With all of Mason's crying problems we have gone through 2 different meds (Zantac and now on Pepcid) and 4 different formulas (Enfamil Lipil, then ProSobee, then Nutrimigen, and now Neocate).

He has had one upper GI that confirmed the reflux. He has his first GI appointment monday.

My question is, because the ped has changed both meds and formulas at the same time, how do I know if it is reflux, allergy, or both?? Would the GI be able to tell? I hate to have him on Neocate if it is unnecessary, but right now I don;t dare change it, lol.

He gets very gassy (which seems to have stopped now on the Neocate), has stomach cramps (still, though Neocate was switched less that 48 hours ago), reflux, and extreme pain (non-stop crying). He just became constipated as well yesterday.

I had allergies as an infant (was on Nutrimigen) and my brother was on soy so it does run in the family. But nothing like blood in the stools or skin rashes.

Any advice on what to say to the GI?

From personal experience, it's sounding more like an intolerance. The allergies that I've had and seen have included the symptoms of diarrhea, blood in the BM, rashes, and swelling of the tongue and throat.

N.B. This is just from my own personal experience. Please, no body shoot me down for that. ;)

Well, the doctor actually wrote down formula intolerence as the reason. Didn;t know there was a difference. :) I would certainly say that verses an allergy. I just wonder if the Neocate is actually what is needed or not.

I would give the Neocate a few wks. If nothing else, it will help heal the possible damge to the stomach and make other reactiongs more seeable. I wouldn't change anything until baby is doing better. Once the reflux is under control and things are going well, you could trial a formula like Alimentum to see if the milk proteins do cause a problem (may take a few days to show up). Evan has to be on Neocate and reflux meds.

Ditto what Janette said!

I know *very little* about formula, so I don't feel qualified to even give an opinion on that. :-)

Jannette is very right but there can be some exceptions to the rule. My son never showed any of the signs mentioned but allergic to all milk and dairy.

Our gi doc did blood work with all four of my kids looking for specific allergies in the kids. The blood test can show the allergies but again not always accurate. I would wait and see what your doc thinks when you see them. I would also have to agree give the formula a chance it may take some time. I do hope that you see some changes and soon.


Melanie