A Mother's Woe

It's the worst feeling in the world and I never want to wish the same thing to happen to anybody.

Last December 11, a few days after my hubby's birthday, our little Zeke got confined for the very first time due to infectious diarrhea. I don't know how he got it because a) he's too young to have amoeba at five months, b) he has complete rota vaccine, c) he's breastfed, d) whenever he drinks S26, we only use Wilkin's and e) everyone at home is very clean and sensitive that before holding Zeke, they need to either wash their hands or put on alcohol.

Anyway, I got panicky because he was having diarrhea (he had 6 poo change that day when he normally only does it once or twice), his poo color and smell are not good (slimy dark green with a tinge of blood and it smelled foul) and he was crying nonstop whenever it's time to change his nappies (I think he's already developed diaper rash FOR THE FIRST TIME!). So I called up our pediatrician, Dr. Alma Borja and described the current situation. Guess what, my mother instincts were right ---- something was definitely out of the ordinary.

To keep the story short, the pediatrician advised us to bring Zeke to emergency room and had him confined. I really appreciated Dr. Borja at this point because she made the reservation at Marikina Valley Medical Center for us (a big, private room), called up the ER and basically, everything was a cruise (except for the fact that I was worried sick about what's happening to my baby).

I hate it when they had to put the IV on him, I was the one who was crying

Good thing he wasn't as sickly (asymptomatic)

We stayed there for 8 days because he had several bacteria found in his stools (via a stool culture). My husband and I were off work for those eight days. Also, it was a good thing my son has HMO or else it would have been a less merry Christmas for our family. I am very thankful that Zeke was still energetic and happy throughout his stay in the hospital. And, it was also a good thing that the hospital has Disney Junior. Zeke loves to watch cartoons and listen to songs like Handy Manny, The Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Pororo and Friends.

Timmy Time

Now, for all you mothers out there, I have a few tips on what to do when your child is having diarrhea. My biggest concern is dehydration that's why it's IMPORTANT to keep feeding the baby breastmilk or infant formula. Zeke was still feeding but not as much so I was worried he might not be getting enough water to replenish what he lose. Call your doctor if you notice blood in the stool, if it's emitting a foul odor, dark greenish and slimy in nature and your baby seems to be not feeding quite normally. Truth be told, your baby might have what my baby has ---- a stomach flu or worst.

What is stomach flu?

Stomach flu, or gastroenteritis, is an inflammation of the lining of the digestive tract. Despite the name, it's not caused by the influenza virus. The most common culprit is one of a number of other viruses, including rotavirus, adenovirus, calicivirus, and astrovirus.

But gastroenteritis can also be caused by a potentially more serious bacterial infection, such as Salmonella, Shigella, Staphylococcus, Campylobacter, or E. coli. Still other cases are caused by parasites such as giardia.

If your baby has gastroenteritis, she may have diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, fever, chills, and achiness. Her symptoms may be mild or severe, and they may last for just a few hours or for days, depending on the culprit.

How did my baby get stomach flu?

Viral gastroenteritis is very contagious. Your baby may have eaten something contaminated with the virus or shared a cup or utensils with someone who has the virus. (It's possible to have the virus without showing symptoms.)

If bacteria or a parasite is to blame, your child may have ingested contaminated food or drinking water.

Another way your baby may have picked up the illness is by coming in contact with infected fecal matter and then putting her hands in her mouth. This sounds gross, but it happens a lot, especially in daycare situations. Remember that germs are microscopic, so even when a child's hands don't look dirty, they may be covered with bacteria.

How common is stomach flu?

Viral gastroenteritis is the second most common illness in the United States after upper respiratory infections such as colds. Most babies will come down with the stomach flu at least twice a year, more often if they're in daycare. Kids often enjoy a boost in their immunity after they turn 3 years old and may not contract it as often.

When should I call my child's doctor?

Give the doctor a call as soon as you suspect that your baby has gastroenteritis. Also call if your baby has been vomiting for more than two days or has blood in her stool, or you think she's excessively fussy.

Use your doctor's guidelines for phoning in the event of a fever. (Common suggestions are fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit if your baby's less than 3 months old; a fever of 101 degrees F if she's between 3 and 6 months old; and a fever of 103 degrees F or higher if she's 6 months or older.)

Also call your doctor if your baby shows any of the classic signs of dehydration:

• decreased urination (more than six hours without a wet diaper)
• excessive sleepiness or fussiness
• a sunken soft spot
• wrinkled skin
• sunken eyes
• extreme thirst
• dry lips
• crying without tears
• cool, discolored hands and feet

If your baby appears dehydrated and no doctor is available, take her to the emergency room.

If your baby is in danger of dehydration, the doctor might recommend IV rehydration. He may want to admit her to the hospital or just keep her there for a few hours.

If a blood or stool test reveals that your child has a parasitic or bacterial infection, she may also be given a course of antibiotics. Don't be alarmed. Odds are, she'll be released and back to her healthy self within a few days.

Don't forget ---- call your doctor ASAP when you feel or see something not normal. Don't wait for tomorrow.