What Are the Chances of Hospitalization? UK Perspective
I am a 14-year-old girl, standing at 161 cm tall and weighing 40 kg. I reside in the UK and have been diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (PoTS) and Myalgic Encephalomyelitis/Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS). For the past three months, I have been battling disordered eating and have recently been referred to Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS). These past two weeks have seen a significant deterioration in my condition. Currently, my daily caloric intake is around 500 calories, which I've maintained for the last 14 days. As a result, I am experiencing extreme physical weakness, excessive fatigue beyond my usual tiredness, persistent dizziness, and a feeling of nausea. Additionally, I often feel extremely cold, suffer from heart palpitations, chest discomfort, and struggle with serious brain fog. Moreover, an additional concern is that I experienced a single menstrual period three months ago and have not had another since. I appreciate any feedback or insight you could provide on my situation. Thank you.
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 3:40:48 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your current challenges with PoTS, ME/CFS, and disordered eating. Your symptoms indicate a need for immediate support, especially since you've experienced a significant drop in caloric intake and worsening health. I will outline some key points regarding your situation and provide actionable steps to help you navigate it.
Key Points:
- Health Risks: Consuming around 500 calories a day is significantly below the necessary intake for someone your age and size, leading to serious health risks such as malnutrition and exacerbation of your existing conditions (PoTS and ME/CFS).
- Menstrual Irregularities: Not having a menstrual period can indicate hormonal imbalance, which may be related to low body weight and nutritional deficiencies.
- Symptom Deterioration: Your symptoms—extreme fatigue, dizziness, and nausea—worsening over the past two weeks is concerning and suggests that urgent action is needed.
Next Steps:
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Increase Caloric Intake Gradually: Aim to gradually increase your caloric intake to at least 1,200-1,500 calories per day, focusing on small, nutrient-dense meals. Consider adding soft foods that may be easier to tolerate, like smoothies or soups, to make eating more manageable.
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Stay Hydrated: Proper hydration is crucial, especially with PoTS. Drink plenty of fluids, ideally with electrolytes (like sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions), to help manage symptoms.
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Monitor Symptoms Closely: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they worsen or improve. This record will be useful for your healthcare providers, including CAMHS, to tailor your treatment effectively.
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Utilize Support Services: Engage actively with the support offered by CAMHS. Make sure to discuss your eating patterns and any concerns about your physical health, as they can coordinate care with other healthcare professionals.
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Connect with Trusted Adults: Talk to someone you trust about how you are feeling, such as a parent, guardian, or friend. It’s important to have emotional support during this time to help you address both mental and physical challenges.
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Focus on Mental Well-being: Incorporate gentle activities such as mindfulness or yoga, as tolerated, to help manage stress and improve your overall mood.
Encouragement:
It's important to recognize that your health struggles are serious and deserve attention. By taking these steps and reaching out for support, you're moving towards a healthier future. Remember that progress may be slow, but every small step is significant. If your symptoms continue to worsen or you feel critically unwell, seeking emergency medical attention would be crucial. Please take care of yourself, and know you are not alone in this journey.
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