My son doesn't eat!!

**lilmama87** · 14-04-2011 19:23

I have a five year old son who goes through extreme phases where he literally just doesn't eat. He complains of stomach pain, nausea, and occasionally has diarrhoea. At some stages he eats as little as a few bites of a sandwhich a day. He is six this year and weighs a tiny 16 kgs.

I've tried the Doctor who has screened for Coleacs (not sure of spelling) and other obvious illnesses. Nothing. At first I thought it wad an attention thing but it's severe sometimes. He will sit staring at his plate of food, even his favourites for an hour or longer and gag if I make him take a bite.

It's frustrating! I feel like yelling! I feel like crying! It's like watching your child have anorexia or something but I can't see why he won't eat. Out of ideas. Help!!

**fullofbeans** · 14-04-2011 20:36

i know how frustrating this is. I have a 15month old who is exactly the same even symptoms. We have been back at the doctors every two weeks for the past 4 months getting his weight monitored and had blood test but show nothing. Did you know that you can get false positive and false negative results for ciliacs and the only real way to be sure is for a biopsy? I know its not what you want to put them through but if it give you an answer.
We are now waiting to get a pediatric specialist appointment at the Austin to help shed some light.
I know what you mean when you want to yell and scream for them to eat. Im worried that they will just think i don't feed him and wait for docs to come knocking on my door!
What do your doctors say, maybe try get them to refer you to a pediatric specialist.

**Happy2be3** · 14-04-2011 22:17

Sounds like severe food aversion.. Ask for a Speech therapist referal. At his age, i would definitely take it further.

**lilmama87** · 13-05-2011 18:05

So I've spent 5 hours in emergency today. My sons been up all night with diarrhoea and stomach cramps and has so far eaten half a lamington today. I left emergency after watching five consecutive people head straight into emergency including some (excuse my language) but 'bogan' who got into a punch up at thur night karoake and wanted to see a doctor in order to press charges. She had not one mark on her and was prancing around like a fairy in emergency. How can she have priority over a five year old writhing in pain on a chair for five hours?? I'm disgusted, angry, and tired. He's withering away before our very eyes and not one person is giving him the time of day.

**Nowhere** · 13-05-2011 18:11

HUGs, sounds like you need to get your DS into a feeding team speech therapist, adn a gastro Dr to get to the bottom of why he wont eat.

Does he drink fairly well?? if he will drink I would also be talking to a dietician about suplementry milk shakes that he can drink to help maintain his growth.

**lilmama87** · 13-05-2011 18:16

I don't understand what a speech therapist can do?

**OurLittleBlessing** · 13-05-2011 18:25

Hi Lilmama,

what a heartbreaking situation. I feel frustrated FOR you. I really hope that you find a doctor who will listen and get to the bottom of things for you.

It is my understanding that a speech therapist can be helpful as they can work on oral aversion issues.

I sincerely wish you the best of luck.

**ComeBackKid** · 13-05-2011 18:31

(hugs)

**the girls mum** · 13-05-2011 18:52

Xxxx

**amy pond** · 13-05-2011 18:57

my son didnt eat for 3 years from the age of 2 too 5 and still has a very limited diet now at 11, for my son it was because he is autistic and its a sensory thing for him, doesnt like the texture, colour, smell of food.

it was so bad that that just before he turned 5 he was admited too hospital too have a drip feed, that was a truely horrible time but he suddenly started eating dry bread and that was a massive achivement i was soo happy too see him start eating.