When it rains, it pours...

:cry:

Hey everyone,

I know I don't post here much, but I am looking for some support. DH left 2 weeks ago on deployment and so far we have had 2 teeth per twin, 2yo has strep, 4 yo missed last day of school because of possible strep, Ryan has had double ear infection, and Emily has a virus that is causing ulcers in her throat. I've had them all at the doctor, plus each of the twins in the ER because of the illnesses. Now Ryan is refusing to take a bottle, sippy cup, straw - anything. I've come down to using a syringe to put formula in his mouth after he falls asleep because he totally freaks out when he sees a bottle. I know he is teething the top teeth now, and I've got him on motrin, teething tabs, plus his antibiotic and ear drops. What else can I do? I feel like I am reaching the end of my rope and am running out of options. I don't want to have to take him back to the ER to have them put him on an IV for fluids, but I am getting closer and closer to that reality. My dr told me to take him back to the ER if I couldn't get him to drink anything, but to try everything. The ER doc (went to the children's hospital here) said as long as he is still making wet diapers not to worry too much. But they both told me to try to get him to drink. I've tried pedialyte, gatorade, apple juice, popcicles, water. I don't know what else to do. Has anyone had this happen? What did you do? Can anyone give me some help? I'd really appreciate it.

TIA!
Amy

 

Oh Amy I am so so sorry :hug: You have a LOT going on right now ~
Unfortunately I have never had that happen so I don't know what you should try - but I just wanted to send you a big hug & tell you to hang in there & take it hour by hour.
Hopefully some others will have some good advice for you on getting the LO's drinking ~

 

I am so sorry you are going through so much right now! What's the saying...If something is to go wrong, it will happen when DH is away? My boys fight bottles when they are teething, but nothing like that. I'm wondering if he has strep too since he may not want to swallow. Have you tried baby orajel? I didn't do it at night, but used it during the day. Maybe even try freezing a washcloth for him to chew on. I'm just throwing ideas out there now, but if maybe if you massage his gums before trying to get him to drink. Have you tried helping him with a cup (with no lid)? I'm really thinking of you and hope you get some relief soon.


OT: My DH just deployed so if you ever need to vent about being alone, feel free to PM me!

 

:hug: I would call your Ped and let them know what is going on. I hope he feels better soon.

 

Oh gosh, you poor thing! How did the rest of last night go? :hug:

 

I'm so sorry you're going through this! My heart goes out to you.

Nate decided a couple of months ago that he wouldn't take a bottle any more. I think it started with teething, but now I cannot force a nipple past his lips. (He'll still breastfeed, but my supply is in the toilet, and that's a whole 'nother post entirely!)

The only things I've gotten to work are mixing the formula with a little rice cereal or oatmeal and feeding it to him on a spoon. Yes, it's messy; yes, it takes forever. But I can at least get some nutrients into him. Is Ryan eating his solids okay (from your .sig it looks like he's about 8 months old, so I'm assuming he's eating solids)? If so, you might be able to use this trick.

Also, yesterday (after unsuccessfully trying a bottle with Nate AGAIN), I took the nipple off and put the open bottle up to his mouth. To my surprise, he opened wide! I poured some formula in his mouth and he drank it! I had to hold a burp cloth under his chin to catch the spillage (there was a lot of it!), but I managed to get a couple of ounces in him without any fuss. You could try cup-feeding Ryan and see if that works.

If you can't get any liquids into him, you may need to take him in to the ER, but maybe the tricks I mentioned might work.

Good luck and keep us posted!

 

Both babies are eating solids, although Emily doesn't want to eat right now. I don't blame her - I don't eat when my throat is killing me! Ryan will eat 2-3 jars of baby food at one sitting. Plus I mix formula with rice cereal to start off the meal. But I'm just worried he isn't getting the fluids he needs. He does have hydronephrosis on both kidneys. Not that I'm worried about that. He doesn't need treatment for it but just having an issue with them makes me nervous. I don't breast feed, so he isn't getting any fluids that way. He will take a couple of sips of a cup, but I do mean a couple - no more!

Last night was much better. Ryan actually slept. The night before he didn't get to sleep until about 4:30 in the morning. It was miserable. Yesterday was the first day that I didn't have a baby crying for extended periods. It was almost peaceful! It is just so hard because I don't have any family here. I have a nanny come weekdays and that helps tremendously, but I don't have any help on nights or weekends and of course, that is when things are the hardest. I just really feel like I am failing my kids and I don't know what to do about that. Thanks for all your replys. I really appreciate the positive words!