Weight Loss

We spoke too soon. Yes, Truman has eaten more solids without vomiting this week, but his liquid intake has been abysmal. Over the last couple of weeks, he has reduced his measurable liquid intake to 6 to 8 ounces day from about 20 ounces. He also nurses a couple of times a day, and I do think he is nursing longer in the evening before bed and perhaps making up some of that, but it is very concerning.

And, for the first time since coming home from NICU, Truman lost weight. Four weeks ago, he weighed 15 lbs, 12 ounces. Today, there were conflicting weight checks--15 lbs, 9.5 ounces and 15 lbs, 11.5 ounces. Whichever one is correct, it's a loss either way.

Ben talked with Truman's nutritionist, Heather, about the loss, Truman's texture and vomiting issues, the reduction in liquids, and the work in therapy on trying to get Truman to take more of his bottles sitting up. She is concerned, but not surprised considering Truman's age and therapy regimin. She said weight loss sometimes accompanies changes in eating regimins. She was concerned, but not surprised, about the liquid issue as well. Truman has an occupational therapy eval by another therapist through his pediatric clinic in about 2.5 weeks, and we'll reevaluate eating issues then.

We are about to try a tool called a Z-vibe to see if that helps with some of the sensory issues with relation to eating. It arrived in the mail yesterday and is an oral vibrator designed to help stimulate the mouth and gums and help with oral sensory issues. It's worked for other kids with similar issues, so we'll try.

We have been working so hard on trying to help Truman with food issues, including how and what he eats, and this is really sad news.

--Kara