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Monday, February 6, 2012

Reflux is a bitch

I've been up since 4am so a bullet point post about reflux is about all my brain can handle.

~ Remember when I told you the pediatrician gave us neo.cate to try?  I want to try it so badly to see if it will help Emily's reflux but I'm worried that it will help her and I know we won't be able to afford it.  This magic potion is 139.00 for 4 tiny cans that will last us 8 days.  Are you kidding me? If anyone has any secret neo.cate hookups I will be your best friend forever if you pass that info along to me.  It's sad that we pay a shit load of money every month for insurance and we can't get what we need for our baby.  The reflux meds that have worked best for her aren't covered and now they won't help to cover the cost of a formula that could possibly ease her pain. 

~ Someone needs to invent a play mat for babies with reflux. I would pay a million dollars for that right now.

~ Who has recommendations for propping up the crib or the mattress or who has used a tucker sling, AR wedge, or any other reflux sleep solutions for the crib?  Eventually, Emily is going to outgrow her rock and play sleeper and I need some options for her crib.

That's all I've got. I'm tired.

18 comments:

  1. I am so sorry. That must be so hard to know you can't afford that formula (who could???).
    Have you tried the Nap Nanny? It is expensive, but you can put it anywhere and it really props them up. I never bought one since they are $150 and Avery doesn't have reflux, but I would have if she had reflex.
    You might be able to find one on Craigslist or a consignment shop?
    Good luck!

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  2. I'm so sorry to hear Emily has reflux. Evan had the same thing and didn't grow out of it until he was almost one. Must be in the family! He had it so bad he turned blue on me and that's when we found out he had it. Evan's Dr. never mentioned meds tho. I did experiment with different formula's. I noticed it was worse with breast milk so I would mix both together. We ended up using Similac for spit up. When he got a little older we switched to Up&UP (target brand) it's compared to Similac. It didn't completely take it away but it was a ton better. At night he slept in his swing or bouncy seat because they were angled up. I tried putting a pillow under the mattress but he ended up sliding down in the middle of the night. I've heard people putting them in there carrier too. Sorry, the comment is so long but I really hop this helps even a little. Prayers for you and Emily.

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    1. Thanks Sarah! Emily sleeps in her swing or her rock and play sleeper so she can be propped up- it works really well!

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  3. Holy shit that's expensive formula!! No wonder you want to try other things before having to go that route! I so wish I had advice on the reflux thing. I really hope you find a solution though!

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  4. That really really sucks that your insurance will not cover the special formula. Any way to appeal the decision on have your doctor help in any way? That is just so wrong. The health care system is so screwed up.

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  5. YUCK! I wish I had a hook-up for that formula! Will your pediatrician give you samples for free to "try?" Maybe try contacting the manufacturer and explain your situation or google coupons for it. (I found a site here that maybe could help?) http://www.retailmenot.com/view/neocate.com

    The price of it is CRAZY! WOW! We don't even spend that on formula for Aiden a month! Try propping up the crib with a pillow or boppy for a nap and see how Emily does. Maybe that will be enough to help and you won't have to go out and by anything.

    Good luck! I hope you get a nap sometime today! :-)

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  6. Oh I also forgot to mention, we got a sensor pad that goes under the matress that detects breathing and heart beat. If nothing is detected after so many seconds an alarm goes off. We never used it because he slept in his swing but it's a good thing to have.

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  7. https://www.neocate.com/shop/createaccount.aspx? If you sign up for the Neocate Insider you get $20 coupon!

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  8. A rolled up towel under one end of the mattress helps prop it up. Also, another thing that I've heard helps with reflux is probiotics (and belly sleeping, but I know that is scary!).

    OK, one more thing. I know someone had a prescription for a formula thickener for reflux and used that instead of zantac etc I'll have to ask her and see what she says! Maybe it will be cheaper than the expensive formula and help!

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    1. A few people have told me belly sleeping would help her but every time I try to put her on her belly she thinks it's time to exercise and gets all wound up! Let me know what you find out about the thickener!

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  9. No advice here...just sympathy! I bet it's so hard to see your baby suffering with reflux! And OMG to the price of that medicine!! That's insane in the membrane.

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  10. Nap Nanny saved our lives, seriously! Our daughter slept in it in our bed for the first three months of her life. I fed her in it too because I got tired of holding her up so high as suggested by her pedi for her tummy. It saved my back and neck. She loved it. I bought it and put a blanket over it for the first week to make sure she was really going to use it because of the price...and of course, it worked. We tried everything, propping up her bassinet, we did eventually get the wedge for her crib once she outgrew the NN. Sorry you're going through this....I know that it's unbelievably hard. Also, try warm baths at night when she is unconsolable. We also have to use Neocate, make sure you ask your pedi for samples, ours has given us a total of two cases. I've bought a ton on Craigslist too.

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  11. So sorry! I have no advice as we are working on issues at the other end:[ Hope you are able to work in a nap today and you find something that helps, preferably cheaper than that formula, omg. Good luck!

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  12. sorry - no advice but just wanted to send my support. hang in there!

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  13. Reflux is the worst! We spend at least twenty minutes after every feeding holding the little one up, which isn't fantastic in the middle of the night. The nap nanny idea in the comments sound great to me! I've propped our co-sleeper up on one side, and on bad nights I've put her in there on her tummy. It seems to help a little. I'm sorry that formula is so horribly expensive.

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  14. My baby was born the same day as Emily. He doesn't have reflux but won't sleep laying totally flat so we got him this for his crib, cheap and it works well!
    http://amzn.com/B00067AUP2

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  15. Oh man :( I'm sorry you have to go thru this and on top of it deal with the price of the formula too.. That is just ridiculous.. I'll let you know if I find anyone with a hookup to that formula.. Ugh, I feel so bad for you (and your lil girl)..

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  16. I don't know a single thing about reflux but I am sure I would be looking for answer too. I have a friend who swears by massages for help. She sent me this link that she used many moons ago. http://idibidikids.blogspot.com/2009/01/reflux-in-babies-and-massage.html
    I don't know if it will help or if it even has any relevance now in 2012 but hey can't hurt to read.

    Sending you great big hugs and praying for some calmer days ahead.

    P.S. that Christmas tree is still up. We call it the Valentine Tree now, haha

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