Viokase Powder...

[dasjsmum]

Hi Felicia

As Amy's mum said, we used to use Viokase years ago. It's not coated enterically, as Creon etc is. That means that the powder is more likely to not reach the intestines etc., where apparently most of the digestion occurs.

Some times viokase starts working (digesting) when still in the mouth (burning)...if sprinkled on food it starts to digest it and tastes like vomit (literally).

If you give too much it passes through and can cause burning painful on the buttocks.

We used to mix the powder with water or fruit puree (dont use anything milky) for the kids when they were babies, and then they used to just eat mouthfuls of the viokase tablets when they were older.

In my opinion the Creon (we have also used Pancrease, which I dont think you can get anymore) is sooooo much better. open the capsules and it is similar to viokase powder but the little balls are coated, so can be sprinkled on food for bubsand doesnt start digesting it (you would know that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> ).

S (13) started swallowing the creon when he was quite young, that may be an option (because they are very small capsules). You dont say what strategies you've used to get bub to take the capsules.

Loose bulky stools usually means not quite enough enzymes (is she gaining weight?), hard usually means too many...my kids never actually had hard stools.

Also, if your daughter is gaining weight it might not be too much of a problem, just keep doing what you already are.

There was a good thread about this not too long ago with lots of good advice, try searching viokase...there might be something there that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dasjsmum]

Hi Felicia

As Amy's mum said, we used to use Viokase years ago. It's not coated enterically, as Creon etc is. That means that the powder is more likely to not reach the intestines etc., where apparently most of the digestion occurs.

Some times viokase starts working (digesting) when still in the mouth (burning)...if sprinkled on food it starts to digest it and tastes like vomit (literally).

If you give too much it passes through and can cause burning painful on the buttocks.

We used to mix the powder with water or fruit puree (dont use anything milky) for the kids when they were babies, and then they used to just eat mouthfuls of the viokase tablets when they were older.

In my opinion the Creon (we have also used Pancrease, which I dont think you can get anymore) is sooooo much better. open the capsules and it is similar to viokase powder but the little balls are coated, so can be sprinkled on food for bubsand doesnt start digesting it (you would know that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> ).

S (13) started swallowing the creon when he was quite young, that may be an option (because they are very small capsules). You dont say what strategies you've used to get bub to take the capsules.

Loose bulky stools usually means not quite enough enzymes (is she gaining weight?), hard usually means too many...my kids never actually had hard stools.

Also, if your daughter is gaining weight it might not be too much of a problem, just keep doing what you already are.

There was a good thread about this not too long ago with lots of good advice, try searching viokase...there might be something there that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dasjsmum]

Hi Felicia

As Amy's mum said, we used to use Viokase years ago. It's not coated enterically, as Creon etc is. That means that the powder is more likely to not reach the intestines etc., where apparently most of the digestion occurs.

Some times viokase starts working (digesting) when still in the mouth (burning)...if sprinkled on food it starts to digest it and tastes like vomit (literally).

If you give too much it passes through and can cause burning painful on the buttocks.

We used to mix the powder with water or fruit puree (dont use anything milky) for the kids when they were babies, and then they used to just eat mouthfuls of the viokase tablets when they were older.

In my opinion the Creon (we have also used Pancrease, which I dont think you can get anymore) is sooooo much better. open the capsules and it is similar to viokase powder but the little balls are coated, so can be sprinkled on food for bubsand doesnt start digesting it (you would know that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> ).

S (13) started swallowing the creon when he was quite young, that may be an option (because they are very small capsules). You dont say what strategies you've used to get bub to take the capsules.

Loose bulky stools usually means not quite enough enzymes (is she gaining weight?), hard usually means too many...my kids never actually had hard stools.

Also, if your daughter is gaining weight it might not be too much of a problem, just keep doing what you already are.

There was a good thread about this not too long ago with lots of good advice, try searching viokase...there might be something there that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dasjsmum]

Hi Felicia

As Amy's mum said, we used to use Viokase years ago. It's not coated enterically, as Creon etc is. That means that the powder is more likely to not reach the intestines etc., where apparently most of the digestion occurs.

Some times viokase starts working (digesting) when still in the mouth (burning)...if sprinkled on food it starts to digest it and tastes like vomit (literally).

If you give too much it passes through and can cause burning painful on the buttocks.

We used to mix the powder with water or fruit puree (dont use anything milky) for the kids when they were babies, and then they used to just eat mouthfuls of the viokase tablets when they were older.

In my opinion the Creon (we have also used Pancrease, which I dont think you can get anymore) is sooooo much better. open the capsules and it is similar to viokase powder but the little balls are coated, so can be sprinkled on food for bubsand doesnt start digesting it (you would know that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> ).

S (13) started swallowing the creon when he was quite young, that may be an option (because they are very small capsules). You dont say what strategies you've used to get bub to take the capsules.

Loose bulky stools usually means not quite enough enzymes (is she gaining weight?), hard usually means too many...my kids never actually had hard stools.

Also, if your daughter is gaining weight it might not be too much of a problem, just keep doing what you already are.

There was a good thread about this not too long ago with lots of good advice, try searching viokase...there might be something there that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[dasjsmum]

Hi Felicia
<br />
<br />As Amy's mum said, we used to use Viokase years ago. It's not coated enterically, as Creon etc is. That means that the powder is more likely to not reach the intestines etc., where apparently most of the digestion occurs.
<br />
<br />Some times viokase starts working (digesting) when still in the mouth (burning)...if sprinkled on food it starts to digest it and tastes like vomit (literally).
<br />
<br />If you give too much it passes through and can cause burning painful on the buttocks.
<br />
<br />We used to mix the powder with water or fruit puree (dont use anything milky) for the kids when they were babies, and then they used to just eat mouthfuls of the viokase tablets when they were older.
<br />
<br />In my opinion the Creon (we have also used Pancrease, which I dont think you can get anymore) is sooooo much better. open the capsules and it is similar to viokase powder but the little balls are coated, so can be sprinkled on food for bubsand doesnt start digesting it (you would know that <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0"> ).
<br />
<br />S (13) started swallowing the creon when he was quite young, that may be an option (because they are very small capsules). You dont say what strategies you've used to get bub to take the capsules.
<br />
<br /> Loose bulky stools usually means not quite enough enzymes (is she gaining weight?), hard usually means too many...my kids never actually had hard stools.
<br />
<br />Also, if your daughter is gaining weight it might not be too much of a problem, just keep doing what you already are.
<br />
<br />There was a good thread about this not too long ago with lots of good advice, try searching viokase...there might be something there that helps <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-smile.gif" border="0">

 

[crickit715]

my daughter uses viokase powder at night thru her feeding tube.. i love it.. it works great for us and is very easy to mix with her pediasure in her feeding bag. i wouldnt recommend giving it by mouth(her doctor said it would taste like vomit, yuck!!)

 

[crickit715]

my daughter uses viokase powder at night thru her feeding tube.. i love it.. it works great for us and is very easy to mix with her pediasure in her feeding bag. i wouldnt recommend giving it by mouth(her doctor said it would taste like vomit, yuck!!)

 

[crickit715]

my daughter uses viokase powder at night thru her feeding tube.. i love it.. it works great for us and is very easy to mix with her pediasure in her feeding bag. i wouldnt recommend giving it by mouth(her doctor said it would taste like vomit, yuck!!)

 

[crickit715]

my daughter uses viokase powder at night thru her feeding tube.. i love it.. it works great for us and is very easy to mix with her pediasure in her feeding bag. i wouldnt recommend giving it by mouth(her doctor said it would taste like vomit, yuck!!)

 

[crickit715]

my daughter uses viokase powder at night thru her feeding tube.. i love it.. it works great for us and is very easy to mix with her pediasure in her feeding bag. i wouldnt recommend giving it by mouth(her doctor said it would taste like vomit, yuck!!)

 

[AnD]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mariahsmommy</b></i>


To AnD- So when you are noticing that you need more enzymes, you fluctuate between bulky stools and constipation? Because Mariah has been doing this for almost a month and they just tell me she is maxed out on both her Prevacid and her enzymes. And she doesn't seem to think that constipation can be from a lack of enzymes. I don't know. Sigh..</end quote></div>

It all depends on the cfer, I'm afraid. For me, too many enzymes cause constipation/bulky stools and bad cramps/gas. For another cfer I was "talking to" on facebook, lack of enzymes causes constipation for him. I usually know I need to add more enzymes with a greasy meal (heh), but not too many problems otherwise (except low vitamin levels!). It took me a while to find an enzyme that could take care of a greasy meal without backing me up/causing me pain.

I am also have a bmi on the high side- I haven't had a problem gaining weight most of the time, unless I'm really sick. So that is another variant in the mix for me that another cfer (especially a growing child) probably won't have.

It can be difficult/maddening! finding that magic number/brand with enzymes, but you will find that happy medium for your daughter <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">- good luck!

 

[AnD]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mariahsmommy</b></i>


To AnD- So when you are noticing that you need more enzymes, you fluctuate between bulky stools and constipation? Because Mariah has been doing this for almost a month and they just tell me she is maxed out on both her Prevacid and her enzymes. And she doesn't seem to think that constipation can be from a lack of enzymes. I don't know. Sigh..</end quote></div>

It all depends on the cfer, I'm afraid. For me, too many enzymes cause constipation/bulky stools and bad cramps/gas. For another cfer I was "talking to" on facebook, lack of enzymes causes constipation for him. I usually know I need to add more enzymes with a greasy meal (heh), but not too many problems otherwise (except low vitamin levels!). It took me a while to find an enzyme that could take care of a greasy meal without backing me up/causing me pain.

I am also have a bmi on the high side- I haven't had a problem gaining weight most of the time, unless I'm really sick. So that is another variant in the mix for me that another cfer (especially a growing child) probably won't have.

It can be difficult/maddening! finding that magic number/brand with enzymes, but you will find that happy medium for your daughter <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">- good luck!

 

[AnD]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mariahsmommy</b></i>


To AnD- So when you are noticing that you need more enzymes, you fluctuate between bulky stools and constipation? Because Mariah has been doing this for almost a month and they just tell me she is maxed out on both her Prevacid and her enzymes. And she doesn't seem to think that constipation can be from a lack of enzymes. I don't know. Sigh..</end quote></div>

It all depends on the cfer, I'm afraid. For me, too many enzymes cause constipation/bulky stools and bad cramps/gas. For another cfer I was "talking to" on facebook, lack of enzymes causes constipation for him. I usually know I need to add more enzymes with a greasy meal (heh), but not too many problems otherwise (except low vitamin levels!). It took me a while to find an enzyme that could take care of a greasy meal without backing me up/causing me pain.

I am also have a bmi on the high side- I haven't had a problem gaining weight most of the time, unless I'm really sick. So that is another variant in the mix for me that another cfer (especially a growing child) probably won't have.

It can be difficult/maddening! finding that magic number/brand with enzymes, but you will find that happy medium for your daughter <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">- good luck!

 

[AnD]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mariahsmommy</b></i>


To AnD- So when you are noticing that you need more enzymes, you fluctuate between bulky stools and constipation? Because Mariah has been doing this for almost a month and they just tell me she is maxed out on both her Prevacid and her enzymes. And she doesn't seem to think that constipation can be from a lack of enzymes. I don't know. Sigh..</end quote>

It all depends on the cfer, I'm afraid. For me, too many enzymes cause constipation/bulky stools and bad cramps/gas. For another cfer I was "talking to" on facebook, lack of enzymes causes constipation for him. I usually know I need to add more enzymes with a greasy meal (heh), but not too many problems otherwise (except low vitamin levels!). It took me a while to find an enzyme that could take care of a greasy meal without backing me up/causing me pain.

I am also have a bmi on the high side- I haven't had a problem gaining weight most of the time, unless I'm really sick. So that is another variant in the mix for me that another cfer (especially a growing child) probably won't have.

It can be difficult/maddening! finding that magic number/brand with enzymes, but you will find that happy medium for your daughter <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">- good luck!

 

[AnD]

<div class="FTQUOTE"><begin quote><i>Originally posted by: <b>mariahsmommy</b></i>
<br />
<br />
<br />To AnD- So when you are noticing that you need more enzymes, you fluctuate between bulky stools and constipation? Because Mariah has been doing this for almost a month and they just tell me she is maxed out on both her Prevacid and her enzymes. And she doesn't seem to think that constipation can be from a lack of enzymes. I don't know. Sigh..</end quote>
<br />
<br />It all depends on the cfer, I'm afraid. For me, too many enzymes cause constipation/bulky stools and bad cramps/gas. For another cfer I was "talking to" on facebook, lack of enzymes causes constipation for him. I usually know I need to add more enzymes with a greasy meal (heh), but not too many problems otherwise (except low vitamin levels!). It took me a while to find an enzyme that could take care of a greasy meal without backing me up/causing me pain.
<br />
<br />I am also have a bmi on the high side- I haven't had a problem gaining weight most of the time, unless I'm really sick. So that is another variant in the mix for me that another cfer (especially a growing child) probably won't have.
<br />
<br />It can be difficult/maddening! finding that magic number/brand with enzymes, but you will find that happy medium for your daughter <img src="i/expressions/face-icon-small-wink.gif" border="0">- good luck!
<br />
<br />

 

[izemmom]

We use Viokase, but as others have said, we use it with tube feedings at night. It has worked very well for Emily. In fact, I really feel that starting the tube feedings with Voikase somehow improved her absorption overall, throughout the day. I'm not sure how that works, exactly, but, as soon as she stated getting the night feeds, absorbing that properly, and gaining some weight, her stools started to even out, consistency-wise.

Before her g-tube, we did have to experiment with enzymes a bit. The creon worked for a while, but it wasn't long, if I remember correctly, before we maxed out on it. We did Prevacid with it (or omeprozole or whatever) with it, and nothing seemed to work. Then we switched to Pancrecarb and things got a bit better, then the tube...

Push for changes if you think things aren't working. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you aren't being heard. Hang in there. I think coming here for advice so that I could go back to clinic with SPECIFIC questions and requests are what helped me to get what Emily needed. We're here for you! Keep asking. Hopefully you'll find a solution soon!

 

[izemmom]

We use Viokase, but as others have said, we use it with tube feedings at night. It has worked very well for Emily. In fact, I really feel that starting the tube feedings with Voikase somehow improved her absorption overall, throughout the day. I'm not sure how that works, exactly, but, as soon as she stated getting the night feeds, absorbing that properly, and gaining some weight, her stools started to even out, consistency-wise.

Before her g-tube, we did have to experiment with enzymes a bit. The creon worked for a while, but it wasn't long, if I remember correctly, before we maxed out on it. We did Prevacid with it (or omeprozole or whatever) with it, and nothing seemed to work. Then we switched to Pancrecarb and things got a bit better, then the tube...

Push for changes if you think things aren't working. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you aren't being heard. Hang in there. I think coming here for advice so that I could go back to clinic with SPECIFIC questions and requests are what helped me to get what Emily needed. We're here for you! Keep asking. Hopefully you'll find a solution soon!

 

[izemmom]

We use Viokase, but as others have said, we use it with tube feedings at night. It has worked very well for Emily. In fact, I really feel that starting the tube feedings with Voikase somehow improved her absorption overall, throughout the day. I'm not sure how that works, exactly, but, as soon as she stated getting the night feeds, absorbing that properly, and gaining some weight, her stools started to even out, consistency-wise.

Before her g-tube, we did have to experiment with enzymes a bit. The creon worked for a while, but it wasn't long, if I remember correctly, before we maxed out on it. We did Prevacid with it (or omeprozole or whatever) with it, and nothing seemed to work. Then we switched to Pancrecarb and things got a bit better, then the tube...

Push for changes if you think things aren't working. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you aren't being heard. Hang in there. I think coming here for advice so that I could go back to clinic with SPECIFIC questions and requests are what helped me to get what Emily needed. We're here for you! Keep asking. Hopefully you'll find a solution soon!

 

[izemmom]

We use Viokase, but as others have said, we use it with tube feedings at night. It has worked very well for Emily. In fact, I really feel that starting the tube feedings with Voikase somehow improved her absorption overall, throughout the day. I'm not sure how that works, exactly, but, as soon as she stated getting the night feeds, absorbing that properly, and gaining some weight, her stools started to even out, consistency-wise.

Before her g-tube, we did have to experiment with enzymes a bit. The creon worked for a while, but it wasn't long, if I remember correctly, before we maxed out on it. We did Prevacid with it (or omeprozole or whatever) with it, and nothing seemed to work. Then we switched to Pancrecarb and things got a bit better, then the tube...

Push for changes if you think things aren't working. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you aren't being heard. Hang in there. I think coming here for advice so that I could go back to clinic with SPECIFIC questions and requests are what helped me to get what Emily needed. We're here for you! Keep asking. Hopefully you'll find a solution soon!

 

[izemmom]

We use Viokase, but as others have said, we use it with tube feedings at night. It has worked very well for Emily. In fact, I really feel that starting the tube feedings with Voikase somehow improved her absorption overall, throughout the day. I'm not sure how that works, exactly, but, as soon as she stated getting the night feeds, absorbing that properly, and gaining some weight, her stools started to even out, consistency-wise.
<br />
<br />Before her g-tube, we did have to experiment with enzymes a bit. The creon worked for a while, but it wasn't long, if I remember correctly, before we maxed out on it. We did Prevacid with it (or omeprozole or whatever) with it, and nothing seemed to work. Then we switched to Pancrecarb and things got a bit better, then the tube...
<br />
<br />Push for changes if you think things aren't working. I know how frustrating it is to feel like you aren't being heard. Hang in there. I think coming here for advice so that I could go back to clinic with SPECIFIC questions and requests are what helped me to get what Emily needed. We're here for you! Keep asking. Hopefully you'll find a solution soon!