Does my baby have Pyloric Stenosis?

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Does my baby have Pyloric Stenosis?
« on: December 15, 2008, 09:32:05 AM » by herbs girl

I am worrying that my 9 week old daughter has pyloric stenosis. She started projectile vomiting at about 3 weeks old or so. And it is seeming to get worse. Mainly when she is gagging or choking on her milk, she will vomit most or all of the feeding in a projectile manner usually. Sometimes she will just vomit for no apparant reason. She has thrown up 4 times or so between Saturday nite and Sunday nite. I dont think she is gaining anymore even though her initial wieght gain is good.

I also cant get her to drink very much formula. She drinks 2- 2 1/2 oz at one time every 3-4 hours. Sometimes I can get her to drink more, but She was drinking almost TWICE this much a few weeks ago, so It is concerning me.

She wieghs 12 lbs or so, and doesnt seem to be gaining in the last week- to week and 1/2.

I would really appriciate any expereinces on how to tell the difference between Reflux and Pyloric Stenosis. MY son had Severe reflux but his started at 2 days old, not 3 weeks.

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Re: Does my baby have Pyloric Stenosis?
« Reply #1 on: December 15, 2008, 04:29:39 PM » by maceoghain

BUMP for herbs girl!

herbs girl, some questions for you:
1. Does she ever cry a lot before throwing up, or is she calm before?
2. Does she seem to feel better afterward?
3. Have you tried burping her more frequently?
4. Have you considered if she might be allergic to the formula?

One of my nephews was nicknamed "Old Faithful" as a newborn because he would cry and then about 5-10 minutes later would projectile vomit. He was breastfed.

My other nephew was on formula and would vomit until they figured out he was allergic to the regular formula. They switched him to soy and it improved, but didn't disappear altogether. I do have my reservations about feeding babies soy formula though...maybe you could try making your own? Nourishing Traditions has some recipes.

Both of my children (1 DD, 1 DS) were severe spitters as infants, also breastfed. Every burp was a spit-up. It always looks like a lot of liquid, but it really isn't that much.

I know nothing about the specific question you posed, but I thought I would offer some encouragement!

kate

« Last Edit: December 15, 2008, 04:37:00 PM by maceoghain »
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Re: Does my baby have Pyloric Stenosis?
« Reply #2 on: December 15, 2008, 06:49:10 PM » by petrimama

I've got experience with both pyloric stenosis and reflux and I still get scared every time b/c they can have similar symptoms. Keep in mind that both are hereditary, so if your son had reflux, that's a good sign. My babies always increased their spitting around 3 weeks, too. PS usually doesn't show symptoms before 6 weeks. The slowed weight gain is what would concern me more than anything else because appetites and spitting up can increase and decrease at times for other reasons.
Does baby seem at all dehydrated or lethargic? Is the spitting consistent or worse instead of better? These would also concern me. Does she have bowel movements? If so, that means she is still getting enough food. If her BMs are decreasing and she is always acting hungry, that's not a good sign.
I recommend laying baby flat on her back (not right after a feeding) and pressing her abdomen with you finger tips to feel her stomach and try to find the lower end of her stomach. If it is in fact pyloric stenosis, there will be a lump (that is the pyloric sphincter) that would not otherwise be there. You may want to print an intestinal chart off the internet if you are unfamiliar with infant anatomy.
All of that said, I would not hesitate to call a doctor if you are concerned. Last I heard, the standard test was a simple abdominal ultrasound. In the event that it gives ambiguous results, they may do an U/S with contrast, but that is very rare and still not too bad.
One thing that I want to stress, though is that you follow your gut. Even if the doctors try to write you off with the fact that she is not a firstborn male, if you think something is wrong you should insist on a proper diagnosis after a thorough exam. And don't forget to pray. Sometimes the Great Physician will step right in and beat the amateurs to the cure. Wink

Keep us posted. ~L

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Re: Does my baby have Pyloric Stenosis?
« Reply #3 on: December 16, 2008, 01:05:32 AM » by herbs girl

Thanks, Ladies!

She does seem really sleepy and not really care if she eats that much. She hasnt thrown up at all today, but her appetite is not that great. Her wet diapers seem to be decreasing, and dirty diapers are decreasing in volume for some of them.

She is not dehydrated, I am sure of that, but if she keeps this up she is going to lose wieght or never gain anything. What could be taking away her appetite so bad??

My husband's brother had Pyloric Stenosis and he almost died from it. He was 3-4 months when he had surgery. He was not having any dirty or wet diapers at all, and the doctor kept saying it was nothing, until they finally realized it was serious.

Her vomiting seems to go in spells. Once she vomits once, it seems to do it 2-3 more times in a row or every other feeding. Then she slows down for a day or two. She does not cry alot before she throws up, but rather acts like something is not right or gags.

My previous baby (boy) had the abdominal ultrasound and An Upper GI barium swallow X-ray to rule out Pyloric Stenosis. They said he had a bad case of Reflux. But the funny thing is, my first two children didnt spit much at all, compared to this.

When she spits up like that, it is usually soaks me (enough to verify changing my clothes) and Soaks her clothes, where I have to put on a whole new outfit. That is how I am sure it is most if not all of the feeding.

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