Abdominal painM

My son is 11 mnths. At 4wks he was operated on for a strangulated hernia where his bowel was bruised and blood shot.Ever since then he has had abdominal discomfort daily, where he will straighten his legs & cry out.This also effects his appetite.His weight is 18ibs which is below average. Unfortunately he also is slightly delayed in his developement (not sitting for long periods of time or rolling) & a very small head. Although this may be unrelated I want to give you the whole picture. Up until now doctors have said he as "colic".I have recently started to wean him from breastmilk to cow,s milk and have noticed things have got worse. A couple of days ago he was reluctant to eat or drink and cry out straightening his legs.I took him to the doctor who said he was "bunged up" and gave him an enima.He does not sufer from consipation.Even after emptying his bowels he can still be in discomfort.Could he have a slugish Bowel or could he be lactose intolerant? Please can you help me as no one else can.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

There are several reasons for colic in an infant.  At times switching to cow's milk can cause this.  Changing to a hypoallergenic diet often alleviates the symptoms.  Intolerance to fruit juice and lactose can also be culprits.  Another consideration would be intestinal hypermotility secondary to a presumed autonomic imbalance.

From UptoDate, here are some suggestions that may resolve colic based on studies:

Likely to be beneficial

[ozark]

what are your sons bowel movements like?  my concern is if he has some anatomical problem where he might get a little obstructed intermittently.........has he had any tests like a barium enema?  you could always go back to the surgeon or see a pediatric gastroenterologist as the dr stated