I have posted in the past regarding my 16 month old twin boys who have had reflux issues pretty much since birth. Now both have been off meds for awhile… they seem to do just as well off meds as on them. They both receive feeding therapy now for aversions to textures and table foods that they developed as a result of their prematurity and reflux history.
One of them is my flirty, outgoing little guy while the other is extremely sensitive and shy. He’s the one I need some serious advice about. His newest behavior is to throw up when he gets upset, whether it’s from meeting a stranger (or sometimes even someone we don’t see very often), falling down, or his brother doing something to him. It has become absolutely ridiculous the last few weeks in what sets him off. His first episode came at their 15 month appt. He proceeded to make himself throw up because we were undressing him to weigh him. This is a totally new behavior, as he has only become somewhat upset in the past without throwing up. Our ped said that a lot of times kids hold their breath when they get upset, and in his case, it makes it that much easier for him to throw up. Neither he nor our feeding therapist are too concerned with this behavior; however, it is really starting to affect our lives. It is so stressful for my husband and I to have to always worry if he’s going to throw up or not. Everytime he gets “hurt” (ie his brother pulled his hair this morning), one of us has to grab him and take him into the kitchen so he doesn’t ruin the carpet. We’ve tried every type of distraction, but most of the time he’s made his mind up.
He has normal language and motor skills at this point. Just mainly the feeding aversion. He is a well-adjusted guy most of the time. He is very quick to learn new things and can be very silly. Him and his brother play together well. He is starting to share with others. This morning he was sitting down next to and observing our preschool neighbors when they visited for a play date and did not get upset when they arrived. It just seems to be so inconsistent, yet it is definitely getting worse each week. He is fine in stores when people talk to him. It’s mainly doctor visits and episodes at our house. I’ve spoken with our therapist about any other sensory issues he might have. He does not really show any signs of sensory integration (I was a former speech path so I know a little of what to look for). It’s just basically vomiting and not being able to calm himself down when he meets strangers or gets hurt. Once he throws up, he is usually fine.
I was just wondering if anyone with a child with a history of reflux has been through something similar. It’s really taking over our life and with a new baby on the way, it is something we could really use some help with. He’s always been more sensitive than his brother (and his reflux was more severe), but his sensitivity has just increased over time. We were wondering if some kind of alternative medicine might help- chiropractic care or something? Any advice would be GREATLY appreciated!
Thanks,
Jana
Kaden & Kael (my sensitive one)
10/30/05
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I hope I survive! I already worry about him at preschool which he isn’t going to until next year, but I think of him him getting upset and puking everywhere!!!
