Blood test - what else to ask for DS(7)

[Chaiandchocolate]

I am taking DS(7) back to the GP again for excessive tiredness, even when he always gets plenty of sleep and sleeps through the night. The first time 10 months ago the GP was dismissive and said he looks fine to me and flatly refused to consider any tests.

I am so worried and this time I will absolutely insist something is done or I will be filing a complaint. DS(7) has been a seriously fussy eater since 14 months old and has not eaten a vegetable since 18 months, and will rarely eat fruit (perhaps once a week). He has been having pains in his lower legs too for about 6 months which the GP does agree is not growing pains and we are waiting for the physio referral.

I want full blood tests done plus to look at vitamin deficiencies due to his dreadful diet. Iron, Vitamin B group and magnesium seem to be the main ones to check but has anyone been in a similar situation and know if there is anything else to ask for? I know the GP should know what to test for but I want to go into the appointment having proved I am serious and I will not be fobbed off again.

Note: DS won’t take vitamins in any form so this is why I suspect a nutrient deficiency when considering his poor eating. He was under a dietitian for 18 months but she did nothing except lecture him on eating fruit and vege and he just looked at her 🤷‍♀️

Is there a different GP you could ask to see? You are right to insist on tests. He probably has low iron which would make him tired. But if he won't take supplements then you need some help.

@Emsypops I think it will be someone different as I think the previous GP was a locum. I am thinking iron, B12 and perhaps magnesium as that deficiency can cause leg pain from what I’ve read.

I feel like I need to impress upon the GP that eating a poor diet for nearly 6 out of his 7 years is bound to result in nutrient deficiency of some kind - surely they can see this?! (And I’m the absence of taking vitamin supplements).

You are doing the right thing deciding that you are not going to be fobbed off this time. I think you had bad luck with the locum last time and you will probably find you don’t have as much difficulty as you think this time round, in getting the tests ordered. The doctor will know what to test for so don’t get too worried about that. Highlight the problems with diet and not being able to supplement. Also his symptoms, the tiredness and leg pain that is not getting better. The GP will act this time I’m sure.

I’d imagine vitamin D as well (have had similar tests recently myself). Have you tried Spatone apple iron drink sachets? If your son drinks any juice you could mix it in and it’s really not noticeable. My DS 7 was advised to take it for painful legs, along with the spray on magnesium.

Ask for a Coeliac test too. Sometimes this can present with tiredness/anaemia/lack of appetite. Generally just not thriving

Might it be worth considering asking for an X-ray to check for rickets?
Do you have a plan to improve his diet? It's all very well knowing (if) he is deficient in some vitamins but then they would need replacing. Could he have something like ARFID which may explain his limited diet?

@Deceptivelydelicious I haven’t heard of the magnesium spray and Spatone so I will look into these, thanks

@Inmy40 I’ll look into coeliac too, thanks

@ChocHotolate We have tried absolutely everything over his diet - as confirmed by the dietician, Occupational Therapist, and GP - when I gave them a list of everything we do/have done. They have conceded that he is choosing to be fussy rather than it be a sensory issue etc. It has caused such stress over the years and I seriously envy those whose DC are those who do the “offer it 10 times and they’ll taste it, like it and start eating it.” I’ll have a look into rickets too.

It's worth having a think what you are going to do with the results of these tests. I wouldn't be surprised if they do show some abnormalities given what you have said about his diet. He won't take a vitamin? So the GP might prescribe some iron or supplements to correct anything that shows up on his blood test. How do you plan to get him to take them?

@StewardsEnquiry I don’t know what we’ll do if he needs specific treatment but he won’t be the first child who is resistant to medical treatment. He will have to face the consequences of being stubborn and may end up losing privileges etc until he complies or star charts etc.

The dietitian said vitamins not required after age 5 despite his fussiness but this may have been bad advice if tests show he has deficiencies.

I don’t really understand. You know he has a dreadful diet and needs to improve diet or take vitamins.
so why not give him vitamins now, rather than focus on the tests that will confirm this? Do the remove privileges/ star chart stuff now, and perhaps he will get less tired and not need the blood tests?

I'd agree. What do you think having a doctor say "he's deficient in these things" will do if he refuses to eat a healthy diet? I think a doctor would be reluctant to order a blood test (will he even cooperate for one, if he won't eat what you want?) because a parent is saying that their child doesn't eat properly.

When ds had an illness that left him, exhausted and lethargic, he had a blood test and MRI done within a week.

Try the gummy bear supplements. They're quite palatable.

I think the doctor doing tests is a bit pointless here as if they confirm he's deficient he's not going to take the vitamins / diet change anyway...

You say you'll do it with star charts / rewards, why haven't you done that already with him eating and taking vitamins?

If you've been doing it already, what's going to be so different if a GP rubber stamps a deficiency?