Nearly 2yo not eating after illness, gone on for weeks.

[Crumpledandcreased]

DS is 23months and has had a nasty virus that has hung on for weeks. He hasn't been eating properly since mid Nov but for the past couple of weeks he's only eaten a couple of bites of toast or spoons of cereal each day. He seems like he wants something and asks for different foods but only takes one bite, if any. He's really lethargic and often cries but the GP can't give us any answers and has referred us to a in 3 weeks, no-one seems overly concerned as he is still drinking plenty, but I'm worried that it's too long to wait as DS is losing weight and has dropped from the 25th to the 2nd centile for weight.

I really am starting to panic now. Every day I think he must be about to start eating, but he hasn't. I don't know what to do now.

I can't offer any first-hand advice and really think you need the professional help to get him eating again, poor little chap, but three weeks is a long time to wait. I'd go back to my GP and shout a bit louder (I got a Consultant appointment sooner by doing this) or ask to see a different GP for a second opinion on urgency. Also speak to your Health Visitor in addition to your GP for advice on tempting him to eat. There are special 'build up' type drinks for children who are poor eaters - you could try these (I've seen them in Boots by the kids snacks/baby food area). Most kids like ice-cream, angel delight, cake and biscuits - have you tried these? Not a balanced diet but better than nothing under the circumstances. Hope he turns a corner soon

Build up drinks might work, he's still drinking milk. He's been a little brighter today and tried eating a few more times but still nothing substantial. He even discarded a chocolate biscuit after one bite, which is unheard of.

I'm glad to hear that I'm not just being a hysterical mother, which I felt like a few times when I saw my go about this.

it is a big worry when LOs won't eat esp if they are listless and not appearing to thrive. Def reasonable for you to be concerned and proactive in trying to get help, a tiny tot loosing weight must surely be a cause for concern for GP and HV? Great he is having milk so hope the build up drinks help a bit. You've probably tried, but straws and nice cups can help with drinking if he's a bit disinterested. Hope he feels better soon, poor little chap x

Random, anecdotal observation, but my DD2 once had a horrendous bout of D and V that lasted over a week and involved several trips to out of hours and home visits by the doctor. She rapidly went from chubby to worryingly fragile and was completely uninterested in food.

What rapidly turned the corner for DD was a bunch of sweet juicy grapes. One minute she was like a wet rag, the next she was on the way back to her old self.

I hope you get this sorted soon OP, it's so worrying when they won't eat.

Got the appointment with the patrician moved forward after a trip to the walk in centre. He's eating less and less.

Great and good luck x

Have you tried ice lollies? DS was like this for a couple of weeks after a bug & I was despairing & had limited options as, by the end of the second week, we were abroad and he didn't like the milk. I gave him a calippo... And then another callipo half an hour later as I was so excited he'd eaten something and was genuinely concerned about dehydration. I don't know if it was the sugar boost or the numbing effect on his mouth but then he had a bit of very soft, white bread a few minutes later & slowly got back on track.
I'm glad you've got the appt brought forward. It must be really worrying.

Do try Minadex Tonic - the only thing that ever helped Dd regain her appetite and health after being ill as a little'un