Rough days

Tommy has been having some rough days lately. He just can't catch a break! About two weeks ago his g-tube site got red and we noticed a strange little swelling near the tube entrance. It turned into an infection so he is now on Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanate), a strong antibiotic.

Resting

Antibiotics are often a problem for Tommy. They create instant gastro-havoc! We have had a few sick stomach issues and lots of loose stools. This poor kid is just miserable. At school today they said he cried every time he used the potty. He even cried when they mentioned the potty.

It's nice to have company when you don't feel well.

I'm not sure if he will be going to school tomorrow. I think I'm going to call his doctor and see if they are willing to switch the antibiotic to something a bit more gentle. (Dr. Davies, Are you reading?) The area near his g-tube really cleared up quickly, but now this sore bum issues is making Tom miserable.

To help Tom handle the antibiotics we always give him probiotics which help balance out his system. Florastor is a yeast-based probiotic instead of a bacterial probiotic, so it is safe to take with antibiotics. Tom usually takes Florastor Kids and we give him Goodbelly probiotic juice drink too. This time I am trying everything I can think of to get him feeling good again.

Tom's Sad Belly Blend

• 6 ounces Good Belly, we used Tropical Green flavor
• 1 banana
• 4 ounces of vanilla yogurt
• 1/3 cup of oatmeal flour (blend regular quick oats in a blender until you have a powder)
• 1 teaspoon of chia seeds

I blend the chia seeds and and oatmeal flour in the blender until they are both well powdered down. They have to be like dust to get through the g-tube.

Then you can add all the other ingredients and blend well. I give the Florastor Kids separately because this blend is enough for several servings. If you child will eat this by mouth you might want to add a little honey to sweeten it up. Sometimes I add a scoop of protein powder, a drizzle of olive oil, or some coconut oil for added calories.

Hopefully tomorrow will be a better day for Tommy.

Do you have a sad-belly blend? Leave me your recipe in a comment. Thanks! And don't forget to enter the Spring Bundles Giveaway. 

A little teaser for the next post. 

Look at this dude with his new cane. He walks so confidently with it.