Monday, February 28, 2011

A little unexpected setback

Finn had his 9 month appointment today. We thought, "of course he's below the growth curve, and probably will be for awhile." We just didn't expect him to be losing weight especially when he's not sick and doesn't have a temperature. He's fine with his height and head measurements... but take a look at his weight on the chart.
Yeah... That dot below the other dot? Not supposed to happen. Some of you may not know that Finn has Duarte's Galactosemia (thank goodness it's not Classic Galactosemia). Basically it's a genetic disorder (not an allergy) where the liver's enzymes can only break down 25-50% of the sugars in any animal milk, including breast milk. So when my milk dried up his doctor got him on a soy formula. He was diagnosed at birth with it and we were told that he may always be on the small side because of it. This wasn't the reason for his loss in weight though.

He has been on and off constipated since the end of December. No fun for anyone. If his food is not coming out, there's not much room for more to go in. Hence the weight loss. You know how your child (most) screams bloody murder when they get their shots? That is how he screams until we help him get it out. His doctor gave us quite a bit of advice on what we should try now. We're putting him on this super stinky formula that has the proteins broken down to their simplest form. If that doesn't work, we'll get him on Miralax which should hopefully move things along.

We love our little nugget and obviously will do anything we can to put some meat on his bones! Wish us luck (or more appropriately Finn)!

This picture says it all. Finn feels bloated and melancholy.

11 comments:

The Kynastons said...

Oh poor, poor Finn...and poor, poor YOU!! I think there are few things as stressful in life as when your baby has eating/weight issues. I'm so sorry. I remember too well the days of trying millions of kinds of formula and trying to get ANYTHING we possibly could into Macie. I really hope this new formula works better for Finn and that "things" start movin' for him. Good luck!!

The Hendricks said...

Poor guy, I hope he can get it worked out soon. Constipation is hard for me, i can't imagine being a little kid with it. He sure looks like a cute healthy chubby baby though :)

Kelly said...

that's crazy. that must make life pretty hard. We wish you luck Finn!

Ben Fullmer said...

I'm so sorry to read this. Well keep Finn in our prayers, he sure looks like the cutest and happiest little tyke around. I hope the new formula works for him and that his weight improves. I don't know if you care for this kind of thing but I use and love homeo pathics and essential oils, have you tried anything in that department?

Gwendolyn Fullmer said...

Sorry that wasn't my husband Ben it was me, thought he'd already logged out of gmail, opps.

Anonymous said...

Gwen, I haven't tried any homeopathic stuff besides different foods... What have you heard helps?

Anonymous said...

Whoops, I'm logged in as my husband to and I can't log out right now...

Anonymous said...

That is one sad face. He looks healthy, babies that are sick like this do get well!
If I was there I would give you a break to get some sleep. We love you so much.
g-jane

Linds said...

I echo everyone else, good luck. It's so hard when they can't tell you exactly what's going on. NO one likes feeling bloated. Best wishes!

Rachel Murray said...

Bummer. I hate constipated babies. Have you tried prune juice? Seriously! When Mason was a baby he got majorly constipated (would only poop every 7 days after a suppository) the Doc had me give him 1 ounce of prune juice 2-3 times a day and it solved all his problems. Although we then had the problem of nauseating gas accompaning the regular poops. Good Luck. Big or small Finn is pretty stinkin' cute!!

Katie said...

But, dang, look how cute and pudgey those cheeks are!


I'm so sorry he's not feeling well!