Floating stools

[Aboveallislove]

Our son is just now potty trained so I am seeing more consistently what his stools are doing. And they are regularly floating. I know that is suppose to mean that the fat is not absorbing, what I'm wondering is this: He is at the maximum dose on enzymes, so he cannot go higher there. He also eats a very very high fat diet--by his choice, I offer a mixture of foods at every meal and that is his preference. So, if there anything to do to help. Or with a really high fat diet, is it just likely that they will always be alot of fat not absorbed? Thoughts greatly appreciated.

 

[Ratatosk]

We've never dealt with being told whether DS is on the maximum dosage or not of enzymes. Always based it on output. Just that if he eats items with a much higher fat content, such as pizza, to increase his enzymes. I really notice the need to do so when he has theatre popcorn -- think it's about 900 calories per cup, full of fat.

DS' stools when he's malabsorbing aren't a normal brown, they're more orange in color, and they tend to break apart more easily when I flush the toilet. Also there's sometimes a greasy ring that sticks to the water line in the bowl.

IMO, mention it at his clinic appointment. Could be he needs a higher dosage of enzymes or more enzymes. Is he still gaining weight okay?

 

[2005CFmom]

Does he take any kind of acid blocker i.e. prevacid or prilosec? Those can help the enzymes work better. You should ask you doctor about it.

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks both. He is on both Zantac and Prilosac and the maximum doses of both and has been since 6 months (he's 3.5 now.) And I know he is at the max re enzymes b/c just a month ago when we discussed whether we could increase the dietition pulled out the calculator and figured out the maximum dose per his weight by lipace (? I think that's the one that controls the maximum.) His stools actually look the best they have in ages--they went from pure liquid to more like a peanut butter consistency. The color looks good, but they float. They also break apart pretty easy though too. He use to have "PAM" butt with just looking greasey, but not seeing that. Hard to know on the weight b/c he does growth spurts, i.e., gains 1-2 pounds in 3 weeks and then nothing for 1 - 2 months, and he is between them now and has been at a stand still with his weight since last appointment. Any other ideas??? (Not trying to shoot them down, just those are both already things we've done/discussed.)

 

[ehtansky21]

We were able to convince the docs to do the higher range of enzymes, which worked tremendously. I believe they usually go by 2500 units of lipase and we usually dose between 2500 and 3000.
The huge things that we are doing that did a complete turn around for my oldest is add sodium bicarbonate/baking soda pills. Both boys take it with there enzymes at every meal and snack. We were at the max dose of the acide reducer also, so this was an option to decrease the acidity in their stomachs. My 8 year old gained 7 pounds in a very short amount of time after starting sodium bicarbonate.

blessings,
missa

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks. What a great idea! Can you give more details on the "pills"? 'script? "form" (i.e. could I mix it with something like a fruit puree? Dosing? Any side effects to that?

 

[ehtansky21]

The sodium bicarbonate comes in 650 mg pills. My 5 year old takes 1/4 of a pill and my 8 1/2 year old takes 1/2 a pill. They disintegrate pretty quickly, so you could put it in something else, just not sure how it would taste??? I have heard of people drinking water with a little baking soda in it for the alkalinity benefits??? I don't recall there being any side effects. They are actually coating some of the acid reducers with baking soda now. Also, a while back there were enzymes called pancrecarb, which were coated with baking soda and they have just recently been approved by the FDA...I just can't remember what they are called. Those would be your best bet to try!!!

blessings,
missa

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks so much! Greatly appreciated.

 

[JENNYC]

If the sodium bicarbonate doesn't work what about trying a different brand of enzyme? Abby had tummy issues, not as bad as yours, until we found the right dose for her. Maybe the enzymes he's taking isn't the right one for him. I know I have heard people before say that switching the brand of enzyme they were taking makes a huge difference. That would make a lot of sense with tummy issues. That makes me wonder if his vitamin levels are all ok. :/

 

[Aboveallislove]

Thanks Jenny! We had switched before but I'm wondering if we should be back to ultrase (now that it is approved) or another one. We were on zenpep but he said that they made his tummy hurt--but that was when his tummy was really acting up. Definitely will discuss next appointment. We had vitamin levels check in the last 3 - 4 months and was completely in range for everything. Prior year was a tad low on only one and changed to CF Source chewables from the other brand infant ones.

 

[briarrose]

Our clinic told us there are two ways to dose enzymes. The first is based on the weight of the child. (This was not working for us. Our son was getting a ton of calories and not gaining ANY weight.) The other is based on the amount of fat the child is getting in his diet. When they switched the dosing for us based on the fat in his diet, he shot up 2.5 pounds in 1 month. (Yes, that is not a typo... 2.5 lbs. in 1 month.) Push for them to calculate the enzymes that way instead. Good luck!

 

[bigstar]

Sometimes i need Zantac to help me with stomach issues. It hurts some time but i know its due to acid and coughing etc. It really cuts down my appetite when im in this situtation so Zantac helps. Would you think some baking soda on a little water would substitute? I had never thought it before, but now you made me wonder!

 

[ehtansky21]

Big Star,
I wouldn't be surprised if the baking soda did help!!! Talk to your docs and see what they say..

blessings,
missa