Ockham's Razor

Ockham’s razor is a principle of succinctness that proposes that the simplest answer is usually the best. 

Since Errol was born three years ago we’ve been trying to figure out how to ameliorate his reflux, which has recently worsened. Because of his reflux, Errol wheezes constantly, throws up every other meal, drools profusely, and has been waking up throughout the night. We’ve tried all sorts of medicines and recently even considered a surgical procedure to contain Errol’s worsening reflux, but nothing has really worked. Finally, a few weeks ago, in desperation, we took Errol to a gastroenterologist. The doctor asked few question, proffered no solution, and offered  little hope, “It will get worse.” He cautioned. 

Errol worsened, and we became more and more anxious.

We took Errol to see Dr. Christiaanse, his developmental pediatrician. She puzzled over his reflux and asked lots of questions about his diet. She called in a dietician and they worked through a number of scenarios. Finally she asked, “Have you tried goat's milk?”

We hadn’t.

We should, she said.

We did.

It worked. Errol has had a dramatic change. He is strong and healthy, and his wheezing and congestion have all but disappeared.

The answer was simple. It just took a smart person to ask such a basic question.

We are overjoyed. So is Errol. 

Errol goes for his barium swallow study tomorrow. (Looks like he's undertaking his own special swallow study in the picture above.) Wish him well.