I need help...long.

[greenbean]

This is odd. Why does you DGD say she won't eat? She is 3 so she is probably able to talk about it a little bit and even answer questions about it.

I do agree that there sounds like there is some issue with sensory problems or even autism. Honestly, autism is what first popped into my head.

Will she even taste anything?

Someone is going to kick me for suggesting this but will she take a bottle? The only reason I ask is because when dd1 was VERY sick and throwing up everything she touched for 8 months...the only thing she kept down was breast milk and I know nursing was a comfort to her (this went on until she had surgery to correct the issue she was having).

Also, has she seen a pediatric gastrointologist? I am guessing that since she is at a children's hospital for all of this she probably has but if not, I would get one.

[Screamer]

Originally Posted by greenbean

This is odd. Why does you DGD say she won't eat? She is 3 so she is probably able to talk about it a little bit and even answer questions about it.

I do agree that there sounds like there is some issue with sensory problems or even autism. Honestly, autism is what first popped into my head.

Will she even taste anything?

Someone is going to kick me for suggesting this but will she take a bottle? The only reason I ask is because when dd1 was VERY sick and throwing up everything she touched for 8 months...the only thing she kept down was breast milk and I know nursing was a comfort to her (this went on until she had surgery to correct the issue she was having).

Also, has she seen a pediatric gastrointologist? I am guessing that since she is at a children's hospital for all of this she probably has but if not, I would get one.

Greenbean: Thanks. DGD does not say why she does not eat. When she sees food it is "Noooooo...." and hides her face.

Psych will be in to evaluate her. I'm sure and yes I will tell DS about the suggestions of autism, this will be addressed.

Absolutely no flaming or kicking allowed in this thread... All suggestions here are taken VERY VERY seriously. The bottle issue popped into my head, sometime around Wed or so but I dismissed it. I just figured once done with it, (off bottle at 20 (?) months) it was done. But now you mention it it is well worth putting it on the list. Even her brother is on junoior foods, although he still takes a bottle at 16 months.

Yes, it is pedi everything here. Even a pedi/dentist.

Thank you Greenbean.

The tests performed last night were, of course Normal.

*really big sigh* On to the next agenda.

Mi

[Sun_Luvin]

You've mentioned M&Ms, pancakes with syrup and chocolate. What about things that aren't sweet? something that doesn't have dairy? What about just plain old McDonald's french fries?

(((HUGS))) I know how hard it is to try to help a sick child. I hope you find out what's wrong with her soon.

[Gilded Lily]

This has probably already been tried.... but have you brought her foods that are really aromatic and smell wonderful? Sometimes the smell of foods cooking can really bring on the hunger. I'm sorry you're going through this, Mi. Hopefully, you'll get to the bottom of it soon.

[Caro]

gosh any word yet?

[Sis]

A popsicle?

[tinkerpam]

I don't have any advice or suggestions, but want to give to all of you, and saying a for a speedy diagnosis and cure for your precious DGD.

[Nady]

Something my grand kids could never resist~ Watermelon. Don't offer her any~ just sit down and eat it in front of her~ if she shows interest, let her ask and then give her a little piece~ Maybe if she doesn't feel pressured~ and it's impossible to eat watermelon without it sounding delicious!
~~~N

[Nady]

Just another thought~ maybe her sense of smell is off~ had that happen to me several years ago~ nothing tasted right~ for me, magnesium supplements fixed it and I haven't had a problem since~ I don't know how you could test for that though~ maybe a child so young wouldn't understand what you were talking about~
~~~N

[Tylar_Connar]

ANy news yet??

[auntiem59]

Any news, Mi?

[greenbean]

I just stopped in to check and see how your DGD is doing. I would bet her parents are just exhausted. I am so sorry- there are few things that are as horrible as when your baby isn't doing well.

[Screamer]

Hi everyone. She is having more tests as we speak. Time is getting critical.

Food is constantly in her room. M&M's Coke, cookies, mashed sweetpotato, it is eaten in front of her and we'll casually trun to her and ask 'Want some?'

Mom and Dad are exhausted. Neither want to leave her alone. I'm thinking she needs someone else to be in the room with her for a while and then compare notes as far as with Mom and Dad and without Mom and Dad.

Geeze I'm running out of thoughts and ideas. I just want to find that magic pill.

Mi

[ellagurl]

Sounds like it could be Anorexia. It is possible that a child so young could have it. Does it run in your family that you know of?

My niece was treated for Anorexia and anxiety at the age of 4.

[walkingwoman]

and for this sweet child.

[greenbean]

I am re-living the days that my dd had issues just thinking about this-

How does DGD respond when you ask her if she would like her favorite food?

Has anyone explained to her that she will get very sick if she does not eat?


Will she even let you put it to her lips?

What about some food she can "play" with? Counting goldfish crackers...making them swim...making a necklace of cheerios. Building a house with saltines and peanut butter. Something that makes food not so scary to be around. Yarn and cheerios make very cool bracelets and maybe hang one from Dad's ears. Anything to take the edge off.

One more thing- you say time is critical but she is in the hospital and if the doctor has her on an IV they are feeding her. Of course it is better that she process food and eliminate it on her own but don't start the panic just yet.

I have to disagree with you on letting the parents leave (to compare notes and such). I am 100% positive that one of her parents needs to be with her all of the time right now.

[Purple Sage]

Mimi:

I don't really have any suggestions but I do know that they won't let her starve herself to death. They can insert a feeding tube adn while that is a less than optimal solution it can be done until this thing is figured out. It may be just one of those stupid power struggle things kids do and if allowed to run it course may be better with time....and they do have time with teh option of IVs and feeding tubes.

[Screamer]

Thank you once again, everyone.

She is having tests as we speak.

I know my son-in-law went with out food for 30 days while in the hosp. He didn't waste away.

DGD is in the good hands of the Drs. and two parents who love her. Along with Grammas and Great-Grammas, of course.

Thank you for brain storming. Something will give here. Then we can get back to normalcy. All of your answers, suggestions, prayers, comments and well wishes are so very deeply appreciated. You have really helped ease my week.



Mi

[dmk825]

Praying they get it figured out Mimi - so tough to go through anything being wrong like this. &

[12baloozr]

Are they testing for allergies? They manifest in strange ways. Maybe different things would be tempting to a sick 3 year old instead of M&Ms etc.? At that age, her body/natural instincts might respond to whole foods and fruits.

My guess is that the refusal to eat is the symptom that something is wrong, not the actual problem.

[Sun_Luvin]

Originally Posted by Screamer

snip
Food is constantly in her room. M&M's Coke, cookies, mashed sweetpotato, it is eaten in front of her and we'll casually trun to her and ask 'Want some?'

snip
Mi

I'm sorry, I don't mean to harp, but again, everything you mentioned here was sweet foods. Is she being offered plain foods? Crackers, french fries, chips?

[krysti]

Hmmm, you've gotten a lot of great suggestions, but I'm starting to think that this a control issue for your grandaughter.

Kids have so little control over their environment and tend to assert control through things like toilet training and food issues. My suggestion would be to start looking towards a psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist and dietitian for answers.

Good luck!

[CurveControl]

I have no suggestions, It sounds like you are all doing what you can, But and for all of you!

[Screamer]

Originally Posted by krysti

Hmmm, you've gotten a lot of great suggestions, but I'm starting to think that this a control issue for your grandaughter.

Kids have so little control over their environment and tend to assert control through things like toilet training and food issues. My suggestion would be to start looking towards a psychologist, social worker, occupational therapist and dietitian for answers.

Good luck!

This is what the Drs are trying to work with now. All tests are negetive or normal. Next train of thought is 'Food Therapy'. With and without Mom and Dad around.

They will try for three days and then a more serious venue.

It's hard to believe a 3 yo can play such a strong game of maipulation. We shall watch and see.

All prayers greatly appreciated. Thank you all again.

Mi

[emmie]

No additional suggestions, but I know how scary this must be so I hope you find some answers soon. Sounds like you are doing all of the right things.

[BetsyAnn]

Originally Posted by averyjenn

Bless her little heart. The thing that struck me was her being one way and then snapping into another state. Mind you I know nothing but the first thing that popped into my head was autism. I really hesitate to say even that since I seriously doubt that's it but it's the first thing that popped into my head and thought I'd just mention it anyway since you asked us to!

Please let us know what's going on with her.

I thought the same thing when I first read about the withdrawing and eye covering but also hesitated to mention it.

hoping they find something soon!

[heidihoopi]

Has anyone explained to her that she will get very sick if she does not eat?

?

[greenbean]

Originally Posted by heidihoopi

?

Heidihoopi- i was just throwing it out there as a possibility of getting her DGD to have a reason to eat.

My dd quit eating because she knew she would throw up. Throwing up meant taking off her clothes and a bath and then getting dressed and after 4-5 times a day she was really tired of that routine. We went through the whole realm of diagnosis. Reasons such as it is a virus, to a behavioral problem, and then she was manipulating us. While exploring the issue of dd having behavioral issues and manipulating us, we were instructed to give her "pep" talks that included explaining to a 2yo why it is important for her to eat and not get sick. In some ways I think that did help her realize that we weren't giving her five baths a day because we were mean and she was bad (she felt like getting sick made her naughty). Explaining to her helped her understand that it was not her fault.

I finally gave up on her primary pediatrician for a pediatric gastrointologist. The specialist knew within 15mins of our initial visit what was wrong and he had he in testing to confirm and in surgery within a week. Thank goodness that has passed.

I apologize, I didn't mean to hi-jack this thread. I just wanted to explain to Heidihoopi the reason for my question.

[Nady]

Originally Posted by Screamer

It's hard to believe a 3 yo can play such a strong game of maipulation. We shall watch and see.

Just try and potty train a child that is thinking *I don't want to and you can't make me*

If this is a control issue, it started a long time ago with the parents showing concern with her food intake~ children this age are taught what pushes their parents buttons~ by the parents. If she always was a picky eater, is very lean, has been prodded to eat more several times a week, you better believe she might use this to gain control. And now, it's past a power struggle if she's producing ketones~ she honestly isn't hungry anymore~

I hope they find the answer~ because if this is some kind of hunger strike, her parents have a hellish road ahead of them if they don't nip this in the bud~
~~~N

[greenbean]

Stopping in to check in for some good news!