“He projectile vomited at least 2x a day for the first year of his life.”

Any doctors reading this? (NYC)

I know this is probably one of the most bizarre posts you’ll ever see, but I’m honestly to the point where I will seek answers anywhere.

My 3 year old son has had a profoundly sensitive gag reflex since birth. When he was born, he projectile vomited at least 2x a day for the first year of his life. We were told he would outgrow it but it has continued. He doesn’t vomit as much as he used to, but he still gags at the drop of a hat, eats almost nothing, lives almost exclusively on formula (with the exception of crackers and a few other dry foods), can’t brush his teeth, etc.

We have taken him to 2 gastroenterologists, an ENT, a neurologist, had 2 swallow studies done, had him put under for a full exam by the gastro and ENT last year, etc. No one can find any physical reason for his problem.

He has been on reflux meds (it is not reflux) and he went to feeding therapy for a long time and it did nothing for him and his therapist said it was a waste of time.

Now, he’s about to turn 3. He’s an incredibly smart and engaging little boy. He’s sweet and loving and fun. He is advanced intellectually. He has no other clear developmental problems that anyone can detect.

However — He can’t eat most foods!!! He can’t brush his teeth. He’s terrified of putting things in his mouth. If you even mention to him that you are going to brush YOUR OWN teeth in the bathroom, the thought of it makes him gag.

No one has any answers for me. I am tired of bringing him to doctors and having them shrug their shoulders and say “there’s nothing we can do.”

I just thought maybe, just maybe, someone reading this in their down time at work might have an answer. Maybe you are a doctor with a slow schedule today or a nurse or technician who has seen this before. Just send me ideas. Send me names of doctors I might be able to take him to that you would recommend. Send me anything you think might help.

I feel like there should be some kind of medication I can give him to lessen his gag reflex.