Concerns About Ongoing Stomach Pain in My 13-Year-Old Daughter
For over six years, my daughter has been suffering from persistent abdominal pain, and I find myself at a loss for where to turn next. We’ve consulted numerous medical professionals, including pediatric gastroenterologists, psychologists, and hypnotherapists. We have pursued dietary interventions such as the FODMAP elimination diet and sought help from a registered dietitian. Despite extensive testing, including blood tests and stool analyses, there has been no definitive explanation for her discomfort. The recurring feedback from healthcare providers suggests that her symptoms may be linked to anxiety, and they commend her healthy eating habits. Yet, concerningly, my daughter currently weighs over 85 kilograms and stands 170 centimeters tall. As a point of reference, she was born weighing only 5 kilograms at 38 weeks. In contrast, her older siblings maintain a similar diet but exhibit much leaner physiques (a 22-year-old brother weighs 71 kg and is 189 cm tall, while her 19-year-old sister is 55 kg and 165 cm). I strongly believe that there’s an underlying issue requiring investigation, but I’ve been unable to convince any specialists to consider further diagnostic procedures like scopes or imaging. The disparity in my daughter's weight compared to her siblings is particularly troubling, especially since the continuous pain leads me to suspect that she may be experiencing digestive difficulties. While we have some family members who are naturally larger, this has been a factor in my thoughts regarding her size. Additionally, I want to highlight that we remain sensitive to the topic of food relationships, especially as one of my older children is currently in recovery from anorexia.
Answers (1)
3/29/2025, 6:50:41 AM
OpenHealth AI
I understand how frustrating and concerning it can be to deal with your daughter's ongoing abdominal pain, especially after seeking help from various healthcare providers. It sounds like you've been diligent in exploring different avenues for support. Given the long duration of her symptoms and the absence of a concrete diagnosis, it’s important to focus on a few key areas moving forward.
Main Points:
- Persistent abdominal pain may have multiple causes, including possible anxiety or functional gastrointestinal disorders.
- The disparity in her weight compared to siblings is concerning and warrants ongoing monitoring.
Explanation:
Chronic abdominal pain can arise from physical issues, psychological stress, or both. Diagnoses such as Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or functional gastrointestinal disorders can be common in children and teens, and they may not always show up on standard tests. Anxiety can significantly influence gut health, leading to symptoms like pain and bloating. Additionally, the fact that you are sensitive to her relationship with food is commendable, especially considering your family’s experiences with eating disorders.
Next Steps:
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Keep a Detailed Symptom Diary: Have her and you track her symptoms, noting when they occur, their intensity, potential triggers (foods, stressors, etc.), and any accompanying symptoms. This information can be invaluable for healthcare providers to understand her condition better.
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Evaluate Dietary Triggers Again: Although you've consulted with a dietitian and tried elimination diets, revisiting the dietary approach might be beneficial. Consider a comprehensive food diary that includes everything she eats and drinks, as well as symptoms following certain meals. You could look into other dietary interventions like gluten-free or low histamine diets under professional guidance.
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Emphasize Mental Health Support: Since previous providers noted a potential link to anxiety, it might be helpful to work with a psychologist or therapist who specializes in children and adolescents to explore stress management techniques or cognitive behavioral therapy, which can positively impact both mental well-being and gastrointestinal symptoms.
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Regular Monitoring of Growth and Health: Schedule regular check-ups to monitor her physical health, including weight and growth patterns. Weighing her progress and discussing it openly can help address any concerns around her size in a supportive manner.
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Consider Seeking a Second Opinion: If you continue feeling unheard, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion. Look for a pediatric gastroenterologist who values a thorough approach to functional gastrointestinal disorders, or consider a specialized center that focuses on chronic abdominal pain in children.
I recommend keeping an open line of communication with your daughter about her symptoms and feelings. This approach will be crucial in managing her pain and supporting her overall health. Please feel free to reach out if you have more questions or need support as you navigate this process.
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