13 answers

11 Month Old Has Had Diarrhea for Almost a Month

My son started getting diarrhea on November 13 (about) and has had it for almost a month. I called the doctor and the nurse said that there was a stomach bug going around and that it would run it's course in 10-14 days. Right about Thanksgiving or just after, he decided he didn't want to eat the foods he normally loved. He used to eat as much as my 2 year old with oatmeal, pasta, vegetables and meat. Now, he will hardly eat a cracker or Cheerios, which he used to like a lot.

So, yesterday I brought him into the doctors and saw a PA. She said that she thinks that the first thing ran it's course and that he has something else wrong. She said to start giving him high fat foods and that will bind his stools. The only problem is that he won't eat much of anything. I've begun putting pro-biotics (live cultures usually in yogurt) into his formula, starting yesterday. The PA said this might help balance the bacteria in his stomach. So far, there is no change. She doesn't want me to give him fiberous foods, but this is all he will eat, if he eats anything at all. I'm really beginning to get worried. I hate to see him like this, since he seems more tired than he used to and won't eat like he used to. Plus, his poor bum gets really red if I don't make sure I use his diaper cream after every diaper change.

I know this is long, but I would really appreciate any advice anyone might have. I'm really worried about him and the doctors don't seem to be too much help.

What can I do next?

So What Happened?™

I wanted to update everyone on this. I have been giving my son the BRAT diet (mostly) and probiotic powder in his formula. Yesterday morning he had a very soft stool, but not diarrhea and today he had an almost normal stool. I hope this is the end of whatever was wrong. I'm wondering if it was the Rotavirus that people have mentioned. Since it is clearing up, I will probably never know. Thanks for all of the replies and advice. I really appreciate it!

Featured Answers

G.,
I know my response is late, but wanted to mention possible allergies. My 2 children experienced similar situations and I was told at first it was a virus. I found out my daughter to alergic to milk, soy, nuts, eggs and wheat and my son has some similar allergies. May be the case. I had to elimate everything except rice for aoubt 2 days and then slowly start adding items back into their diets.

Hope this is not the case, but not too terrible difficult if it is, just requires some additional reading of ingredients.
All the best,
D

More Answers

I have no suggestions on how to get rid of the diarreah, but for the rash..... have you tried putting Maalox on his butt???? (it removes the acid in the poop, and keeps it from "burning" his butt!!)

Hey there. You know my one year old went through the same thing. however, it's only been about 8 days for us. our PA said it was the roto (spelling?) virus that has been going around. Just make sure your young one is staying hydrated. my son had diarrea for two days and then it seemed like it passed then one day he just started vomitting. and couldn't stop. so i stayed home with him for monday and tuesday and then went back to work and he went back to daycare and they mentioned that he seemed not his normal smiley self. he would just lay and watch everything going on. So now it's sunday and my son is finally eating and coming around. he's playing and back to running around. it worried me too. but like i said, it's only been 8 days for us. hope this helps.

A.

Go to your nearest childrens hospital, for a second opinion. Diarrhea for a month is very long and dehydration is very serious.

hope he gets better
K.

The "B.R.A.T." diet is wonderful for diarrhea. Bananas, Rice, Applesauce, and Toast. Binds the stool, still gives him good nutrients. Fairly bland so it doesn't upset his tummy, etc. Hope that helps!

My son was fifteen months when he had the same problem. He has since been diagnosed with Celiac Disease which is a gluten/wheat/flour/etc food allergy. It would be a blood test if you want to find out. Or you could make an appointment with Dr. Harnsberger at St. Marks Hospital - she is a pediatric gastroenterologist. I have nothing against regular pedatric doctors but like my son's, sometimes they don't know what to look for. Good luck!

It sounds like Rotavirus-a serious sickness that they are now giving a vaccination for. You need to make sure he doesn't have that because he could get very dehydrated and need to be hospitilized. I would go to a different pediatrician. I would reccommend mine if you are near Parker-I go to Advanced Pediatrics-in Parker Adventist Hospital. I would give them a call and see if you can see Dr. Levin or Dr. Stephens.
Good Luck-I hope your little guy gets better very soon!

When my daughter had rotavirus it lasted that long as well. There is actually a test they can do for it and I kept on them until they figured out exactly what was going on. I used the Similac DF as well and you can find it at Rite Aide or some Walgreens and that just thickened it up so that her bottom could have a rest. Eventually it just went away and everything went back to normal. But I know I was really worried and bothered by it.

Hi G.

I would suggest that you take him to the hospital. If he keeps getting tired that could be a sign of dehydration. My son at 15 months got diarrhea and throw-up. We tried to get him to drink and eat with not luck our ped. said take him in to the hospital for and IV and then his spirit should pickup and start to want to eat and drink. Unfortuantly he was moderatly dehydrated and had to be hospitalize the IV did not work as well asthey hoped so we found out after test the he had Rota VIrus. His bum was so red it hurt so bad but they gave us something called triple cream that really worked. I hope this help. Email me if you have anymore questions.
M.

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