Don't Make Me Gag

I have never had a problem swallowing pills. No matter how big they are, or how many I need to take at once, it's not a big deal for me. For Austin however, it is a HUGE deal and it breaks my heart.

For starters his gag reflux is super, super SUPER sensitive. I have never seen anything like it. He has to use toddler size x-ray cards at the dentist or he'll gag horribly. Getting a flouride treatment is torture for him and when he had to have a mold made for his braces, the poor guy had tears rolling down his cheeks as he fought as hard as possible trying to stop gagging. The orthodontist is awesome, as are his assistants. They have tons of tricks and although none of them stop the gagging completely, they do help somewhat. I can't relate to what he goes through, but I do feel so bad for him.

Our newest hurdle is trying to help him swallow pills. He can't do it. Never has been able to. Actually that's not true. He won't even try to do it. He is so traumatized by the fear that they will make him gag, that he can't even make an attempt at it. It is getting crucial that he learns this.

Austin has developed a bad case of acne and we have tried everything and spent a small fortune to try to help him with this. It has gotten to the point where we turned to a Dermotologist to help. She perscribed him a facial scrub and (ACK!) a pill. She is concerned (as are we) that if we don't find something to help with this, he could have permanent scarring. She feels this could help. However, in order for it to help, he has to be willing to take it. The fear of gagging rears it's ugly head and we end up having a horrible evening like we did tonight.

I have heard about a couple of tricks, like using m&ms or tic-tacs to learn to swallow with. That way there is no fear of a bitter taste. He said right away that they were both too big. I stood there blinking thinking to myself "You have to be kidding, right?". I did say to him "You eat bites of food bigger than either of those. This is all your brain being in control and making you think you can't do t his, and you have to be stronger than it is at this moment. You can do this. I believe in you and I KNOW you can do this!"

He did try - once. He felt the pill in his throat, he gagged hard, and then he hung his head and cried. End of experiment.

*sigh*

I really am heart broken for him, but I'm also frustrated. I don't know what else to do. I hate seeing my son crying in defeat and feeling so bad about himself. And I hate seeing him so gripped by fear. Have any of you ever experienced this with yourself or a loved one? I'd so appreciate any help, tips or tricks that are tried and true for gaggers.

In the meantime, please say a prayer for him that he can somehow overcome this.