and head tilt because she is a twin and had no room. And I am sure it was 3 months in PT and no more stretches etc. And now it isn’t an issue at all.
It may be something to think about?
I am writing to say you are not alone. My kid has multiple food allergies, reflux, had needed ear tubes twice and had undecended then retractable testicles. As his medical problems mounted I got depressed. Right now he is almost 2. The 2nd set of tubes have done him right and he has had no infections. His allergies were finally all discovered an the numbers in his blood are starting to drop. His testicles we are told are taking care of themselves but we have an appointment for that again soon. ‘
When he was a year old he was -30th percentile for weight.
I guess I am telling my story to say you are not alone. I always thought if I had him younger and not at 38 things might be different. Especially the testicles, that may be due to a lack of a hormone in the Mom during pregnancy.
He is now 2 and things seem better he is 20th percentile for weight. He has not thrown up a meal from relux or allergy in months.
Hang in there
You know, my husband has a poultry allergy. He is the only one I’ve ever known to have it, until I read this post about poor little Adam. The good news is, as a baby, he reacted to just about everything. (Again, just like Adam). Now, 30 years later, it’s just the poultry and nothing else. It’s a hassle, but definitely livable. Hopefully Adam will be just as lucky.
My goodness, you are both such troopers. Hang in there. You ARE making progress.
Shell
You’re doing such a great job, Amanda - not a lot of people would be so dedicated. Poor little guy; I really hope things settle down for him in the not-toooo-distant future.
Just catching up. I really hope things get easier. Take care
Hang in there. All these issues will most certainly resolve themselves in time, and you will be so glad you stuck it out with the diets and therapies.
FYI, my husband is allergic to turkey and duck (but not chicken). He was also allergic to other foods as a child, but outgrew most of those food restrictions in time.
Hope you both have a great week!
You’re rising to the challenges! Good Luck figuring out the diet issues, that can be a real pain. I am lactose intolerant and that alone is hard enough.
You’re doing a great job!