Update on Graham

At Graham's last well visit (April 17th--four months old), I expressed my concerns to his pediatrician that I didn't feel like Graham was improving as he should with all the changes in my diet.  He was still very fussy, wasn't sleeping well at all for naps or at night, had bloody and mucousy diapers, and was not gaining weight like he should.  Unfortunately, he dismissed all my concerns by telling me that I was probably still eating some hidden source of dairy or soy (read: it was my fault).  The pediatrician didn't believe me when I said that I know every ingredient of all the foods I eat; if I don't know, I don't eat it!  That made me very angry, so I insisted that he refer us to a pediatric gastroenterologist.  He was reluctant to make the call, but I pressed him so he finally relented (the GI doc requires a referral for any appointment).  From what I've heard, the pediatric GI department at Vanderbilt is the most difficult department to get an appointment with, and we had to wait FIVE loooooong weeks to get in.  Our appointment was yesterday afternoon.

Armed with all of Graham's growth statistics, we headed to Vandy for our appointment.  As I suspected, Graham's growth has continued to slow since our last doctor visit (he had only gained half a pound in the last five weeks, and he should have gained at least an entire pound).  And this is with nursing every three hours--around the clock!  I also took a dirty diaper from that morning so the doc could check it for blood and mucous.  Thankfully, there was no blood, but the doctor did not like the mucousy consistency. After looking at the diaper and talking with me at length, the doc agreed that there was indeed something still bothering Graham's tummy.  He conferred with three of the other doctors in the group, and they all decided that I should try a massive allergen-elimination diet for two weeks to see how Graham responds.  I must avoid all dairy, soy, eggs, wheat, seafood, and nuts.

The Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt is known for its unwavering support of breastfeeding.  I knew this going in, but I was still prepared to fight for this as I have had numerous medical professionals tell me I should just switch to formula and not bother with trying to continue breastfeeding.  Thankfully, the doctor I saw did not share this opinion and is willing to work with me to keep nursing as long as Graham and I remain healthy.  We did discuss formula, though.  He agreed that Graham would probably have to be on the amino-acid based formula (which runs $400/month), but he was surprised that our insurance would not cover it.  He said they have had success in the past with convincing insurers to cover the cost and said he would help me with the process if we decide to go that route.

I honestly do not know what path we will take once these two weeks are up. The GI doc is certain that we will see some improvement in Graham at the end of the trial, and then we will have to reintroduce one of the possibly offending foods at a time to see which one(s) is the culprit.  If I decide to continue breastfeeding, I will certainly have to work with a nutritionist so that my health does not suffer.  Besides being nature's perfect food, one of the benefits of breastfeeding is its convenience.  Well, that's not really the case for me.  Sure...it's always with me, it's the right temperature, and I don't have bottles to wash, but I have to work VERY hard and am sacrificing SO much to make it "hypoallergenic."  I really miss being treated at a fancy restaurant and fellowshipping with other around a pot-luck dinner, among other things.  By the time this two-week trial is over, Graham will have received breast milk for six months, thus gaining so many of its benefits.  I'll admit that if the insurance company will pay for it, I'll be tempted to go the formula route.

Josh and I have some weighty decisions to make in the very near future.  I would appreciate any prayers you could lift up for us as we try the elimination diet.  I made it through Day One today without eating anything I shouldn't, but I was so hungry by suppertime that I ate about a half a pound of ham, an entire bowl of corn, and two apples.  But more than anything, I would appreciate prayers for Graham.  It is so hard for me to hear him cry out in pain, watch him arch his back because his stomach hurts, and have to comfort him at the end of a long day because he is so sleep deprived.  I just want him to feel better, and I'll do whatever that takes.


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