My 15 month old daughter was diag. last week with Failure to Thrive (or FTT) due to she has not gained any weight (and actually lost 1 1/2 lbs. recently) and has stayed at the same height. A little history, she was a preemie, had severe reflux with aspiration and stomach surgery (Fundo/Nissen Wrap with a G-Button Placement) done in May 2006 to correct the reflux. Since the surgery, she has stopped gaining weight.
She started eating foods at 13 months (has a oral aversion/texture issues) and now eats 3 meals a day (this week it is oatmeal in the morning, a banana or apple sauce for lunch, and steak, yellow squash and sweet patatos for dinner - all mixed with breastmilk and 1 tbsp of canola oil for added calories - 1 tbsp canola oil = 120 calories). She also still nurses 8-10 times daily on top of eating. Her nutricinst says she is eating enough and getting plenty of calories, she should be growing (month 8 of no growth).
She started loosing the weight when she started eating foods. Her pedi has refered us to a Endocrinoligst which that appt. is Feb. 28th. Last week we also saw her GI and he is concerned and started with blood work (testing celiac disease, absorption rates, calcium, iron, zinc levels, etc. about 14 things total) and also I had to collect her "waste" this weekend and I dropped it off today at the lab to check for fat content and 6 other things. Her GI has also schedualed her for a sweat test to check for cystic fibrosis, just to be sure.
Anyone else been through this, guess I am in need of some support and advice for those who have been there done that.
Well the GI office called today (1/19/07) and the blood test show everything is fine. Her thyroid, hormones, electrolites, etc...all tested good. The bad news is she still has her Dairy and Soy allergy and now to add Wheat and Egg Whites to the list (not Celiac's Disease, just allergic to Wheat/Gluten - not sure what the diffrence is, but I guess there is one). Now I get to totally change my diet (since she is still nursing) and do her a wheat and egg (which we have not tried eggs with her yet) free diet. We're waiting on other test to come in, still does not explain the no weight gain or growth in height. She has a appt. also with the Endo on Feb. 28th - so hopefully we'll have some answers with him or with the other tests.
My son has not been diagnosed with those things (only asthma) and he's only gained about 1 1/2 pounds in the last 7 months. He doesn't eat meat nor much at a time for that matter! It sounds like you are doing all of the right things! I can certainly understand how scared you must be. I will be praying for you and your family!
Who is her pediatrician?
If you need anything or just want to talk please email me @ ____@____.com
M. you are a saint!!!!!!!! Wow I've never been through anything like this but I wanted to let you know that I am here for you! If you ever need anythng or if you just need someone to vent to I'm here!
Please keep us updated and I will pray for your little Madeline.
____@____.com
K.
My son (21 month old)was diagnosed with failure to thrive by the nutritionist from ECI (Early Childhood Intervention)when he was 19 months. He does not have the issues you are describing other than not gaining weight (or very little). He is improving with time. We also did blood work recently to check for any abnormal values (all was good). I mostly want to lend you my support. I know how very worrisome it can be with a child who is not gaining or growing at the rate most other kids are. You sound like you are doing all the right things (especially with breastfeeding). Keep it up and know that you are doing a great job!
I haven't been through what you have by any means, but I have had 3 children with reflux, and that ALONE is a huge challenge much less everything you've gone through. I just wanted to tell you that I'm so sorry for what you're going through. I hope you get some answers soon. You sound like an excellent mom :)
E. (also a breastfeeding SAHM who would love to be able to co-sleep and babywear, but it doesn't work well for my son :()
Hi, I just wanted to say hello. I have had two premature sons. One at 29 weeks, he is now four. Our second at 33 weeks, he is 5 months. Our second child has continuous reflux, but is gaining weight very well. I haven't been through as much as you are currently going through, but I wanted you to know I understood your battle. The hospital my first son was born in had a parent's support group, it was in Atlanta, I don't know if your hospital has this, but you may want to check into it. There is definitely another mother somewhere going through what you and your daugher are going through.
http://www.cysticfibrosis.com/
http://www.geocities.com/clevelandceliac/
http://www.clasp.org/publications/failure_to_thrive.pdf
Now, some of these groups may be out of area... or for different causes, but you can check them out, perhaps they can tell you where to turn. Many hospitals have support groups, try calling a research/university hospital or at least Cook's Childrens may have lots of info on support groups. If it turns out to be celiac disease a support group meets at Healthy Approach in Bedford. Also, go to www.chacha.com search for "failure to thrive" support group with a live guide who you can specify your needs and they will give you search results. I wish you the best and hope your family finds strength in your trials. God Bless.
