The Next Specialist...

Wow! My poor darling! So far, she has been to her pediatrician, the GP, the pediatric consultant, pediatric gastro-enterologist and now to a dr with a specialty in nutrition. Whew! I am exhausted just thinking about it, but I am so thankful that I have been persistent throughout all of these "professionals" telling me that my daughter is OK. M is not "sick". However, she also not healthy and as her mother, who sees her every day, all day (and night!), I think these professionals need to acknowledge that perhaps mother DOES know best.
So, armed with the the knowledge that I might possibly know what I am talking about when it comes to my daughter, I nervously hauled her to the next specialist. I was having a bad day, so, at the last minute, I asked my husband to come with us to the pediatrician with the speciality in nutrition who I'll just call the MD/nutrition. Thank goodness my husband was there! M decided to have a meltdown in the office, which was fantastic! The dr got to see her arching her back, spitting up, crying inconsolably and eating constantly! We first saw the dietitian before the MD/nutrition who could not believe how much M ate in one sitting. She actually broke her own record this morning. She ate the full double jar (toddler sized) of squash, a quarter jar of the step 1 peas, 10 tablespoons of cereal and a few tablespoons of quinoa!!!! Whoa, mama!!!! The appointment was chaotic with M's constant upset, dietitian coming in and out of the room, MD/nutritionist answering his phone throughout and the student observing and receiving instructions throughout!!!
Well, not only did I feel heard at this appointment, but this doctor came up with a plan and some possible diagnosis. Eureka! He advised that :

1) It might be reflux (too much stomach acid and the food comes back up in the form of throw-up, causes gassiness, respiratory issues and hours of screaming).

2) It might be fat malabsorption (not sure what this is yet--still have to research it--in my spare time).

3) He is referring her to an allergist. I'm very satisfied that referral is being made. I have been asking her pediatrician for this referral for a months, but he kept saying she is too young. This is NOT true. Babies CAN be tested for allergies.

4) I asked him for a referral to a new pediatrician. One that will LISTEN and BELIEVE me when I express concern for my child. He agreed to do so. I have been exploring possible pediatricians on my own, but it is hard to get into a new one without a referral.

5) The dietitian is analyzing the recipe for the homemade formula. It is due to the homemade formula that the gastroenterologist was so concerned ie that M. is getting enough calories and macronutrients. The MD/Nutritionist is concerned about M getting either too much of or not enough of something in this formula. From my observations and the observations of other people who regularly see M, she has been thriving since introducing homemade formula. Her behaviours and issues have been significantly reduced with the homemade formula. However, with the introduction of solids, some of the behaviours/issues returned. I expect the analysis to come back with positive reviews, but I am prepared to hear of any concerns.

From this experience I have learned the following:

1) When the primary caregiver has a concern about baby, the concern is REAL. DO NOT allow a pediatrician or any other person talk you out of being concerned and insisting that your concern be looked into by the appropriate professional. If the pediatrician won't listen, talk baby to a GP. If the GP won't listen, take baby to a walk-in clinic. I had expressed concerns to the pediatrician months ago that M might have reflux and he would not even entertain the idea of considering this possibility.

2) When taking baby to a specialist, bring another adult to care for baby while you are talking to the specialist. Bring a pen and a notebook to keep an ongoing log of visits, specialists, etc.

3) Keep an ongoing log of concerns, from birth to present, including mom's prenatal history.

4) Look at mom and dad's family history. The MD/Nutritionist asked if I or my husband's family have a history of reflux. My father and brother both have reflux. My husband has heartburn. Even if the doctor does not ask (none of the other specialists asked for family history), offer this info.

5) Ask for feedback from those adults who regularly see your child. Do they see the same concerns? This is important for you to feel supported and validated in your concerns for your child.