lots of little things

[byegonera]

My DD has just turned three. She has always been little but last week she was measured and weighed by the nurse and has dropped off the bottom of the centiles on the growth charts.
This by itself wouldn't worry me hugely but for the past few weeks DH and have had a few discussions around some other things that we have recently noticed. She looks incredibly pale and has dark circles under her eyes and although for the most part seems happy in herself we have also noticed that she is tired all the time and from lunchtime onwards can look exhausted even if she has had a nap. Also she had been complaining of stomach ache and being sick, although not every day. She also has quite a few bruises but then I bruise easily so that is probably nothing. She has eczema that we can't quite get on top of and has recently been diagnosed with asthma but I can't help but think we are missing something.
When I mentioned this to the nurse she just shrugged and said to bring her back in six months to see if she has grown but didn't seem concerned as her language and other development is all ahead of where she would expect.
I don't want to be that parent but do you think I should take her to the drs ? There isn't anything I can pin point just a general feeling of somethings not quite right I guess.

[minipie]

I think it might be worth asking for blood tests to check for iron and vitamin D. Doing blood tests on a 3 yo is not fun though so GP may be reluctant.

[ktmummy1]

Could she need glasses? My dd used to get dark circles and tire easily. We found out she needed glasses , it's made a world of difference to her being more awake. Wouldn't account for other symptoms I know, but worth a trip to optician

[ktmummy1]

PS.,.I think I'd take her to GP just to run through your concerns, I'm sure you'll feel reassured by it. No point you worrying at home.

[byegonera]

Thanks minipie and kt.
I think I'll make an appointment with the GP and will see about seeing an optician. I think she would hate getting blood taken given how her last vaccination was received but will see what the dr says and I hadn't even considered that she may need glasses.
I'm sure it's nothing but you're right to say that if I don't take her I'd just worry in any case.

[handmademitlove]

Coeliac disease can present in this way. Have a look at the Coeliac society website for details. Screening is a simple blood test which your go could arrange.

[FoggyMorn]

I second handmade's suggestion of possible Ceoliac with that list of signs and symptoms.

[IwillrunIwillfly]

I think the weight drop alone would be enough to see the gp. Along with the other symptoms it might be good to ask about a referral to a paediatrician to see her? Blood tests on kids can sound scary but if the person taking them knows what they're doing it won't be nearly as bad as you think! And you can always ask them for magic (numbing) cream!

[byegonera]

Have made an appointment at the GP and will also mention coeliac disease as after reading a little about it quite a few things are ringing a bell.
Thanks again for all of your input.

[WalrusGumboot]

They numbed my 3 year old for a blood test at the hospital while he played a game with one of the nurses. He never even noticed. Good luck.

[whatsleep]

A doctor would never be reluctant to do a blood test due to a child's age! They are never carried out on a whim but when they suspect a diagnosis and need to confirm it or rule it out. In general GPs will refer you to a children's clinic where specially trained phlebotomists and play specialists work with the child to reduce the anxiety as much as possible. They also use a numbing cream or spray to stop it being painful. I hope you get some answers