Hi, My name is Robin and I generally lurk here. I have a 5 yo son who is g-tube fed and was in the hospital last week w/ pneumonia. They put him on some nasty antibiotics and he has diarrhea( he is usually consitpated). He can take small amounts of food by mouth and I've given him some plain yogurt this morning, but not sure how much he would need to really make a difference. I remember years ago an older son of mine having acidophilus powder that I sprinkled on his food after he had a bout of diarrhea, but it was prescription I think. Can you still buy powder, if so, over the counter? Could I mix it with his Pediasure when I feed him by g-tube? I have searched online this morning but can only find tablets and he can't chew.
One more question as long as I'm out of lurkdom. I've been meaning to ask if anyone has any knowledge of a more natural, possibly organic formula/alternative for children that are totally g-tube fed. Elliot has been on Pediasure since he was 1 . Are there any books out there that address this? I would be willing to make his formula.
thanks,
Robin

If he is able to tolerate small amounts orally, then adding a bit of the liquid or powdered acido. to applesauce or yougurt will help. You can get it in your local HF store. No script needed.
Karen

Our pediatrician just called so I asked him too. I could have called but wasn't sure I'd get a call back today about it. He wasn't sure how much yogurt he'd have to eat, "maybe a cup" but I was only able to get about 1/4 cup into him. I will go look for the powder and just add it to the yogurt I do give him. He was calling to tell me I could discontinue one of the two antibiotics he was on, which is nice because it was a nasty one.
thanks,
Robin

You can get all kinds of powdered acidopholis at the health food store. Most if in capsules but you can open them. Personally, we use Primal Defense. Very expensive but seems to work well. It is from Garden of Life. Maybe they have a website.