Anyone know what these symptoms might indicate?

[SnowSnows]

Have been referred to paediatrics, but likely a few months before we see a consultant.

DD is 10. She has been having headaches (not daily, but probably 2-3 times a week) and tummy pains (centred around belly button) for well over a year now. In the past 3 months, these have got worse, and we now have intermittent diarrhea added to the mix, with occassional nausea (which although isn’t regular, when it strikes it’s very unpleasant, with DD generally over the toilet for an hour or so, but not actually sick). I’m not sure if it’s related, but also now have bottom pain occuring, for the last 5-6 weeks. GP thinks it’s sacral-illiac joint related - but this could be something completely separate, but GP adding to the paeds referral given every else thats going on.

DD has had a blood test for coeliac (normal result) and a full blood test (also normal). Also a stool sample which is negative for infection.

Given that its likely to be a good 2-3 months before we get an appointment through, does anyone have any idea as to what the cause could be as I am googling which is never a good idea!!

I was going to say abdominal migraines for the tummy issues. The headaches might be coincidental.
Has she had an eye test?
DN suffered abdominal migraines for years but did grow out of them.

First thought was coeliac. My sons test came negative. We did elimination diet. I wouldn’t let them do camera down the throat. Then they did the genetics testing and it came back that he did in fact have coeliac disease. Do the elimination diet and see how that helps. You’ve nothing to lose.

I thought abdominal migraines too.
ds had them but he seems to have outgrown them now. Sumatriptan worked well for him

Period pain or constipation or uti

Ask for a morning cortisol blood test to rule out Addisons disease / adrenal insufficiency. It’s rare but the symptoms can be those you mention and it’s easily excluded via a blood test- they won’t have done this as standard.

Lactose intolerance?

My ds has similar symptoms, right down to pain at belly button. But no headache.
Doc suggested trying dairy free diet for 10, and it looks to be the cause as no more urgent toilet problems, nausea, had only one belly ache all week. But not happy about half the fridge being out of reach.
I thought ibd or gluten issue but seems I am wrong.

Not an expert at all but could it be anxiety? I'm only asking because my DD10 has very similar and we also had tests for crowns etc. however when the doctor had a conversation with my DD it all came out she was being bullied in school and outside over the phone. She was a mess and had missed a lot of school. It has been sorted and since no issues, she does take headaches but she needed stronger glasses and it has worked. I hope your daughter is okay. Xxx

I know this sounds weird but I had period pains aged 10, for exactly one year before my first period started! I would faint because of the pain. Could this be happening to your daughter

Thanks everyone, some very useful suggestions. We do have a history of migraines in the family, although calpol generally resolves the headaches and they aren’t in the same ‘place’ all the time. No visual disturbances or aura. She has had her eyes tested about 6 months ago.

I do wonder whether its an intolerance to something. Hadn’t considered dairy and she does have a fair amount. Very interesting about the poster who had the negative blood test for coeliac, but still had it. Although I had made sure that DD was ‘loaded’ with gluten before the blood test.

Period pains - hadn’t thought of that! She hasn’t started her periods yet, but she is definitely developing. Although the pain is higher up (belly button) than I recall period pain being, but definitely a possibility.

I guess I should probably not change her diet until I’ve seen the paediatrician, otherwise if the symptoms does improve, it may be more difficult to ‘formally’ diagnose?

Anxiety is an interesting one too. I think she is ok at school, bit there have been friendship issues this year. Although these symptoms started before the friendship issues. But you don’t always know whats going on. I do monitor her ipad, so can see messages etc and no indication of bullying, but I will keep this in mind - thank you.

I would start the change in diet immediately and then can let the consultant know your findings and resolve matters quicker. If they think it isn’t that, it won’t make a difference to what they do so there is no loss. Sadly nowadays you have do things for yourself to a point.