Member Comments are provided by individuals and reflect their personal opinions only. Under NO circumstances should you act on any advice or opinion posted in this forum. ALWAYS check with your personal physician before taking any action regarding your health! MedHelp International and our partners, sponsors and affiliates have no obligation to monitor any comments posted on this site, or the content and/or accuracy of such exchanges. MedHelp International does not endorse the views of any user.
Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
3 yr. old with blood and pain
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
 |
3 yr. old with blood and pain
by concerned-daddy, Dec 05, 2002 12:00AM
My 3 year old son was suffering from severe stomach cramping (which would last approx. 5-10 min. which would occur sporatically 2 times a day to once or twice a week) We took him to the pediatrician and was tested and diagnosed with having parianal strepococcus dermititus about 6 weeks ago. (strep around his anus) Please forgive my spelling. He was prescibed 2 rounds of antibiotic to get rid of it. (1st - Clindimycin for 10 days, then Augmetin & Flagyl for 21 days.) During the 21 day round of medicine he began having very loose bowel movements with some blood. About a week after finishing the 21 day round of Anitbotics, he was retested for strep and was negative around his anus but show barely positive orally(very very faint blue line). He was prescribed another round of antibiotic (double dose of Zithromax). Before we began giving him the Zithromax, he began have more severe stomach cramping, diaherra, & alot more blood in his stool. He had 10 bowel movements, all which were pastey green followed by clear mucus with bright red blood mixed with it. Original pediatricain thought that this was strep related. We took him to another pediatrican for a second opinion. The second pediatrician said that this was not related to strep but could be result of taking all the antibotics. He tested a stool sample for bacteria. (Which were all negative) We scheduled him for an appointment with a GI doctor. He performed an upper & lower GI on my 3 yr old. He found ulcers in his lower colon area. He prescribed Flagyl again. He tested negative for Chone's. Flagyl again?
You may need (at least) a second opinion, to find out what is causing the ulcers, and how to heal them.
Flagyl is very strong, and has many side effects. Why is the doc prescribing the Flagyl? What is causing the ulcers? I urge you to get a second opinion (at least).
Also, have you tried any of the following?:
1) A milk-free form of probiotics (the good bacteria that antibiotics kill off, in the large intestine), such as "Bifidus infantum", (for all ages) by a company called Ethical Nutrients.
These good bacteria (probiotics) gently get rid of bad bacteria, bad yeasts, & even some bad viruses. The Bifidus infantum comes in a powdered form, which you mix with good quality water, and drink. This can be bought at a good health food store (keep refrigerated). Follow label directions, for a 3 year old child.
2) A milk-free diet,
3) A gluten-free diet. This means avoiding foods containing gluten, which means: avoid wheat, rye, oats, barley & buckwheat. (See the gastric reflux tips I will post for you, as the next message).
Brown rice is gluten-free. Corn is also gluten-free, but many people are allergic to corn, so avoid corn. Some children do better when they avoid all grains, until later on, and then, brown rice may agree with them.
4) Visit a very good pediatric Allergist, to find out whether your son has FOOD ALLERGIES &/or FOOD SENSITIVITIES. Ask for a STOOL TEST for gluten sensitivity (see #3 above), such as Celiac Disease.
I hope your son gets well fast.
Concerned lady
http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com
Please check with your doctor, first, before trying these tips to be sure they are safe, in your particular situation.
GER=Gastro-Esophageal Reflux. (Gastro=stomach. Esophagus=food tube.)
LPR= Laryngeal-Pharyngeal Reflux. (Larynx=voice box, containing the 2 vocal cords. Pharynx=throat, above the larynx. The larynx is above the trachea/windpipe.)
Reflux=acidic or alkaline stomach material that backs up into the esophagus (food tube), causing any of these problems (at least): VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospasm attacks, cough, voice problems, asthma, globus (feeling of lump in throat), constant need to clear throat, much extra throat mucus, worsening of sinus condition, sore throat, laryngitis, voice problems, pre-cancerous conditions of throat &/or esophagus, etc.
SOME GER/LPR CONTROL THINGS WE DO, that we learned from the excellent book: STOMACH AILMENTS AND DIGESTIVE DISTURBANCES, by Michael T. Murray, N.D. See page 9, References, in my website: http://cantbreathesuspectvcd.com and, also see GER/LPR info on page 5, and on LINKS page.
PLEASE READ THIS GREAT BOOK. It may possibly be bought on-line, from Michael T. Murray’s website.
Some of the following we learned from people &/or other books, &/or other good websites about voice, GER, etc.
(1) DGL (De-Glycyrrhizinated Licorice) is one of our main methods of controlling the GER/LPR. We use Enzymatic Therapy brand DGL, shortly (about 20 minutes) before ALL meals (breakfast, lunch, supper, and snacks). The DGL does NOT cause high blood pressure, and does NOT cause fluid retention/edema, because a bad (steroidal) part of whole/crude licorice has been removed, leaving the DGL. Chewable DGL tablets are available at most health food stores, and at good pharmacies. DGL capsules are said to not be effective:
The DGL tablet(s) must be chewed, to mix with saliva, to be effective. If a DGL tablet is too dry (which could cause a cough), one could put a few drops of water on the tablet, and then chew it up. Chew DGL tablet(s) just for a few seconds, to mix with saliva, shortly before (about 20 minutes before) EVERY meal, and if necessary, between meals (Read label directions). Chewing the DGL tablets for TOO long a time, may cause a burning sensation on the tongue & in the mouth. (I do not know if this is from the DGL, or another ingredient).
The DGL seems to not only promote healing of throat, esophagus and stomach, but also seems to help prevent OUR reflux.(resulting in no more globus/lump in throat sensation, no more constant throat clearing, excess mucous, excess phlegm, no more NIGHT-TIME VCD/Vocal Cord Dysfunction/Laryngospams attacks, no more laryngitis, etc. for us)
We like the taste of the plain, fructose-free, DGL CHEWABLE tablets, but for those who hate the taste, try mixing a crushed DGL tablet with a tiny bit of mashed organic banana, and then chew, to mix with saliva. Avoid any DGL that contains mint. (Mint—in all forms, can cause gastric reflux episodes. AVOID MINT!!).
Here’s how to pronounce “De-Glycyrrhizinated” Licorice: “dee gl eye sir rise in eh ted” licorice.
(2) We use Thayers brand of SLIPPERY ELM Throat Lozenges when we feel the need. (Soothing, coating, healing, nourishing). Slippery Elm (inner bark from a tree) also comes in teabag form, or in bulk, etc. as an herbal supplement.
(3) We drink the occasional small glass of CARROT JUICE (organic, fresh) which soothes, coats, heals the digestive tract, is nourishing, and stimulates the immune system, with beta-carotene, soothing and coating PECTIN (a type of fiber), and other good nutrients. Carrot soup, cooked carrots are also good. Beta-carotene is heat resistant. Beta-carotene later is turned into Vitamin A inside us. Do not overdo on carrot juice. If your skin turns orange, drink less carrot juice. Avoid beta-carotene pills -- too potent (can harm the liver, if one has liver problems).
(4) We tried elevating the head of the bed a few inches, by putting 6 inch to 8 inch BLOCKS, ON THE FLOOR, under the head end of the bed. This creates a slant (tilt), where the head is 6 to 8 inches higher than the feet. This helps some people, but not all people. (Check with a pediatric Gastro-enterologist, about raising the head end of a bed of a child, or a crib of an infant). Also, see (16) about a special GERD PILLOW, for adults.
(5) We try NOT TO BEND OVER too often, and we try to AVOID STRAINING (Valsalva maneuver). We AVOID LIFTING HEAVY objects. (No weight lifting!) (at least until after no more reflux symptoms for 3 months). Sit without any pressure on the abdomen or stomach (knees lower than hips). Avoid running (shakes up the stomach). Avoid gymnastics, etc. Walking is best, until fully recovered.
(a) If CONSTIPATION is causing any straining, see Ref.15,18,23,24,25 on page 9 for ideas about gently treating constipation, including eating whole grains, not white (de-natured ones), etc. For us, exercise, increased water intake, acidophilus/bifidus, digestive enzymes, avoiding junk food, improved diet, chewing slowly (takes will power!), eating when not under stress or angry, etc., all are helpful.
(6) NO MORE TIGHT pants, belt, corset,--AVOID TIGHT CLOTHING, avoid tight elastic around waist, etc.
(7) We try to not eat too much junk food. Some people avoid acidic food, while others need to eat acidic food, if their stomach is not producing any (or enough) acid. (It is good to avoid acid, if one has an ulcer.) These gastric reflux tips methods often can help to heal ulcers. Some people need betaine hydrochloride supplements, which becomes HCl/hydrochloric acid, or, some use vinegar (acetic acid) in salads, or mixed with water, while others need to avoid eating excess acid. Each person is unique. We avoid all artificial sweeteners. Anyone with diabetes can read the excellent book Reversing Diabetes