Doing It Right This Time

You may remember that when Bethany was about one month old she started having poop issues that led to a very stressful, scary week and a trip to the big city to see a pediatric GI specialist.  Thankfully, it turned out to be a milk protein allergy that is totally treatable and something she should out grow by the time she is 1.  You can read about it here, here and here.  Looking back, I think the worse thing I did during that long, frightening week was to stay quiet.  I didn't blog about it right away.  I didn't even tell my family or most of my friends.  I internalized the whole ordeal.  That is why I decided to talk about it this time.

Her poop problems are back.  No blood in the stool this time, but I am changing a liquidy to mushy diaper about 4-5 times a day.  It started last Thursday.  Her poor little bottom is a mess, but it is getting better now.  She doesn't scream every time I wipe it, like she was.  Mostly I am frustrated because now I am thinking that she is having allergic problems with the solid foods I have been giving her.  Of course, my mom brain is analyzing, but my nurse brain has kicked into high gear.  I started a feeding/diaper changing log today to see if they are related.  It's totally normal for a mom to note the consistency, color, graininess and size of her daughter's poops, right?  I was thinking about making a spread sheet, but decided it would be too much work, and the doctor might think I'm really weird.

Speaking of the doctor, Bethany has an appointment to see him on Wednesday.  I was already planning to head down to our old church for Mom2Mom because the kids have the day off from school, so it works out well.  I am guessing she is allergic to more than just milk protein and that is causing the diarrhea, but who knows.  I am going into this one trusting that God is in control and have made a conscience decision not to panic.  So that is why I am writing it all out here.  If I don't share it out loud my mind will go to places that I don't want it to go.  I just ask all of you, my friends and family, to be praying for my mental sanity and for Bethany.  If it's His will to just take it all away, wonderful, but mostly I don't want her to be uncomfortable.  And just for strength to get through this, again.  Thank you and I will update you all when I know more.

By the way, did I mention that this only happens when Shad is out of town?  Yes, both times.