Micah's face has been super weepy the past 5 days and I think we've discovered the culprit...brown rice. 5-6 days ago I switched from making his rice milk with all white rice to half white half brown (hoping to add more protein and nutrition). Yesterday at noon I finished making a batch of white rice milk and started him back on all white. His face is SO much better today; all dried up, no more weeping.
He plays a bit but still isn't feeling super. Still very clingy and grumpy. Not interested this past week in spoon feeding.
By the way, Micah has been on magnesium for almost a week and it works beautifully to keep his bowels moving. The past 4 days he has had 3 BM/day...ncie and soft. None today yet.
Friday, June 25, 2010
Monday, June 14, 2010
Day 8
Not keeping up on posts.
Today was a day I wanted to give up about a dozen times. Then I think, "How silly...I can't give up...who else is going to do this job?" And obviously nobody except me. Micah's first nap longer than 10 minutes was at 3 PM in my arms. Which means my house is a mess and not much was accomplished.
I have been so tired that even walking up the stirs is exhausting. Every day I tell Sage that I don't have much patience...it's fair warning in case she feels the urge to be naughty.
When Shane walks through the door everything seems better. I hand Micah to him and go put Sage to bed...very relaxing after caring for Micah all day. Then some nights (like tonight) I escape for a little while. Tonight I ran away to the grocery store and library. I came home to find Shane folding a mountain of clothes, dishes all washed. I am a lucky girl.
Sage was an absolute doll today. Playing with him, feeding him pears, holding his arms down for about 10 minutes while I lotioned him up, changed his clothes, pinned his socks to his onesie. Wow! You can tell how much they love each other. Micah is always happy to see her and she lights up around him and billows and coos to him.
Micah had a thickshake today...pears blended with rice milk. It was a hit. even bigger hit were slushy, frozen pears...loved them.
No poos today. 1 yesterday, 2 day before.
1.5 days without Neocate (hypoallaergenic formula).
4 days without honey in rice milk.
2 days without maple syrup in rice milk.
Jane (our eczema mentor in Australia) tells me that her daughter had a terrible reaction when they changed her diet...it got worse before it got better. That certainly seems to be the case right now. Last 3 days have been SO itchy and his skin looks terrible.
Tomorrow I will find multivitamin to put in rice milk.
Today was a day I wanted to give up about a dozen times. Then I think, "How silly...I can't give up...who else is going to do this job?" And obviously nobody except me. Micah's first nap longer than 10 minutes was at 3 PM in my arms. Which means my house is a mess and not much was accomplished.
I have been so tired that even walking up the stirs is exhausting. Every day I tell Sage that I don't have much patience...it's fair warning in case she feels the urge to be naughty.
When Shane walks through the door everything seems better. I hand Micah to him and go put Sage to bed...very relaxing after caring for Micah all day. Then some nights (like tonight) I escape for a little while. Tonight I ran away to the grocery store and library. I came home to find Shane folding a mountain of clothes, dishes all washed. I am a lucky girl.
Sage was an absolute doll today. Playing with him, feeding him pears, holding his arms down for about 10 minutes while I lotioned him up, changed his clothes, pinned his socks to his onesie. Wow! You can tell how much they love each other. Micah is always happy to see her and she lights up around him and billows and coos to him.
Micah had a thickshake today...pears blended with rice milk. It was a hit. even bigger hit were slushy, frozen pears...loved them.
No poos today. 1 yesterday, 2 day before.
1.5 days without Neocate (hypoallaergenic formula).
4 days without honey in rice milk.
2 days without maple syrup in rice milk.
Jane (our eczema mentor in Australia) tells me that her daughter had a terrible reaction when they changed her diet...it got worse before it got better. That certainly seems to be the case right now. Last 3 days have been SO itchy and his skin looks terrible.
Tomorrow I will find multivitamin to put in rice milk.
Friday, June 11, 2010
Day 5
Had Vitamin D and inc sulfate in bottle today.
2 poops...no change there...not too smelly or weird looking just the norm.
Today was Day 2 of pears. He seemed to enjoy them more. I gave them 3x today...last 2x mixed with rice milk. I think he'll get the hang of eating from a spoon soon enough. Right now a lot of it ends up on his chin.
BTW, 2 large ripe pears made about 10 cubes of pear puree...not very much!
Still super itchy today. Jane (a wonderful Australian mama who is helping us SO much) confirmed my suspicion that it might be the honey I out in the first batch of rice milk. So today I tossed that batch of rice milk and made a new one using maple syrup.
Decided to use the cardiospermum (natural steroid) cream 3x/day just to see what happens.
2 poops...no change there...not too smelly or weird looking just the norm.
Today was Day 2 of pears. He seemed to enjoy them more. I gave them 3x today...last 2x mixed with rice milk. I think he'll get the hang of eating from a spoon soon enough. Right now a lot of it ends up on his chin.
BTW, 2 large ripe pears made about 10 cubes of pear puree...not very much!
Still super itchy today. Jane (a wonderful Australian mama who is helping us SO much) confirmed my suspicion that it might be the honey I out in the first batch of rice milk. So today I tossed that batch of rice milk and made a new one using maple syrup.
Decided to use the cardiospermum (natural steroid) cream 3x/day just to see what happens.
Wednesday, June 9, 2010
Day 3
Supplements: zinc (10 mg) given in bottle/forgot vitamin D (shoot!)
Drank 41 oz. today, 14 of those were rice milk and the rest Neocate
2 poops today (slightly lighter color).
Very itchy yesterday and today. But on our walk to and from park today I didn't have to strap him in...hooray!
He awoke all bloodied during his nap this AM b/c he got out of swaddle and scratched like crazy. So I pulled my dad's bed out from the basement. Poor kid looks like he's being tortured when he's all strapped in that bed. His arms and legs are spread eagle (held in place by zipties) but it keeps him from scratching and since he can't scratch he stays calmer. And cooler too since he isn't being swaddled.
Tomorrow we introduce pears.
Drank 41 oz. today, 14 of those were rice milk and the rest Neocate
2 poops today (slightly lighter color).
Very itchy yesterday and today. But on our walk to and from park today I didn't have to strap him in...hooray!
He awoke all bloodied during his nap this AM b/c he got out of swaddle and scratched like crazy. So I pulled my dad's bed out from the basement. Poor kid looks like he's being tortured when he's all strapped in that bed. His arms and legs are spread eagle (held in place by zipties) but it keeps him from scratching and since he can't scratch he stays calmer. And cooler too since he isn't being swaddled.
Tomorrow we introduce pears.
Tuesday, June 8, 2010
Day 2 of New Plan
Rice milk went over well yesterday. I decided to up his rice milk to 2 oz per bottle. So that makes each bottle 7 oz. Neocate and 2 oz. of rice milk. Tomorrow I will increase again. I can't wait to have him completely off of that garbage-y formula.
He hadn't pooped since yesterday early morning so this morning I gave him a glycerine suppository and about 1/2 hour later he had a great big poo.
I gave Micah his zinc sulfate in his bottle today...much easier that way especially considering the way he clamps his mouth shut and refuses any and all supplements (learned that trick at the hospital)...we have to pry his jaws open these days.
Also had Vitamin D.
Not the greatest sleep last night; he was hot and itchy. I was exhausted and Shane very nicely took him from midnight until 4. He slept in my arms a bit this morning and again this afternoon....we'll take it any way we can get it.
I've got Micah's pears ripening on the counter. Sage and I will prepare them tomorrow so we'll be all ready for Thursday...can't wait to try!
He hadn't pooped since yesterday early morning so this morning I gave him a glycerine suppository and about 1/2 hour later he had a great big poo.
I gave Micah his zinc sulfate in his bottle today...much easier that way especially considering the way he clamps his mouth shut and refuses any and all supplements (learned that trick at the hospital)...we have to pry his jaws open these days.
Also had Vitamin D.
Not the greatest sleep last night; he was hot and itchy. I was exhausted and Shane very nicely took him from midnight until 4. He slept in my arms a bit this morning and again this afternoon....we'll take it any way we can get it.
I've got Micah's pears ripening on the counter. Sage and I will prepare them tomorrow so we'll be all ready for Thursday...can't wait to try!
Monday, June 7, 2010
So Micah looks like he** but at least he's gaining weight. His skin is weepy and oozing all over...yucky and it looks so painful. This kid is a trooper.
I read somewhere that because cortisol levels are higher at night, itching increases then...seems to be true!!! Tonight we will turn on the AC just to try and keep him comfortable at night.
Last night was long. He was up at midnight and off and on until 5:30 AM when I handed him off to Shane who took him on a 2 hour walk around town (their morning routine).
I prepared bottles last night and he has 1.5 TBS of homemade rice milk/bottle....that makes almost 4 oz. of rice milk he'll be getting today.
Homemade rice milk was a cinch to make. Teh most time consuming part is straining it.
Here's the recipe I used:
- 17.2 lbs this morning
- pooping 2x/day
- Pretty happy during day. Play longer stretches without itching. He is getting stronger and sitting up better. Still gets off balance when reaching for toys.
I read somewhere that because cortisol levels are higher at night, itching increases then...seems to be true!!! Tonight we will turn on the AC just to try and keep him comfortable at night.
Last night was long. He was up at midnight and off and on until 5:30 AM when I handed him off to Shane who took him on a 2 hour walk around town (their morning routine).
I prepared bottles last night and he has 1.5 TBS of homemade rice milk/bottle....that makes almost 4 oz. of rice milk he'll be getting today.
Homemade rice milk was a cinch to make. Teh most time consuming part is straining it.
Here's the recipe I used:
Home Made Rice Milk
Yields approx. 96 oz.
Ingredients
- 8 c. water
- 1 c. brown rice
- 2 Tbsp. honey
- 2 Tbsp. safflower (or sunflower) oil
- 1 tsp. vanilla extract
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- more water to thin; approx. 5-8 c.
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with 8 c. water, cover and bring to a boil over high heat. (You may add the salt to bring to a boil faster, but I once read that is damaging to your pots, so I choose not to.)
- Add rice, honey, safflower oil, vanilla extract and salt to boiling water. Reduce heat to low and cover. Simmer for three hours. It will look kind of like rice soup after three hours.
- You will blend your rice mixture 2 parts to 1 part water. My blender has measurement marks on the front, so I do 2 c. of rice mixture and 1 c. of water at a time. If you are blending straight off the stove, add cold water to cool off the mixture and not blow the top of your blender off with the pressure from the steam.
- After blending, strain twice through cheesecloth to catch any rice pulp left behind. I blend for about 2 minutes each batch, so I don’t get a ton of rice pulp left over. I place the cheesecloth in a strainer over a pitcher and pour from the blender into that. The second photo shows my rice milk consistency once it’s been strained twice.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Sunday, June 6, 2010
New Plan
Well time to try new things since hypoallergenic formula has taken Micah's skin back to where it was before We think most likely a corn allergy since the formula is loaded with corn syrup-yech!
Plan for the week:
Monday- Add 1.5 TBS rice milk to formula
Tuesday-Add 2.5 TBS rice milk to formula
Wed-if no reaction to rice milk begin 1/4 scoop probiotics
Thurs-introduce pears (cooked, mashed and mixed with rice milk)
Fri-pears
Sat-pears
Sun-pears
Plan for the week:
Monday- Add 1.5 TBS rice milk to formula
Tuesday-Add 2.5 TBS rice milk to formula
Wed-if no reaction to rice milk begin 1/4 scoop probiotics
Thurs-introduce pears (cooked, mashed and mixed with rice milk)
Fri-pears
Sat-pears
Sun-pears
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Life Goes On
So here we are back to where we started from. Micah's skin looks terrible, only his back remains clear. He is very very itchy and uncomfortable and waking almost every hour at night. Very depressing and I cried today for the first time in a couple weeks. The sister missionaries rang the doorbell for a discussion practice with us. But I was upstairs with a squirmy, greasy (I was lotioning him up) and crying Micah and crying myself so I didn't answer the door. I feel so bad.
We've been designing our own formula and one of the carbohydrate sources we planend to use was banana. So two ngiths ago we tried the skin senitivity test: we put a small piece of banana on his skin and covered it with a bandaid. in the morning we checked the skin under the banana, no rash so we had the green light to try banana. Yesterday morningI blended up banana with his days supply of formula. Not only did he not like it (no surprise) but he had 1 explosive poopy with strange looking curds in it and a nasty smell. Then later in the day he had watery diarrhea. Guess that's the end of banana for a while.
I am exhausted. Yesterday was one of those days when literally walking up the stairs winds me and at some points in the day I think to myself, "I cannot do this for one more moment." But of course I can so I do.
Today I ordered ingredients for his formula: probiotics, free amino acids, blue green algae and nucleotide complex as well as zinc.
We've been designing our own formula and one of the carbohydrate sources we planend to use was banana. So two ngiths ago we tried the skin senitivity test: we put a small piece of banana on his skin and covered it with a bandaid. in the morning we checked the skin under the banana, no rash so we had the green light to try banana. Yesterday morningI blended up banana with his days supply of formula. Not only did he not like it (no surprise) but he had 1 explosive poopy with strange looking curds in it and a nasty smell. Then later in the day he had watery diarrhea. Guess that's the end of banana for a while.
I am exhausted. Yesterday was one of those days when literally walking up the stairs winds me and at some points in the day I think to myself, "I cannot do this for one more moment." But of course I can so I do.
Today I ordered ingredients for his formula: probiotics, free amino acids, blue green algae and nucleotide complex as well as zinc.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Day 22
CLO/EPO/Probiotics (gave 1 whole capsule)
We decided to make the Weston A. Price liver formula for him...we just tweaked the recipe a little...no lactose and no whey. He drank about 1.5 oz. Most of it we syringe fed him.
he had a rough day...SO much itching and no naps except for in my arms here and there. He rubbed his legs together so much he made them bleed.
We decided to make the Weston A. Price liver formula for him...we just tweaked the recipe a little...no lactose and no whey. He drank about 1.5 oz. Most of it we syringe fed him.
he had a rough day...SO much itching and no naps except for in my arms here and there. He rubbed his legs together so much he made them bleed.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Day 21
No CLO/EPO but yes on Probiotics.
Micah has had rough day. His face is very red and itchy all over. He just had another donor mom's milk last night and today. Is that the reason? He's cried a lot today and lay in our arms.
Tried giving him buffalo stew and bananas with avocado. No go. Drank 9 oz. of chicken stock today.
I think I don't want to get my hopes up anymore. My head hurts from crying and my tummy hurts from bad Mexican food yesterday....not a good combination. I just want him to get better and stay better. Only one smile from him the whole day...I pray and long for the day when will hear laughing and see smiles all day long.
Micah went to bed at 9 PM and woke up once at 10.
Micah has had rough day. His face is very red and itchy all over. He just had another donor mom's milk last night and today. Is that the reason? He's cried a lot today and lay in our arms.
Tried giving him buffalo stew and bananas with avocado. No go. Drank 9 oz. of chicken stock today.
I think I don't want to get my hopes up anymore. My head hurts from crying and my tummy hurts from bad Mexican food yesterday....not a good combination. I just want him to get better and stay better. Only one smile from him the whole day...I pray and long for the day when will hear laughing and see smiles all day long.
Micah went to bed at 9 PM and woke up once at 10.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Day 20
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
Micah did well last night. To bed at 10 PM. Woke at 11 PM, drank 2 oz. and back to bed. Woke at 3:30 AM for a moment and then up at 6 AM. I'll take it!
This morning he drank 8 oz. slowly over an hour. He is still pretty lethargic. Down for nap at 8 AM. Napped 2 hours. No more napping for rest of day except on our walk to Pearl St. To sleep at 10 PM.
More coughing/sneezing today. Definitely not the result of a cold b/c he isn't stuffy or runny.
No puking today!
Drank 9 oz. chix stock today. Refused buffalo stew puree and lentils....come on little dude!!
Micah did well last night. To bed at 10 PM. Woke at 11 PM, drank 2 oz. and back to bed. Woke at 3:30 AM for a moment and then up at 6 AM. I'll take it!
This morning he drank 8 oz. slowly over an hour. He is still pretty lethargic. Down for nap at 8 AM. Napped 2 hours. No more napping for rest of day except on our walk to Pearl St. To sleep at 10 PM.
More coughing/sneezing today. Definitely not the result of a cold b/c he isn't stuffy or runny.
No puking today!
Drank 9 oz. chix stock today. Refused buffalo stew puree and lentils....come on little dude!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
Day 19
Shane and I joked that we're the only ones who would say that he looks better but truly this is better
Wow almost 3 weeks on the GAPS diet!!
Micah threw up again this morning...just a small amount but still worrisome. I wonder if it's one his donor's milk that is bothering him??? He's also very sleepy today and is not eating well. Refused meat puree this AM. Had big smelly poops today. Not very itchy. All the parents on the GAPS yahoo forum say that this is die-off. I hope so...we'll monitor him closely.
I should explain....die-off is when yeast and other nasty toxins in your gut are being sloughed off. The body releases them in many different ways...vomiting, coughing, diarrhea, nasal secretions (snot!). Often people i the die-off phase feel awful, tired, achy, grumpy. It's the old principle of "it gets worse before it gets better."
He was very calm last night and he slept SO well last night. To bed at 10:45 PM, woke at 3:30 AM for a few minutes, drank 2 oz and slept until 8 AM!!!
Through out the day Micah has been coughing (small ones but that's very unusual for him) and having sneezing fits (they usually come in sets of threes-achoo achoo achoo)...more die-off hopefully!
His skin still looks better...hooray!!!! And he is pretty calm today.
Tonight:
He had a big throw-up around 8 PM....probably threw up the 8 or so oz. he had recently drunk. Dang it! If this is detox I'm thrilled but also very worried because he doesn't have any weight to spare. He only weighs 15 lbs when he should weigh 20+ lbs. especially considering that he was 10.5 lbs at birth.
Before bed he drank 4 oz of milk/chicken stock plus a little coconut water
His skin looks great! The sores are shrinking and they are all light colored. Amazing to see this right before our eyes. We are cautiously optimistic.
He slept very well this evening. Napped for 2.5 hours and I finally woke him b/c I wanted him to eat more. He went to bed at 10 PM. I just checked on him and he's sleeping soundly.
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Day 18
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
Micah slept from 9:30-5:30 PM last night. Yes there was waking up at 11:30 & 3:30 but it was brief. Not much napping today but ce la vie.
Threw up tonight twice. I think it was because I gave him probiotics on an empty tummy.
Had 9 oz. chicken stock. Ate about 2 tsp. buffalo stew (buffalo, onions, carrots, celery) and seemed to enjoy it. Tired carrot juice today but didn't like..we'll keep on trying.
As Shane and I lubed him up tonight and put fresh clothes on him (the nightly ritual) we both agreed that he looks better. Now weeping, smaller patches (seem to have shrunk) and everything seems less red.
Micah slept from 9:30-5:30 PM last night. Yes there was waking up at 11:30 & 3:30 but it was brief. Not much napping today but ce la vie.
Threw up tonight twice. I think it was because I gave him probiotics on an empty tummy.
Had 9 oz. chicken stock. Ate about 2 tsp. buffalo stew (buffalo, onions, carrots, celery) and seemed to enjoy it. Tired carrot juice today but didn't like..we'll keep on trying.
As Shane and I lubed him up tonight and put fresh clothes on him (the nightly ritual) we both agreed that he looks better. Now weeping, smaller patches (seem to have shrunk) and everything seems less red.
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Day 17
No supplements today...went to bed early and skipped them.
Kind of a rough day
8 oz. chicken stock
A little bit of chicken puree and some lentils (he loves those!)
I started pumping more today and got hospital pump again.
Started using Mari's Magic on his face (contains shea butter, olive oil, emu oil, chamomile and lavender). A mom here in Boulder created it for her baby with eczema.
Kind of a rough day
8 oz. chicken stock
A little bit of chicken puree and some lentils (he loves those!)
I started pumping more today and got hospital pump again.
Started using Mari's Magic on his face (contains shea butter, olive oil, emu oil, chamomile and lavender). A mom here in Boulder created it for her baby with eczema.
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Day 16
CLO/EPO/probiotics (today I gave probiotics between meals and straight on his tongue instead of in a bottle)
Had 8.5 oz. of chicken stock. So basically by the end of the day for every 3 oz. of milk I put into his bottle, I put 1 oz. of stock.
Ate 1 tsp. pureed chicken at 12:45 PM and liked it. I tried again at 5:30 but no dice.
He napped this morning in Shane's arms and this afternoon on his own (hooray) and took a little nap (20 min) around 6:30 PM.
Only had one poopy today. Hopefully that's a good thing. I've been doing some googling on "failure to thrive" and many sites mentioned that kids with milk allergy often have diarrhea (yep that's Micah 4-5 liquidy poops/day) and they lose too many calories/nutrients that way.
Had 8.5 oz. of chicken stock. So basically by the end of the day for every 3 oz. of milk I put into his bottle, I put 1 oz. of stock.
Ate 1 tsp. pureed chicken at 12:45 PM and liked it. I tried again at 5:30 but no dice.
He napped this morning in Shane's arms and this afternoon on his own (hooray) and took a little nap (20 min) around 6:30 PM.
Only had one poopy today. Hopefully that's a good thing. I've been doing some googling on "failure to thrive" and many sites mentioned that kids with milk allergy often have diarrhea (yep that's Micah 4-5 liquidy poops/day) and they lose too many calories/nutrients that way.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Day 15
first chicken all over his chin
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
Reading GAPS book and realized that Micah should be taking flax oil and digestive enzymes. Guess we'll be starting those this week too.
Napping stunk today. Spotty nap on walk this morning, 1 restless nap in my arms at 1PM and 15 minute nap around 6 PM.
Micah tried chicken today and seemed to like it! I just blended roasted chicken in food processor along with some chicken stock. He had about 1 tsp. but much of it ended up on chin as he still has a tongue thrust.
Snuck chicken stock into his bottles again. Today we got 4.5 oz in him! We decided to increase it in increments of 0.5 oz each day.
Earlier today Sage tried our first batch of 24-hour yogurt (GAPS diet recommended--homemade yogurt that sits at 110 degrees for 24 hours...that way most of the lactose in it is digested by bacteria and it doesn't cause allergic reaction for people sensitive to dairy). She asked to give Micah a few bites and I let her. He had about 1/2 tsp. in all and really seemed to enjoy it. Only problem was after about 5 minutes his lips got very red and swollen; he started scratching them like crazy. Wow, that was a fast reaction...guess he really is allergic to milk!!!
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Day 14
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
Today we mixed chicken stock in with milk and he has had 4 oz. of stock today that way...yahoo!
Last night he slept pretty well. To bed at 11 PM, woke up several times at night but only for a minute or two and woke up at 6:15 AM.
But he is miserable today and his skin looks awful. His back is fire engine red and raised welts that have wept all day. So discouraging. I've cried a lot today because I just don't know what to do for him...I want to make it better but so far I have not. Sometimes I don't think I can do this for even one minute longer....but of course I know I can do this but soemtimes I just don't want to. Why can't Micah just have a normal life? He can't even enjoy playing. He is like a 4 month old, just in our arms resting most of the day. I worry about is development. I worry about how scrawny he is...just barely 15 pounds. I wonder when this will be better. I wonder why the Lord is testing us this way. I wonder when he will be better.
I feel like Heavenly Father gave us the reprieve of the past couple days (a few hours together alone just Shane and I and some more rest at night) so we could have energy to do this again for the next long while.
We are tired. Tired of fighting him constanty to keep him from itching, tired of screaming and crying, tired of minimal sleep and tired of not knowing how to fix this.
Today we mixed chicken stock in with milk and he has had 4 oz. of stock today that way...yahoo!
Last night he slept pretty well. To bed at 11 PM, woke up several times at night but only for a minute or two and woke up at 6:15 AM.
But he is miserable today and his skin looks awful. His back is fire engine red and raised welts that have wept all day. So discouraging. I've cried a lot today because I just don't know what to do for him...I want to make it better but so far I have not. Sometimes I don't think I can do this for even one minute longer....but of course I know I can do this but soemtimes I just don't want to. Why can't Micah just have a normal life? He can't even enjoy playing. He is like a 4 month old, just in our arms resting most of the day. I worry about is development. I worry about how scrawny he is...just barely 15 pounds. I wonder when this will be better. I wonder why the Lord is testing us this way. I wonder when he will be better.
I feel like Heavenly Father gave us the reprieve of the past couple days (a few hours together alone just Shane and I and some more rest at night) so we could have energy to do this again for the next long while.
We are tired. Tired of fighting him constanty to keep him from itching, tired of screaming and crying, tired of minimal sleep and tired of not knowing how to fix this.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Day 13
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
Slept well again last night. Woke up at 8:15.
Napped beautifully all day. Sometimes I begin to think he's getting better. The skin on his back looks better.
Hated carrots and broth today
Slept well again last night. Woke up at 8:15.
Napped beautifully all day. Sometimes I begin to think he's getting better. The skin on his back looks better.
Hated carrots and broth today
Friday, April 30, 2010
Day 12
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
1 oz. chicken stock. Offered it many times today but he was very grumpy today and refused it.
Also tried carrots mixed with breast milk, made him mad but I managed to get a few bites in.
Micah had such a good day yesterday (napped on his own swaddled) and last night he slept pretty darn well, on his own (it felt so good to lie down and sleep instead of sleeping upright with him in my arms). He went to bed at 11, woke at 2 and 5 but went right back to bed and then slept until 8 AM. Yay. Unfortunately today was the opposite. barely napped, cried a lot today and screamed a bunch tonight and was super itchy.
Right now he's snoozing on his own in our bed...we'll keep our fingers crossed that his night will be better than his day.
Tomorrow we will start him on pureed chicken, we're hoping he'll enjoy that more than carrots.
1 oz. chicken stock. Offered it many times today but he was very grumpy today and refused it.
Also tried carrots mixed with breast milk, made him mad but I managed to get a few bites in.
Micah had such a good day yesterday (napped on his own swaddled) and last night he slept pretty darn well, on his own (it felt so good to lie down and sleep instead of sleeping upright with him in my arms). He went to bed at 11, woke at 2 and 5 but went right back to bed and then slept until 8 AM. Yay. Unfortunately today was the opposite. barely napped, cried a lot today and screamed a bunch tonight and was super itchy.
Right now he's snoozing on his own in our bed...we'll keep our fingers crossed that his night will be better than his day.
Tomorrow we will start him on pureed chicken, we're hoping he'll enjoy that more than carrots.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Day 11
CLO/EPO/Probiotics (still doing 1/2 capsule for now)
Today he had a nice big poop, mustard color. Definitely an improvement on those little squirts that he often has.
Napped 2 hours on his own this AM...hallelujah!
Used tamanu oil again.
1 oz. chicken stock (need to remember to offer it before the bottle...tht way he's really hungry)
Ate carrots mixed with lots of breast milk, seemed to like it. Ate about 1 tsp. Even tried some roasted chicken...definitely liked that. I'm cheating a bit..w.e're supposed to wait until next week to begin meats.
Today he had a nice big poop, mustard color. Definitely an improvement on those little squirts that he often has.
Napped 2 hours on his own this AM...hallelujah!
Used tamanu oil again.
1 oz. chicken stock (need to remember to offer it before the bottle...tht way he's really hungry)
Ate carrots mixed with lots of breast milk, seemed to like it. Ate about 1 tsp. Even tried some roasted chicken...definitely liked that. I'm cheating a bit..w.e're supposed to wait until next week to begin meats.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Day 10
CLO/EPO/probiotics
1 oz. chicken stock
Tried carrots mixed with breastmilk. Micah wasn't a huge fan, had a few bites (must of them snuck in). We'll keep on trying!
I thought it might be worthwhile to list are all of Micah's symptoms:
1 oz. chicken stock
Tried carrots mixed with breastmilk. Micah wasn't a huge fan, had a few bites (must of them snuck in). We'll keep on trying!
I thought it might be worthwhile to list are all of Micah's symptoms:
- poor circulation in feet (turn purple at times)
- explosive bowel movements
- tremors in hands (thankfully only on occasion)
- gas
- itching and rash that covers 90% of body
- restlessness (especially during sleep)
- weight loss (probably due to his lack of appetite end of Feb and in March)
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Day 9
CLO/EPO/Probiotics
1 oz. broth
No carrots today.
One thing that I've failed to mention is Micah's pooping. He has what sounds like explosive diarrhea but when you crack his diaper it will be just a tiny squirt. Also he alternates between pea green poop and mustard yellow.
1 oz. broth
No carrots today.
One thing that I've failed to mention is Micah's pooping. He has what sounds like explosive diarrhea but when you crack his diaper it will be just a tiny squirt. Also he alternates between pea green poop and mustard yellow.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Day 8
EPO/probiotics/no CLO since he fell asleep early and is sleeping in Shane's arms.
Green poops today and mucus in evening poop. Some gas and straining. Very itchy today.
1 oz. chicken stock. Tried 2 bites of carrots mixed with olive oil and stock. Tomorrow will make a smoother puree for him.
Green poops today and mucus in evening poop. Some gas and straining. Very itchy today.
1 oz. chicken stock. Tried 2 bites of carrots mixed with olive oil and stock. Tomorrow will make a smoother puree for him.
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Day 7
More of the same: CLO, EPO and probiotics
1.5 oz. chicken stock.
Micah's appetite has been fantastic...best it's been in about 2 months....maybe he'll gain back some of those 4+ lbs he lost over the last 8 weeks.
Tomorrow we start pureed carrots!! Last week I took the chicken carcass (and leftover skin and stuff) from our roasted chicken. Added onion, garlic, leeks, carrots, peppercorns, salt, splash of ACV, covered in water and cooked on LOW for about 14 hours. After the stock finished simmering I picked out the carrots, nice and mushy and full of chicken-y goodness, also picked off leftover chicken. Froze both last week in anticipation of GAPS diet Week 2 (pureed carrots) and Week 3 (pureed meats). I think Micah will be thrilled. He's been DYING to try our food but I held off because of the eczema.
1.5 oz. chicken stock.
Micah's appetite has been fantastic...best it's been in about 2 months....maybe he'll gain back some of those 4+ lbs he lost over the last 8 weeks.
Tomorrow we start pureed carrots!! Last week I took the chicken carcass (and leftover skin and stuff) from our roasted chicken. Added onion, garlic, leeks, carrots, peppercorns, salt, splash of ACV, covered in water and cooked on LOW for about 14 hours. After the stock finished simmering I picked out the carrots, nice and mushy and full of chicken-y goodness, also picked off leftover chicken. Froze both last week in anticipation of GAPS diet Week 2 (pureed carrots) and Week 3 (pureed meats). I think Micah will be thrilled. He's been DYING to try our food but I held off because of the eczema.
Saturday, April 24, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Day 5
Micah was up from 1-4:30 last night. Each time I tried to lay back down with him he woke up and wiggled like a little fish so back downstairs I would go for some more walking. When the walking gets long I turn a movie on.
Still great appetite...finally!
CLO/EPO/probiotics
Very itchy today...his onesie is stained with weepy stuff--all because he's been scratching like crazy. I try to stop him from scratching but I can't fight him all day so sometimes when I'm holding him I let him scratch his sides (he's always got his little gloves on though).
Still great appetite...finally!
CLO/EPO/probiotics
Very itchy today...his onesie is stained with weepy stuff--all because he's been scratching like crazy. I try to stop him from scratching but I can't fight him all day so sometimes when I'm holding him I let him scratch his sides (he's always got his little gloves on though).
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Day 4
Half dose probiotics today.
CLO and EPO taken.
1 oz. chicken stock
And darn it no time for fresh squeezed carrot juice today...some days he needs to be held constantly and today was one of those days so nothing much got done.
Also tried tamanu oil tonight on his skin.
To make dinner and to pump I swaddled him and let him scream...what else can I do? Maybe I'll sprout another set of arms soon.
We are so very tired and worn down today. We are coping our way through the days.
Tonight Sage lovingly told me to "Cheer up!" I needed to hear that and I sure tried.
CLO and EPO taken.
1 oz. chicken stock
And darn it no time for fresh squeezed carrot juice today...some days he needs to be held constantly and today was one of those days so nothing much got done.
Also tried tamanu oil tonight on his skin.
To make dinner and to pump I swaddled him and let him scream...what else can I do? Maybe I'll sprout another set of arms soon.
We are so very tired and worn down today. We are coping our way through the days.
Tonight Sage lovingly told me to "Cheer up!" I needed to hear that and I sure tried.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
DAY 3
Day three of probiotics. Micah has had a full dose the past 3 days (2 billion or 1 capsule) but his skin has flared a lot, very grumpy and sleeping very fitfully and itchy last night and today. So tomorrow I will cut back probiotics to a half capsule. Also mucus in his poop twice today. His appetite has increased...is it the probiotics?
CLO and EPO again
1 oz. chicken stock
CLO and EPO again
1 oz. chicken stock
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Day 2
Day 2 of probiotics, gave him 1 capsule today. And now we're in week 2 of CLO and EPO.
He has maybe 1/2 tsp. of freshly juiced carrot. I learned that one medium carrot produces about 1 oz. of juice.
Also 1 oz. of chicken broth today.
Naps were fitful and he was pretty grumpy today.
He has maybe 1/2 tsp. of freshly juiced carrot. I learned that one medium carrot produces about 1 oz. of juice.
Also 1 oz. of chicken broth today.
Naps were fitful and he was pretty grumpy today.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Day 1
Micah has been on Fermented Cod Liver Oil (I'll abbreviate CLO) and Evening Primrose Oil (EPO) for a week now. We're starting him on a therapeutic dose of probiotics today all in accordance with the Gut and Psychology Syndrome Diet (GAPS).
He takes 1.5 mL CLO (1 mL for every 10 lbs body weight) and 1/2 tsp. EPO (the max recommended for babies)
He hasn't had solids yet in his short life (unless you count a few bites of banana) and has been fed on breast milk (mine and donors) since we took him off of formula (homemade with raw cow's and goat's milk) in mid February. Now that he's nearing 9 months we figure it's time plus it's all part of the GAPS diet.
What is the GAPS diet? In short it's a diet that Natasha McBride-Campbell, a neurosurgeon in the UK, developed in order to help her autistic son. He is now a healthy teenager and thousands of people have used her diet with great success in treating autism, eczema and various mental illnesses.
When I have some extra mental energy I'll explain more.
He takes 1.5 mL CLO (1 mL for every 10 lbs body weight) and 1/2 tsp. EPO (the max recommended for babies)
He hasn't had solids yet in his short life (unless you count a few bites of banana) and has been fed on breast milk (mine and donors) since we took him off of formula (homemade with raw cow's and goat's milk) in mid February. Now that he's nearing 9 months we figure it's time plus it's all part of the GAPS diet.
What is the GAPS diet? In short it's a diet that Natasha McBride-Campbell, a neurosurgeon in the UK, developed in order to help her autistic son. He is now a healthy teenager and thousands of people have used her diet with great success in treating autism, eczema and various mental illnesses.
When I have some extra mental energy I'll explain more.
Thursday, March 11, 2010
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
How it all began
My seven-month-old Micah has a nasty case that began about a month and a half after I started supplementing with a cow's milk formula. Unfortunately I don't make enough milk for my very hungry boy!
We tried a goat's milk formula and that seemed to make the eczema worse. We started supplementing with donor mom's milk...no change. In fact it was growing worse little by little.
We visited three doctors. One of my frustrations through this process was how little the doctors seemed to care. Each time I had to introduce myself and Micah and ask their name. They were nice but not very warm.
GP (January 25, 2010):
Said he'd only seen one case worse than Micah. At the time Micah's face was weeping and bloody all over. He said that another day or two of this type of weeping he would recommend IV antibiotics (yikes!). Put me on an elimination diet (veggies and meat only) for 3 days. No change so he recommended that I see a dermatologist.
Dermatologist (January 28, 2010):
Spent 5 minutes with us (so frustrating!), said it was impetigo (a staph infection that occurs in bad eczema cases) and prescribed antibiotic cream and cortisone cream. We started him on both and saw improvement but after 5 days improvement stopped and we stopped using cream. I elt hated using such a strong cortisone cream (2%) on my little guy but I felt that if it got the bleeding/weeping eczema under control then it was worth it.
By this point I decided to put myself on a no allergen diet... no dairy, wheat, PB, gluten, citrus.
Naturopath (February 8, 2010):
Recommended only breast milk for his first year and also being SUPER careful with solids, as in waiting until 3 years to give him wheat and dairy (yikes!). Also recommended that I stay on my no allergen diet. We tried a homeopathic remedy called Graphites for a week, no result. Visited her a second time and tried another remedy, Sulphur, with no result.
Meanwhile as we were visiting these physicians I was studying up on eczema. I discovered that my options were very limited:
Conventional Treatment: Prescription skin creams, cortisone every day until he eventually outgrows his eczema, drugs like Zyrtec or Benadryl every night to help alleviate itching and help him sleep.
Alternative Treatment: many different homeopathic remedies (keep trying until we find the exact right one), various creams, continue taking evening primrose oil. cod liver oil and probiotics
In all my reading I came across NAET. I was familiar with the name but not the concept. Sage's wonderful orthodontist recommended NAET for her and we also have friends who tried it.
I knew almost nothing about it but i loved the concept...eliminate allergies forever. If it worked it would mean no limited diets for Micah or me, no more creams or medications...no more eczema!
After perusing the NAET website I found that there are a dozen or so practitioners in the Boulder area. For a week i emailed back and forth with my chosen practitioner's office. I discovered that she was only in Boulder every other month or so (she practices in 2 other states as well) and wouldn't be returning to CO until the end of March. I didn't feel like we could wait that long as Micah was getting worse. Also I didn't think I could hold out much longer. By this point it had been 2 months of sleepless nights with Micah, my house was a pigsty because I held Micah all day, Sage and Shane were being neglected...I was a mess.
When I mentioned it to my mom she told me about a practicioner that her good friend Dorothy visits. In fact, she's been seeing him for almost 4 years! He lives 1.5 hours from my parents so I decided to call him. I instantly loved him. Dr. Stevenson is almost 70 years old. He lives in the country and has a twangy Virginia accent. He told me that he would see me 7 days a week and told me that he would bend over backwards to help Micah. He explained that he became an NAET practitioner when his wife Margaret was stricken by mercury poisoning over 10 years ago. He was able to get her better with NAET and he's been helping people ever since. He told me that 4 years he retired for a wek but he had to come back because there were just too many people he can help. Needless to say I was impressed by his willingness to help and by his claim that he worked because he loved it.
I decided that it would be best to go to VA, stay with my parents (blessed relief!!) and get Micah treated by Dr. Stevenson. So my wonderful mom flew to CO, spent a day cleaning up my house, doing my laundry and then turned around and flew back to VA with us.
I began this blog because no mama should have to watch her baby suffer with eczema. I am documenting our NAET experience so that other moms can read it and know their options and know that there is hope.
We tried a goat's milk formula and that seemed to make the eczema worse. We started supplementing with donor mom's milk...no change. In fact it was growing worse little by little.
We visited three doctors. One of my frustrations through this process was how little the doctors seemed to care. Each time I had to introduce myself and Micah and ask their name. They were nice but not very warm.
GP (January 25, 2010):
Said he'd only seen one case worse than Micah. At the time Micah's face was weeping and bloody all over. He said that another day or two of this type of weeping he would recommend IV antibiotics (yikes!). Put me on an elimination diet (veggies and meat only) for 3 days. No change so he recommended that I see a dermatologist.
Dermatologist (January 28, 2010):
Spent 5 minutes with us (so frustrating!), said it was impetigo (a staph infection that occurs in bad eczema cases) and prescribed antibiotic cream and cortisone cream. We started him on both and saw improvement but after 5 days improvement stopped and we stopped using cream. I elt hated using such a strong cortisone cream (2%) on my little guy but I felt that if it got the bleeding/weeping eczema under control then it was worth it.
By this point I decided to put myself on a no allergen diet... no dairy, wheat, PB, gluten, citrus.
Naturopath (February 8, 2010):
Recommended only breast milk for his first year and also being SUPER careful with solids, as in waiting until 3 years to give him wheat and dairy (yikes!). Also recommended that I stay on my no allergen diet. We tried a homeopathic remedy called Graphites for a week, no result. Visited her a second time and tried another remedy, Sulphur, with no result.
Meanwhile as we were visiting these physicians I was studying up on eczema. I discovered that my options were very limited:
Conventional Treatment: Prescription skin creams, cortisone every day until he eventually outgrows his eczema, drugs like Zyrtec or Benadryl every night to help alleviate itching and help him sleep.
Alternative Treatment: many different homeopathic remedies (keep trying until we find the exact right one), various creams, continue taking evening primrose oil. cod liver oil and probiotics
In all my reading I came across NAET. I was familiar with the name but not the concept. Sage's wonderful orthodontist recommended NAET for her and we also have friends who tried it.
I knew almost nothing about it but i loved the concept...eliminate allergies forever. If it worked it would mean no limited diets for Micah or me, no more creams or medications...no more eczema!
After perusing the NAET website I found that there are a dozen or so practitioners in the Boulder area. For a week i emailed back and forth with my chosen practitioner's office. I discovered that she was only in Boulder every other month or so (she practices in 2 other states as well) and wouldn't be returning to CO until the end of March. I didn't feel like we could wait that long as Micah was getting worse. Also I didn't think I could hold out much longer. By this point it had been 2 months of sleepless nights with Micah, my house was a pigsty because I held Micah all day, Sage and Shane were being neglected...I was a mess.
When I mentioned it to my mom she told me about a practicioner that her good friend Dorothy visits. In fact, she's been seeing him for almost 4 years! He lives 1.5 hours from my parents so I decided to call him. I instantly loved him. Dr. Stevenson is almost 70 years old. He lives in the country and has a twangy Virginia accent. He told me that he would see me 7 days a week and told me that he would bend over backwards to help Micah. He explained that he became an NAET practitioner when his wife Margaret was stricken by mercury poisoning over 10 years ago. He was able to get her better with NAET and he's been helping people ever since. He told me that 4 years he retired for a wek but he had to come back because there were just too many people he can help. Needless to say I was impressed by his willingness to help and by his claim that he worked because he loved it.
I decided that it would be best to go to VA, stay with my parents (blessed relief!!) and get Micah treated by Dr. Stevenson. So my wonderful mom flew to CO, spent a day cleaning up my house, doing my laundry and then turned around and flew back to VA with us.
I began this blog because no mama should have to watch her baby suffer with eczema. I am documenting our NAET experience so that other moms can read it and know their options and know that there is hope.
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