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Unexplained child health issues. Can you help

37 replies

sadscotmama · 21/12/2024 10:22

Hi. I’m a newbie. My DD 8 has had severe headaches and stomach pain every single day for months. . She isn’t attending school and i don’t know what to do.

AIBU to ask for advice here online to ask what you think the cause might be, maybe a parent has gone through the same with their child. Then I could go back to my doctor and say it could be XYZ.

They don’t seem to be investigating and calpol and ibroprofne aren’t helping with the pain.

She is nearly 9, was a happy very energetic active child. Now she spend her whole day in the sofa or bed, on the IPad or tv. She has headaches several times a day which vary in intensity. Last nights he cried jerked to sleep and finally does off around 1am.

Shw also has stomach pains and is very lethargic and has low energy.

Paediatrics told me to put her on a wheat and dairy free diet as she was intolerant as a baby but outgrew it.

Its not helped. I’ve also cut out migraine causing foods like chocolate etc. All bloods and her stool sample came back clear.

She is just deteriorating and DH and I are confused as some hours she seems like her old self then all of a sudden she looks and feels ill.

Has anyone gone through this with their child?

She always says she feels dizzy and has no energy.

OP posts:
Flowersonthetv · 21/12/2024 12:22

Forgot to say I paid for some private blood tests recently as I got really fed up of my IBS / sickness. I got a wellness blood test and an allergy food test (needs to be IGE and blood….ignore any hair or IGG tests).

It screened for 20 plus allergies and testing b12 / iron etc. it’s was around £200 for both. You have to lance your finger at home and drop blood into a vial. It’s not pleasant but gave me some answers by GP couldn’t. Two food allergy’s and boarderline b12 / low vit D.

sadscotmama · 21/12/2024 11:59

Thanks everyone for taking time out to reply. I'm not sure how to respond individually.

After the suggestions, I'm going to cut sugar out from today.

Also re chronic migraines, her dad did have them growing up but had triggers. I can't see any sort of pattern to DD head and stomach pain.

I think next step is to ask for an ultrasound scan of her abdomen. She is worse after going to the toilet before bed and her headaches get
Worse around this time too. During the day it's medium pain I would say but at night it's stopping her from sleeping.

I do occasionally give b-/ drops, irons came back okay.

Celiac was tested when she had gluten in her diet and omitting it has made zero difference.

It's awful that the only thing she finds joy in now is drawing and now she has started drawing about being ill and medicine not working.

OP posts:
Apileofballyhoo · 21/12/2024 11:11

Was it just standard blood test for coeliac disease? As there is a possibility of a false negative some people don't produce the antibody they test for, so that needs to be checked too.

mumoftwo1981 · 21/12/2024 11:09

Have you had her b12 levels checked? Look at symptoms of low b12 in children, I believe headaches, stomach aches and low energy are all on there xx

Onlycoffee · 21/12/2024 10:56

Could it be chronic migraine?
There are a range of different triggers, not just foods, especially in chronic migraine.

Stress, lights, noise/sounds, lack of sleep, certain websites, dehydration, even eating half an hour later than usual can be a trigger.

Look up "chronic migraine triggers reddit" to see people's range of experiences that you won't find on the NHS website.

whyonearthinallofthis · 21/12/2024 10:54

Sorry this is happening. I would be pushing and pushing for more and more tests

Could it be anxiety/stress/bullying at school when they were going?

Have eyes been tested?

Could you get a pair of those blue light reflection glasses to wear during screen time?

Dyslexia can cause stomach and head issues

What about excercise ?

Too much/too little sugar ?

Vitamin d

Would those sleep patches for kids (usually for those with adhd) but anyone can use them, might be worth a try

Try changing your child's bedroom around and new pjs to get a fresh start

Lavender spray on pillow and temple and around the house

Dim
lights gradually in the house before bedtime

Rub on oils for temples and wrists

Flowersonthetv · 21/12/2024 10:50

My DD had something similar but was younger. We had bloods done to check for iron /coeliac / liver panel / full blood count etc.

Then a referral to have an ultrasound of abdo - full digestive system and kidneys / bladder review. If you have had basic bloods done I would push for this to the next step.

After that as other PP said autoimmune markers blood test would be my suggestion.

I would also look up the NiCE guidelines for stomach pains in children, this is what the doctors should be using so if they aren’t following that, mention it at your next appointment. I.e have we ruled out x,y,z following the NICE guidelines. Could help you feel more in control

Unexplained child health issues. Can you help
sadscotmama · 21/12/2024 10:50

She tested negative to celiac and excluding gluten and wheat has made no difference.

I want her to have a CT or ultrasound scan because I’ve noticed when she is going to the bathroom before bed, she is in pain and that’s when her headaches are worse. I called Spire but they said to call back on Monday now.

Ive pushed for an MRI and it’s not available in Scotland privately.

re

OP posts:
GrannyAchingsShepherdsHut · 21/12/2024 10:47

I was going to suggest stomach migraines but it sounds like maybe that's been eliminated? Have they tried medication for migraines to see if it helps - triptans I think?

Have they done blood tests for coeliac?

Have you kept a food diary? Years ago I did a low fodmap diet to try to find triggers for my Colitis, it's really restrictive for about 6 weeks and then you systematically introduce types of food. Might be worth a try?

MumChp · 21/12/2024 10:41

You have to insist on an examinations and areferral to a pediatric ward with your doctor. Have the doctors considered celiac disease?

Nichebitch · 21/12/2024 10:38

Hi, sorry you’re going through this. I’m not a doctor but I’ve been through loads of tests myself. Is she anemic? I would be pushing for an autoimmune panel, to check for autoimmune disorders, which are notoriously difficult to diagnose. Celiac was my first thought although you say you’ve tried gluten free. But if you’ve ruled out other things and what the things you said I would try autoimmune - check a list of them through a reputable source like the NHS website and go through symptoms, to have something to discuss for your gp. Do you have resources to get private testing?