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Teenagers

Parenting teenagers has its ups and downs. Get advice from Mumsnetters here.

Original poster

14 year old DS not eating

34 replies

TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 31/12/2021 15:14

He had a stomach bug, now he's anxious about the amount of school he's missed, plus his stomach's shrunk. He passed out and fell going up his bunk bed ladder the other day, he had 2 Nutella B Ready bars yesterday. 314 calories. He says wait until the exams are over but he needs the energy to get to school. I'm struggling.

OP posts:
LucyLovesCheese · 31/12/2021 15:22

Hi, you need to get your son assessed by a doctor ASAP the amount of calories he is eating is at a dangerous level. How long has he not been eating?

Hellocatshome · 31/12/2021 15:26

Is he still drinking? Can you get some milkshakes into him, protein shakes if possible but make them up with milk not water as my 14 year old DS says they taste manky when made with water.

Rivermonsters · 31/12/2021 18:22

He needs to eat ASAP. I suffered through eating issues during high school, it ruined my GCSEs.

Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 31/12/2021 21:44

I'll buy some protein shakes. He's had 1 and a bit B Ready bars and a multivitamin today. My only option for getting a doctor to assess him would be to call an ambulance as we have no car and he's too weak to walk. He's never been a big drinker, his 550ml water bottle was empty just now. I'm scared and it's taking over my life.

OP posts:
healthylifestylee · 31/12/2021 22:06

Is he not hungry or actively not eating?
Just both very separate issues to be handled in different ways

Starlightstarbright1 · 31/12/2021 22:09

If he is too weak to walk. He needs seeing urgently.

healthylifestylee · 31/12/2021 22:11

@Starlightstarbright1

If he is too weak to walk. He needs seeing urgently.
Yes sorry I think I completely missed this part! If you don't have means of transport then ambulance for hospital admission
Rivermonsters · 31/12/2021 23:12

If he’s too weak to walk you need medical assistance urgently. I wouldn’t personally recommend nutritional/protein drinks instead of eating proper food, IMO it’s just a crutch

Innocenta · 31/12/2021 23:16

You should call an ambulance.

Lougle · 31/12/2021 23:17

You need to get him seen urgently. Call 111 and they'll tell you what to do. If necessary, they will send an ambulance.

If he'll drink, make up a pint of squash and add a pinch of sugar and a pinch of salt. Even better if you have some flat lemonade (add a bit of water to make it go flat).

He needs urgent help. How long has he eaten less than 500 calories per day? If more than 2 he needs A&E.

isittimetogotobed · 31/12/2021 23:17

I think you need to call 111 and get some proper medical advice, how long has he been eating that little for? Is it a few days or longer?
I would try to get him to eat a little bit of something, even just some toast or a yogurt and get some proper advice

Lougle · 31/12/2021 23:19

My DD was admitted to hospital straight away when I took her to A&E. She had restricted for a long time but not to the level you're describing.

Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 01/01/2022 11:44

@healthylifestylee

Is he not hungry or actively not eating? Just both very separate issues to be handled in different ways
Both. He's not eating because he had 2 stomach bugs and then anxiety that made him throw up, and now his stomach's shrunk, so he can only eat a tiny amount of food. We're gradually trying to build up the amount every day, which isn't working, but I am making him eat every day.
OP posts:
Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 01/01/2022 11:46

@isittimetogotobed

I think you need to call 111 and get some proper medical advice, how long has he been eating that little for? Is it a few days or longer? I would try to get him to eat a little bit of something, even just some toast or a yogurt and get some proper advice
Over a month. He is eating a little bit of something every day.
OP posts:
Innocenta · 01/01/2022 12:13

@TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons But you've said he can't stand or walk. Is that still the case? Has he been reviewed by a doctor or 111? Is he going to the loo?

Innocenta · 01/01/2022 12:14

He needs to be seen by a healthcare professional. He likely needs to be on a drip.

Hellocatshome · 01/01/2022 12:18

If he cant walk/stand through malnutrition you need to get him to an A&E. What does he do all day? Just sit/lie down? Is he passing urine?

Juniper74 · 01/01/2022 13:08

Please take him to A&E. Ambulance if necessary if he can’t get in a taxi or friends car.
If it’s been over a month on so few calories it really can’t wait.

Lougle · 01/01/2022 13:15

If he's been starving (and less than 500 calories is starvation) for a long time, then suddenly increasing food without medical monitoring can be dangerous. DD1 wasn't reduced to anything like those levels, but daily blood tests showed that her electrolytes were out of range once she started the refeeding plan and she needed supplements to restore.

Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 01/01/2022 18:09

We're waiting for the ambulance. The doctor who called us back from 111 thinks it might be possible to treat him at home.

OP posts:
Starlightstarbright1 · 01/01/2022 18:50

Glad he is been seen.

Lougle · 01/01/2022 19:34

That's great @TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons. As long as you get him seen, they can sort him. I hope you get some advice soon.

Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 01/01/2022 21:31

I don't expect the ambulance tonight. They're very busy and he's nowhere near death's door, so he'll be near the end of the queue. I'm just trying to get on with my evening now.

OP posts:
Original poster
TheLovelinessOfBaublyDemons · 02/01/2022 00:05

They did come, we're now waiting for a taxi ordered by them as they said A&E wouldn't be the most useful place for him. He's going to have some blood tests.

OP posts:
GrazingSheep · 02/01/2022 00:10

How is he?