OT: Anyone have an older child with GERD? Acid Reflux?

[Ladyw/theTramp]

I posted this on the Budget board, but thought you all might be able to help as well....


My DS7 has been having problems with his stomache for over 6 months now and he finally got an Upper GI done and it shows that he has acid reflux. He had it as an infant, but we didn't realize he still had it or had it again until last week. He never complains of the heartburn feeling/bad taste in his mouth, etc... it's always just a bellyache... sometimes pretty severe!

Anyway, I wondered if anyone out there had dealt with this as well. He is already on 15mg Prevacid twice a day and he still has to stop eating about halfway through each meal and go lay down. Poor guy!

I have been online looking for ideas on how to change his diet (which is terribly poor to start with), but all of the recipes I'm seeing are things that I don't think I could even begin to get him to eat.

No flames, please,... the foods he eats most often (and loves ) are nuggets, cheeseburgers, chili dogs, spaghetti, chili, tacos, etc (I know! Acid reflux nightmare!) He loves fruit, but he hasn't touched a vegetable except for the occasional carrot that is in the Chicken Noodle soup and anything I've bribed him to try.

I know things need to change and I realize that I need to put more time into planning the meal, but does anyone have some ideas of recipes?


My last question is this... Is it better for someone who has GERD to always be snacking and not let his belly get too empty? Or are bigger meals better.. or does it matter? If snacking might help, I will talk to the school about it and I'm sure they will let him have something between breakfast and lunch. I'm sure they are tired of sending him to the nurses office every day!


TIA for any thoughts or commiseration... It has been a long 6 months for the little guy!

 

[Samismom]

My dd is 6 and is back on medications for reflux. She was weaned off at 2 1/2 and put back on at 4 1/2. I find snacking throughout the day helps her. I also find that keeping her well hydrated helps alot too. My dd is on 15 mg of prevacid in the morning and on Pepcid at night. Perhaps you should talk to the gi about adding Pepcid or Mylanta.? My dd is a very picky eater too so I can't help there, but my GI did tell us years ago that he has reflux and many foods don't bother him, so it isn't always what you eat that sets it off. Hope he feels better soon!

 

[Desnik]

I feel so bad for your DS! I know what he is going through. My last pregnancy gave me acid reflux and it never went away. Also, DS has had acid reflux since infancy. Luckily at 4yo he doesn't seem to have it anymore. It was a nightmare for the first 3 years of his life. Anyway, changing his diet along with the meds should help him tremendously. No need for special recipes, he just needs to stay away from the foods that will trigger the acid. Nothing spicey, even some fruits will trigger it like lemons, oranges, tomato sauce, anything fried, those tacos and chili you said he likes. Here's a link to a list of foods to avoid:
http://heartburn.about.com/cs/dietfood/a/heartburnfoods3.htm
Take note that that also suggests 6 small meals instead of 3 large meals per day. Also, no caffine, tea, dairy products. I know it seems like a lot of stuff, but it really isn't bad. I have totally had to change what I eat and I am a very pickey eater and like the same stuff most kids do!LOL It has been hard at first, but so worth the relief of not having that acid build up. I also find that if I go without eating for awhile the acid stirs up. I have to try to make sure I don't let my stomach go empty.
Good luck and I hope he feels better soon. But remember it will take a lot of extra effort on your part to provide him with the right stuff.

 

[pnutallergymom]

Hi,

My DD8mo has severe reflux as well. If you go to www.parent-2-parent.com They are a huge source of information for reflux.

Thanks,

Shannon

good luck!! I know how hard it is.