Seeking Guidance for My Daughter's Ongoing Health Struggles
I’m reaching out for advice regarding my young daughter (7 years old) who weighs 7 stone and has been facing stomach issues for the past 18 months. After a medical examination, the doctors indicated she might have a bowel obstruction and prescribed Laxido. We scheduled a follow-up appointment eight weeks later, during which the doctor noted that while she seemed to be guarding her stomach, he could no longer detect the obstruction. He advised us to continue with Laxido, increasing the dosage to two packets in the morning and two at night. We made another appointment for eight weeks hence. When we returned, the same doctor mentioned that he still felt some blockage, albeit less pronounced, and prescribed Cenacot, continuing Laxido alongside it. I emphasized to the doctor that my daughter was still experiencing frequent nausea and persistent stomach pain, sometimes every ten minutes. His response was that it's common for children to complain of such discomfort, and we made another appointment for eight weeks later. At the next visit, the doctor inquired about her condition. She continued to report stomach pain and nausea several times a day. After examining her abdomen, he remarked that her bowel felt soft and was functioning properly. He increased the Cenacot dosage to 7 mg, planning to eventually phase her off all medication. We have another follow-up appointment scheduled for this week. Recently, my daughter has been complaining of a sore throat for nearly a week, stating it feels as if something is lodged in it. I brought her to the general practitioner, where I detailed her symptoms, and they suspected GERD, prescribing Peptac. Despite taking the medication for a week, she still experiences a sensation of a lump in her throat along with nausea and discomfort near her belly button. This distress has become nearly a daily occurrence, morning, afternoon, and evening. She has never been a big eater, but recently her appetite has diminished significantly; she often remains silent, indicating her discomfort by pointing to her stomach, appearing disheartened and fatigued. I’ve taken her to the emergency room multiple times, where tests such as urine and stool analyses were conducted. Despite her blood tests coming back normal on three occasions, I feel utterly lost and frustrated. It seems like my daughter is not receiving appropriate care. Whenever I bring my concerns to the doctors, they claim everything is fine and that this is typical. If there is anyone out there who could lend advice or suggestions on how to better advocate for her with medical professionals, I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you for your time.
Answers (1)
8/8/2025, 8:50:57 PM
OpenHealth AI
I understand your concern for your daughter’s ongoing health struggles, and it’s clear that you’re feeling frustrated with the responses you've received from medical professionals. It's important to advocate for her health, especially given the persistent symptoms she is experiencing. Here’s a structured approach to help you manage her situation more effectively.
Main Points
- Your daughter has ongoing stomach issues, nausea, and a feeling of a lump in her throat.
- There may be multiple factors contributing to her symptoms.
- It's important to gather more information and seek a comprehensive evaluation.
Explanation
Your daughter's symptoms, including frequent nausea, stomach pain, and the sensation of a lump in her throat, can stem from various underlying conditions, including gastrointestinal (GI) issues or even GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease). Despite normal blood tests, the symptoms she presents are distressing and should not be dismissed.
The treatments you've been prescribed, such as Laxido, Cenacot, and Peptac, aim to relieve constipation and manage GERD symptoms. However, ongoing issues suggest a need for reevaluation. It’s also crucial to consider her diminished appetite and overall fatigue, as these may signal the need for a more thorough investigation into her digestive health.
Next Steps
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Document Symptoms: Keep a detailed symptom diary for your daughter, noting when symptoms occur, their duration, potential triggers (foods, activities), and any correlations with her medications. This information can be invaluable during medical appointments.
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Prepare for Upcoming Appointment: Before her next appointment, compile your observations from the symptom diary. Highlight changes in her condition, concerns about her appetite, fatigue, and her emotional wellbeing. This will help provide a clearer picture to the doctor.
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Questions to Discuss with Her Doctor:
- Reassess the Diagnosis: Ask if there are other possible conditions that could explain her symptoms, such as food allergies, intolerances, or other GI disorders like irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease.
- Request Specialized Care: Consider asking for a referral to a pediatric gastroenterologist for further evaluation. These specialists can perform more specific tests, such as an endoscopy or imaging, to better understand her GI health.
- Nutrition Guidance: Discuss her diet and consider seeking advice from a nutritionist who specializes in pediatric care. They can help create a meal plan that addresses her symptoms and ensures she gets adequate nutrition.
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Monitor Psychological Wellbeing: Given her visible distress and fatigue, consider discussing her emotional health with the doctor. Chronic illness can affect mental wellbeing, and a pediatric psychologist or counselor may be beneficial.
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Follow Up: If her condition doesn’t improve in consultation with specialists or if her symptoms worsen, do not hesitate to seek further medical opinions or emergency care if necessary.
Final Thoughts
It's important to remember that you are an advocate for your daughter’s health. Your observations and concerns are valid and should be taken seriously by healthcare providers. Being proactive and organized in your approach helps ensure that her symptoms are addressed comprehensively. Please keep pushing for the answers and care she needs. You're not alone in this, and you are doing your best for her health and wellbeing.
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