Son Has Severe Stomach Cramps Since Tonsillectomy/adenoidectomy

Hi C.,
My 7 yr old had the surgery in June. Within 1 week she lost 10 lbs!!! The pains are probably from the antibiotics and pain killers. If she would eat 2 spoonfuls of applesauce or jello I was thrilled!! I bought her Nutripals milkshakes and she would take little sips. On or around the 10th day her appetite was back and she gained all her weight back. Try eggs if he likes them.
Good Luck

The only way to soothe him is to get him to eat. Give him anything and everything soft that he will eat. Too many milk products will give a stomach ache, but try the Pediasure products. He's got have something in his stomach. Is he taking any Motrin at all? That will give him stomach pains if not taken with food or something that coats the stomach.

Does he have loose stools or diahrrea or go many times a dy? Maybe it's C-Diff. If he has any of the mentioned symptoms I would ask to have his stools checked. you can get C-Diff from being on antibiotics for a long period of time or contaminated surfaces especially in hospitals.

Ask the doctor that performed the surgery if there is an pedia-infant Gastro Enterologist in your community.

This might be a stretch, but when I am having sinus trouble, my stomach hurts because of the nasal drip of mucous into my stomach. Maybe because he is now so open that everything is draining and it's going into his stomach. Strawberries are great for an upset stomach and have lots of vitamin C for congestion. Will he eat rice with broth? How are his bowel movements? My daughter had very bad stomach issues and diarrhea on Augmentin and lost her normally great appetite. Some of these antibiotics really take a toll. Keep up with the live cultures, but maybe add some powder from an acidophilus pill to some juice for him instead of only yogurt. Dairy can sometimes be more aggravating when your stomach is already upset.

Hi- My son is having the same problem and i am wondering if you had any success with anything. I went back to the doctor and the recommended laxative and stool softener but that doesn't seem to be working completely. it is only giving him temporary relief. So i was wondering if you have found a solution or if it passes on its own.

I was thinking the same as you where. though I've never had experience with this.

Hi C., It sounds to me like you are doing the best you can. If the Doctor agrees with empty stomach and antibiotics it may take a little time with him eating light and his belly will get back to normal. I'll say a prayer for you both. We never want to see our children in pain. Grandma Mary

It certainly could be the loss of healthy bacteria in his intestines due to the anti-biotics. Perhaps yogurt is not doing the trick. You could also give him an Acidophilus supplement (see below). I like the powder ones with no sugar added. You can put it in a drink (yogurt smoothie) or in yogurt or applesauce. But don't put it in anything hot as it kills the healthy bacteria. You could also try miso soup - it has the same good stuff if the miso paste is not boiled. Good luck.

[Acidophilus is the friendly bacteria that live in our digestive tract. Healthy bacterial balance in our digestive tract is easily affected by poor dietary habits and by the use of medications, such as corticosteroids and antibiotics. Everyone can benefit from the use of probiotics for healthy digestion and immunity. Acidophilus has also been found useful in the treatment and prevention of skin conditions and allergies. Children in daycare who take acidophilus supplements are found to have less frequent colds, flu and ear infections.]http://www.truestarhealth.com/members/cm_pages05SL4P1.html

T.

Could it just be totally unrelated to the procedures & antibiotics and be a virus instead? If not I would have him checked out in person by the doc. All the best!

Hi C., I just had sinus surgery and also had terrible stomach pain for almost 2 weeks. Is your son pooping at all? Sometimes after being on anethesia, you can get all bound up and it takes some time to get regular again. Not to mention the tough antibiotics and steroids and pain killers. Poor little guy. Definitely use probiotics or yogurt with probiotics, since he'll eat that. And if you think he could be bound up, try the usual fiber foods that might help get things moving, if he will eat them (applesauce or oatmeal would be what I would try first with my own kids). I finally had to take several doses of milk of magnesia, followed by psyllium husk caplets, and finally am better (it's been 2 weeks today). You could also try tea - there are several kid-friendly teas on the market, since it looks like your son is more interested in warm foods (my son does not like popsicles or ice cream so we would have a similar problem). Good luck - I hope he gets better and will keep him in my thoughts.

Is it possible to change the antibiotic. They can be a killer on your stomach. Maybe try one that does not have to be taken with food. Try some milk shakes they will fill him up and at least it will coat his stomach, and he will be getting some milk. Isn't that the only good part of getting your tonsils out ice cream!!! Wendy's has something called a frosty maybe he will like that. Good luck