1. Ben is skinny. We get it. Once in the 50th percentile, he's now below the first. We tried plumping him up by keeping extremely detailed lists of every food that entered his little body and then played around with percentages. 50% fat and 1200 calories a day resulted in no weight gain and loads of diarrhea. So then we lowered the fat and raised the protein and that helped the diapers but not the weight. We were elated to discover he'd gained 4/10ths of a pound only to watch the scale plummet right back down a few days later. We're still keeping the detailed list of foods along with pictures of his face and butt (nice, huh?) to give the naturopath or allergist or nutritionist or whatever specialist we eventually decide on. But as for weight gain? I give up.
2. Ben is rashy. We get that, too. His rashes wax and wane, and they are most definitely much improved from the horrific-ness of weeks past. But they're still there and I just don't know why.
3. I kept him off all foods except the least allergenic for 15 or 16 days. Things got better. Then I gave him a banana. Whoa, dog. Insta-rash. Then days later, sweet potatoes. Whoa, diggity dog. Insta-rash/diarrhea. Then days later, milk. WHOA hot diggity dog. The worst of all reactions by far. He can't truly be allergic to everything, right?
4. I think Ben has Acrodermatitis Enteropathica (a fancy word for a zinc deficiency), brought on by undiagnosed food allergies. I think his is the acquired version rather than the inherited. I'm not doctor, but the puzzle pieces fit. The problem? We already know his zinc levels are scary-low and he's already on a supplement. If he STILL has low zinc levels, it's because we're still exposing him to allergens we don't even know about. This is never-ending.
I just want to change his diaper without watching him scream in pain because his butt is so raw that he can't even sit down. I just want him to be pain-free. I love my little snuggle butt more than words.
Chelsea my heart breaks for you, I've been there when my 11 year old was nine she was diagnosed after nine months with severe gastroenteritis. All you can do is trust your "mama" instict, and do what you feel is best. Keeping seeking opinions, and trying new things. Have you gone totally organic yet? That is was the cure was for us. That and pro-biotics. One of the best diaper creams I've ever used is Paladin, you can buy it at Walgreens. That stuff is awesome. Anyways, just letting you know I've been praying for your little family, and will continue to do so.
ReplyDeleteMay you have peace & comfort, and answers soon as to what is ailing your little man.
Blessings,
Heather
Oh no, poor mama and poor little Ben :( I thought you finally had this licked. Sounds like time to get together with that allergist or neuropath or whatever you decide...you can only do so much on your own, and it sounds like you have already done EVERYTHING! Best of luck - I'll be thinking about you!
ReplyDeleteAwww...I was wondering how things were going. I hope the little guy gets better :)
ReplyDeleteI thought you were doing something with cloth diapers? Like maybe a shop? I would love some more reviews since I found out i'm pregnant and wouldn't mind investing in some good diapers!
If you are any where near Ohio . . . please check out Trillium Health Clinic in Lancaster and Dr. Barbara Singer OR Dr. Sherri Tenpenny in the Cleveland area. I believe either one of them could help you. I know how difficult it is when your child is allergic to EVERYTHING except one or two things. Our son when a toddler was allergic to every thing but bannanas and rice. . . . tough days. But they got better once we got sane non-traditional medical help for him.
ReplyDeleteGosh, Chelsea, I hope you and Ben find relief soon. I feel so bad for you all and hope you get answers soon. I know we're far away, but we have an amazing pediatrician in Phoenix who works in an office with 10 doctors. If she can't find the answer to Ben's issues, then there's someone in her office who can. Just let me know, and I'll forward you her info. I'll keep you all in my thoughts. Hang in there!
ReplyDeleteI went to the link you posted and gave it a quick scan, and that does sound like Ben. I sympathize with your dilemma about already having him on zinc supplements, though. Here's a random idea--not researched at all before I posted it--is it possible that Ben is both zinc-deficient AND allergic to zinc? Making it a vicious circle? Just an idea.
ReplyDeletepoor little man! and honestly- not a doctor either, but he doesn't LOOK that skinny. thin, sure, but in an unhealthy way? not at all. kids are getting fatter and fatter, doesn't that affect the percentiles? i would be curious to see where he fell on those percentile charts from a few decades ago when the average weight of the population was lower.
ReplyDeleteI wonder if it is something that both Bananas and Sweet potatoes have (and milk - as it is harder for immature digestive systems to digest). My mom breaks out with regular potatoes, apples, basically any high in vitamin A foods. She can eat them if they are cooked, but can't prepare them without her hands breaking out in hives.
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