Allergy

We got quite a scare yesterday! I decided that it was time to introduce formula to Wes since my milk production has been going down a bit. I figured it would be fine since he had taken formula when he was a newborn with no problem. I gave him a 4 oz bottle and of course, he didn't like it. He kept spitting it up and fussed. I was prepared for this since Kayleen did the same, and she even threw up the first time I gave it to her.

All of a sudden, I started noticing that his chin (where a lot of the formula was spilled on) was turning red. I mean REALLY red with white bumps. Then I noticed the skin around his eyes started turning red, with white bumps, and swelling up. My mom checked his body and we saw red patches on several places. I was quite alarmed by this point. We stopped the feeding, quickly got a hydrocortisone cream and applied it on his chin. The white bumps disappeared in a few minutes but the reds remained on his face and body. I called the Nurse Advice line and they suggested giving him a liquid Benadryl (1/2 tsp) immediately, and called for a doctors appointment. My mom tried to put him to sleep at this point and I went to the store to pick up the Benadryl. When I returned, my mom reported that he had vomitted once. We gave him the Benadryl, but within seconds, he vomitted again, so we gave him another dose. I noticed at that point that his eyes were getting smaller (because of the swelling), his face was quite pale, and his lips were turning bluish. I quickly called the doctor and fortunately was able to get an immediate appointment.

On the way to the appointment, Wes threw up again all over the car seat. When we got to the office and as we waited for the doctor, he threw up again all over the floor, and at this point, he started to tremble. Again, his face was very pale, swollen, and his lips were bluish. I really panicked and asked them to PLEASE have the doctor see him NOW!! The doctor checked him and found out that everything was normal (oxygen level, temperature, and pulse). He did notice the rash, swelling, and tremble. Interestingly enough, Wes did not cry this whole time. He was just observing everything as the doctor and nurse examined him.

At the end, the diagnosis was that he "may" be allergic to the formula and may also be developing a stomach flu (huh?). The doctor said that he may be developing a fever as well, thus the tremble. If he is above 100 degree F, I am to give him Tylenol. He also suggested us sticking to breast milk vs. formula (you think?!) and if I really can't provide him with enough breast milk, we can "try" the soy formula. I don't think he was convinced that Wes had an allergic reaction! By this time, Wes looks fine. His swelling had gone down (probably because of the double dose of Benadryl) and he had no more rashes. So we were dismissed.

I fed him with his regular breast milk before we went home, then he fell asleep. He continued to sleep well, and was his regular smiley self by evening. He never did develop a fever, and I am thoroughly convinced that it was purely an allergic reaction vs. a stomach flu! I will be doing everything I can to increase my supply but I will try the soy formula as I really need to find food alternative for him. Kayleen did not have this problem so who would've thought that it would happen to Wes?

I knew that I love this little guy before this whole episode, but I never knew how INTENSE it was until I felt his little body trembled in my arms and saw how pale his face was. I felt very scared and helpless at the same time. Thank you God for making him well again!! I love you, Wes, and PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE dont' scare mommy like that again!!!