Over winter break, we attempted to drop one dose of prevacid for Sam and Anna's reflux, to just one dose a day for each of them. Earlier in December we successfully dropped the third dose that they had been taking since the acid reflux got under control last summer and so I was hopeful that it would be the beginning of the end of dispensing medication via syringe 6 total times a day. Unfortunately, it didn't take long before Sam and Anna were spitting up lots of formula again, and it didn't take long for the bottle refusing to pick back up either. That old but very familiar frustration and worry about bottle feeding and weight gain came flooding back and I most definitely don't want to be in that place ever again, so we quickly went back to 2 times a day again.
It was disappointing that it didn't work because I had fantasies that we could finally put the reflux and feeding issues behind us for good. It also made me realize that I am not going to be willing to risk the return of uncontrolled reflux and everything that comes with it again for a long time, this time. It will be awhile before we take the plunge to try to drop a dose again.
Failure #2: At the new year, I had declared that Sam and Anna's New Year Resolution was going to be to stop using pacifiers, and, well... basically- I'm a wuss. First it was delayed because we had company and it wouldn't be polite to let your babies cry it out with guests in the house, you know? Then Sam and Anna got their second colds which seemed to hang around forever. I just couldn't take away a comfort item when they were feeling crummy. They also went back to daycare after almost two weeks at home and I thought waiting until after that transition would be better. Then my husband was out of town for work and like hell I was going to potentially endure sleep issues voluntarily by myself. Then the excuses got a little weaker- "Anna's more fussy than usual, maybe she's teething." "Sam seems to have amped up the separation anxiety- we can't take the pacifier away now."
Now here we are mid-January already and we haven't even attempted a night without the pacifiers. It doesn't look promising we'll try anytime soon, either, because my husband's next work trip starts on Monday. Eh- I'm not worried. We just used the New Year Resolution as a way to make it fun for us and give us a start date. Plus, I haven't had a kindergartner yet that still used one and I'm pretty sure my two won't be the first!
8 comments:
Confession: I had a pacifier until I was 3. And then my mom bribed me with a trip to Toys-R-Us ("You can pick out ANYTHING in the whole store if you give me your pacifier!"). Guess what I picked out? An electric toothbrush. All of those toys & that's what I chose. That same night at bedtime, I told Mom that I didn't want my toothbrush anymore & to give me back my paci.
I'm sure you'll have Sam & Anna weaned before 3 years old. :) Hopefully it won't be too traumatic. Camden never took a paci, which I hated back when he was an infant, but I guess it's a blessing now-- one less thing to wean him from.
Sorry about the Prevacid. I think you definitely made the right call by putting them back on 2 doses immediately.
I hate that dropping a dose of meds didn't go as well as you had planned. I know that had to be disheartening to see that they still needed the medication. But it isn't a failure - just a sign that they still need the medication to be able to eat without enduring pain. There is no harm in continuing those meds a little longer except for the fact that you have to give it to them.
As far as the pacifiers - well, I thought that was too funny that you assigned the kids their own New Year's Resolutions and then assisted them in breaking them right off the bat! Way to go! (Just Kidding!!!) I really don't think it is a big deal at this point. You will be able to wein them off of them at some point in the future - when they are ready. I wouldn't stress out about it too much.
I wouldn't worry too much about the pacifiers (as I know you're not). It's comforting for them. And you're right, not too many kindergarteners go to school with pacis in their mouths!
Oh, and that sucks about the reflux!
I wouldn't stress one bit about the pacifier resolution...they're doing fine it seems. Plus, you technically have one whole year to accomplish that goal and you're only in January. Sounds to me like you have plenty of time. :)
Those aren't failures...those are your children saying they aren't ready for those changes yet.
My daughter was on anti reflux meds until she was 16 months old. There is nothing "wrong" with it. Though I can understand your wanting to rid yourself of the additional "thing to do"
Don't worry at all about the paci's. Like you said, they won't be using them forever! Lexi doesn't seem to care too much for it, but we still like that she will take one because sometimes it makes giving her medicine easier. So really, we're almost just hanging on to them for ourselves. Kind of messed up, huh? And as far as medicine weaning, I feel you on that. We are still at 3 doses a day because whenever I try to eliminate one, all hell breaks loose. Lexi is almost 14 months old so it's sad she's till on such a high dose but you do what you have to do and really, when you think about how things used to be with refusal and weight issues, it's not as big of a deal to dose the meds even though it's still kind of a hassle. I'm sure at some point they'll be able to wean down. I've heard once they start walking usually things get way better, which means we could be dosing until Lexi is 3 ;)
Reflux stinks! All three of my kids have had to take Prevacid!
And don't sweat the pacifier! We took it away from our oldest girl right before she turned two and she was mad for maybe two days. And her teeth are gorgeous, so you still have time!
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