kati's Page

Hi Kati

So sorry to hear you're going through such a had time.
I haven't gone private myself but quite a number of people here have.
There's a paed especialised in GI in London called Dr. Thomson, his website is www.paediatricgastroenterologist.co.uk, some babies here have been seen by him with great results, so hopefully they'll be able to give you more information about him and other private paeds in London.
Hope this help, you have the contact details on the website so you might be able to ring and arrange an appointment for next week.
Good luck and keep us posted on your little mite's progress.
Take care
Helena X

Hi Kati
There's another paed on Great Ormond Street Hospital called Dr. Shah who also sees patients privately.
Helena X

Hi Katie

Unfortunately constipation is a common side effect of Gaviscon. If you feel that this medication is not helping Cameron and his symptoms are getting worse then I would return to your GP as there is another medication called Rantidine which they can prescribe which turns down the acid pumps in the stomach and may be slightly more effective than Gaviscon. Unfortunately it seems to be trial and error as some first stage medications like Gaviscon can work better for some babies than others it depends on the severity of their reflux. If Cameron is prescribed this medication and it doesn't seem to be working after about 3-4 weeks I would return to the GP again and ask for a referral to a paediatrician as they have the authority to prescribe better medications as a lot of mums on here have had to do. As regards breast feeding most articles that I have read on the internet and in books indicate that breast feeding is better for babies with reflux as it is more easily digested than formula so it stays in their digestive system for a shorter period of time so there is less chance of it being refluxed back. If you feel the breastfeeding is working for you then by all means carry on with it. You can always try the added rice formulas such as SMA Staydown and Enfamil AR to see if these make any difference, they tend to work on the same principle as the Gaviscon by thickening the feed once it reaches the stomach but without the constipation side effects. If you find something that works stick with it, most things are trial and error, what works for one baby doesn't always work for another. Another thing to bear in mind is some babies with reflux tend to have milk protein allergy so if you are breastfeeding you may want to try cutting milk and products containing milk protein out of your diet or if you switch to formula getting your GP to prescribe you a hypoallergenic formula such as Neocate or Nutramigen.

Take care and let us know you how get on.

Hi Katie

I hope you notice an improvement in Cameron's symptoms with the Rantidine, if not then you may need to see a paediatrician, another point to bear in mind which you may already know is that the medications are weight dependent so if Cameron is gaining weight ok then the dosages may need to be adjusted as he gains weight. Here's hoping you start to see an improvement in his condition soon.

Take care

Lisa

xxx

Hi Kati

I would try to give the medicine 15-30 mins before a feed or ASAP before a feed then it gives it time to be absorbed into the digestive system before he feeds.

Hi Katie
Just wondering how you and Cameron are doing.
Did you manage to book an appointment with any of the paeds?
At the moment things are so bad with Alex that I'm considering going private myself as I'm at my wits end.
Hope you're well.
Helena X

Kati

Noticed your message for Helena. Not sure where you live but since you mentioned Chelsea and Westminster I presume you are London based? We have seen Dr Thomson at Portland for both my children with good results. There is another guy there called Dr Eltumi who I have also heard is good.

This is Dr Thomsons website - http://www.paediatricgastroenterologist.co.uk/

Good luck

He sounds like a bit of a knob! In my experience Dr Thomson only investigates further if meds don't work as he believes the investigations are invasive and unnecessary if the meds can work alone. We saw him for both my children and we have been able to control the symptoms without the need for any investigations. Last time we saw him for my daughter we did have some blood tests done for her wheezy chest. I don't have experience of Dr Eltumi but my friend said he was very good. I haven't heard of the other guy you mentioned. I remember Dr Thomson saying once that there was no need for these babies to be in discomfort and they would be able to do something to help them it may just take a little time to find what works.

Let me know if you have any other questions as happy to help.

Mx